12 Oct
Travel

Travel Advisors Cruise Over to Book Independent Shore Excursions

Bloomberg

Whether it’s a surf lesson or a foodie tour, shore excursions run by companies independent of cruise lines are gaining traction. Bloomberg

Skift Take: Shore excursions offered by third-party companies are growing in popularity among passengers and travel advisors alike. Independent options tend to offer more customization than ship-sponsored tours while also offering financial benefits for travel advisors.

— Maria Lenhart

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12 Oct
Travel

Shore Excursions Not Run by Cruise Lines Are a Hit With Passengers and Travel Advisors Alike

ShoreTrips

Barry and Julie Karp, owners of ShoreTrips, on a shore excursion in Mexico City. Passengers are increasingly looking for shore trips that are off-the-beaten-path and with smaller groups than cruise-led excursions. ShoreTrips

Skift Take: Independent shore excursions are proliferating, enabling passengers to avoid the crowds and travel advisors to earn commissions. With competition more intense, some cruise lines are attempting to improve their excursion offerings as a result.

— Maria Lenhart

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12 Oct
Travel

Iconic Boutique Hotelier Liz Lambert Out at Standard’s Bunkhouse Group

Matthew Johnson

Bunkhouse Group founder Liz Lamber will leave the company later this month. Matthew Johnson

Skift Take: Standard Hotels buying into Bunkhouse Group seemed like a perfect match, one boutique hotel innovator investing in another. The goodwill seems to have soured since then and it is difficult to know exactly what happens to the Bunkhouse brand without its founder.

— Andrew Sheivachman

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12 Oct
Travel

Hot Springs as Wellness Destination Takes Hold in U.S.

Ouray Chamber Resort Association

The pool at Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado. In the U.S., travelers have traditionally viewed hot springs as a recreational activity, but that’s changing as the industry starts to professionalize and boost its wellness roots. Ouray Chamber Resort Association

Skift Take: This week in wellness news, the hot springs movement gains traction in the U.S. Meanwhile, mental health apps aim to address the rising tide of anxiety in the U.S. Admirable, yes, but it’s debatable whether apps that gamify the quest toward beating anxiety can really catch on.

— Leslie Barrie

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