Social media topped the news this week with the announcement of Stacy Small as the final winner in our Most Social Travel Advisor feature. With an average Klout score of 78, Small is an expert at social media communities and most recently launched a new digital magazine, Elite Travel Style, on Flipboard.
Technology was also top of mind with the release of a new study from Amadeus that painted a picture of the travel industry standing at a "Big Data Crossroads." While big data has the potential to transform travel, industries must make it a priority to take advantage of data's benefits.
"The travel industry stands at a big data crossroads today, with new technologies and techniques offering the potential to translate increasing volumes of data into higher profits and more efficient operations,” said Thomas H. Davenport, Visiting Professor at Harvard Business School, Co-founder and Director of Research at the International Institute for Analytics, and study author. “Some leading companies are pioneering the use of big data and already seeing a huge impact. Airlines, airports, hotels, rail companies and travel sellers need to ask themselves if they have a big data strategy in place, and if it will allow them to be at the forefront of this opportunity.”
In cruise news, all eyes were on Vancouver this week for the cruise3sixty conference. Our cruise editor was on the scene with a look at Vancouver's booming cruise industry. Other top coverage from the conference is available here:
Lastly, this week saw more shakeups at Carnival Corp. as Micky Arison stepped down from his CEO role at the corporation. On July 3, Arnold W. Donald will become CEO even as Arison remains chairman.
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