Ctrip co-founder and chairman James Liang discussed the U.S. travel market at Davos on January 24, 2018. Ctrip's headquarters is in Shanghai. CtripSkift Take: Ctrip isn't pursuing U.S. travelers aggressively yet, but it will. The Trip.com deal was small, but might be seen as an early indicator. — Sarah EnelowCtrip co-founder and chairman James Liang said the Shanghai-based online travel agency isn’t focusing on U.S. travelers yet, but he implied it’s forthcoming.

James McBride, the CEO of Nihi Hotels, thinks the new luxury can be rough around the edges, and shouldn't be intrusive. Nihi Sumba IslandSkift Take: It takes old-school hospitality expertise and new-school marketing hustle to create a cult property from scratch. Nihi Sumba Island seems to be the culmination of both, plus it has the right capital and vision.

A man pairs his Apple Watch Series 3 at an Apple Store in New York City. Wearables and smart speakers are driving forward a revolution in voice search technology. AppleSkift Take: Voice will change the current travel marketing funnel much faster than we think. Savvy marketers and technologists should begin thinking about ways to make an impact on this burgeoning channel.

United is testing a new program that will give some customers detailed information about why their flight is delayed. Customers can receive the information via text, email, or through the airline's mobile app. United AirlinesSkift Take: Airline passengers don't like being late. But what they probably dislike more is being late and not knowing why. Over the next few weeks, United will give some customers detailed information about the reason for delays.

European and U.S. airlines have made some significant cuts to product but they continue to invest in lounges. Pictured is the fruit buffet at a United Airlines club. Dion Hinchcliffe / FlickrSkift Take: Airline lounges are rarely as opulent as the promotional pictures suggest. Yet passengers seem to love them. Why? Will they persist forever? — Brian SumersThe Skift Airline Innovation Report is our weekly newsletter focused on the business of airline innovation.

Richard Maranville, executive vice president and chief digital officer at event and brand experience company Freeman. Digital tools are helping meeting planners out, but also making things more complex. FreemanSkift Take: Emerging technologies like facial recognition are still far off from hitting the mainstream of event technology. But for now, there are a variety of options that can help meeting planners become more efficient and improve the quality of their events.

A Southwest Airlines customer checks a bag in Los Angeles. Southwest is the only larger U.S. airline that allows passengers to check two bags for free. Southwest AirlinesSkift Take: In the past decade, airlines have successfully convinced flyers to pay for everything from seat assignments to checking bags. But some of their most loyal customers are fuming.

President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence depart Air Force One on August 22, 2017. Trump's first year in office had adverse effects on the tourism industry. Andrea Hanks, The White House / FlickrSkift Take: This week in tourism, we analyzed how President Trump's first year in office affected the industry, and it was rough. On the bright side, the U.S. is getting its first national civil rights trail, thanks to several motivated tourism boards.

Skift Take: Now is the best time for you and your coworkers to get tickets to attend Skift Forum Europe. Save now with group rates! — Rafat AliSkift Forum Europe, happening on April 26, 2018 at Cafe Moskau, Berlin, is just over 100 days away! I know, we can’t believe it either. Last week, we told you about the first speakers to join our onstage lineup, and today I’m thrilled to announce that competitive group discounts are now available.

International visitor spending took another hit in 2017 in the U.S. Pictured are tourists outside Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. Steve Boland / FlickrSkift Take: It's becoming clearer that 2017 has gone down as one of the worst and most challenging years for U.S. tourism in recent memory. In 2018, many destinations will likely step up their marketing of discounted options to get more foreign feet and spending power through their doors.