Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood topped major hotel news during the past year, but several other major developments also had a significant impact on the travel industry. Here’s a rundown of six 2015 travel news stories, all of which can affect meeting planners as they make bookings for their groups.
1. Marriott Purchases Starwood for $12.2 Billion
In a move that will have major ramifications for the hopitality industry, Marriott International announced on Nov. 16 that it has purchased Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide for $12.2 billion. The purchase of Starwood—which includes St. Regis, Sheraton, W and Westin—will make Marriott the world’s largest hotel company, with more than 5,500 hotels and 1.1 million rooms worldwide.
2. AccorHotels Buys FRHI for $2.89 Billion
AccorHotels announced on Dec. 9 that it had purchased FRHI holdings—the parent company of the Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles brands—for approximately $2.89 billion. The FRHI brands consist of 115 hotels and resorts and 43,000 guest rooms, as well as an additional 40 hotels in development that will provide 13,000 rooms. AccorHotels has nearly 500 properties throughout the world.
3. Wyndham Hotel Group Expands Meetings Portfolio by Acquiring Dolce Hotels
Wyndham Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide, expanded its presence in the group and meeting industry thanks to the acquisition of Dolce Hotels and Resorts for $57 million on Jan. 30. The Dolce portfolio includes 24 properties with more than 5,500 guest rooms in seven countries. The acquisition allows Wyndham Hotel Group to grow its managed portfolio by nearly 40 percent.
4. Southwest Airlines Offers More International Flights
Southwest Airlines, one of the nation’s most successful domestic carriers, announced plans to launch more flights to international destinations beginning Oct. 15. The airline indicated that it would offer service to 12 destinations in eight countries by the end of 2015, and identified 50 other international destinations it may be interested in exploring for future growth.
5. Expedia to Buy Rival Orbitz for $1.38 Billion
Expedia Inc., seeking to capitalize on increasing business travel, announced on Feb. 12 that it was buying Orbitz Worldwide for about $1.38 billion in cash. Expedia reportedly is seeking to take on larger rival Priceline Group Inc. in the growing online travel industry. Expedia is considered the world’s second-largest travel services company by bookings. Priceline’s market of about $55 billion is more than that of Expedia and Orbitz combined.
6. Uber Teams Up with Starwood to Give Hotel Points for Rides
Ever-expanding Uber made several major moves in 2015, including establishing a partnership with Starwood on Feb. 24 that gives riders a bit more incentive to choose an Uber vehicle over a taxi. By using the San Francisco-based company’s mobile app, Uber passengers can earn one Starwood rewards point for each dollar they spend on a ride in a car found through the San Francisco-based company’s mobile app. Guests who stay in one of Starwood’s 1,200 hotels will earn two to four points per dollar spent, depending on their level of status with Starwood.
