#32: The barbell theory, and its limits for hospitality operators

The narrative around the K-shaped economy can lead to temptingly simple conclusions for hospitality businesses. The reality is more nuanced, and more…

Jan 18 • Jess Peterson

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November 2025

#31: November Travel Links

What I'm reading, listening to, and thinking about. Plus: an introduction to Volta

Nov 22, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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September 2025

#30: Will hotel-branded luxury cruises make money?

Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Aman, and Orient Express are getting into the cruise business. All four brands are taking the same risks, betting on the…

Sep 27, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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#29: Celebrity's New River Cruise Product

What can we learn from Royal Caribbean Group's first foray into river cruising?

Sep 13, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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July 2025

#28: What the travel industry can learn from Costco

Costco is one of America's best retailers. What can we learn from them?

Jul 25, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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#27: July Travel Links

Every few months, I share things I read/watched/listened to, mostly related to travel and transportation.

Jul 5, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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May 2025

#26: Private Island 2.0

All the major cruise operators are making big investments in private islands. What's driving this?

May 10, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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April 2025

#25: Travel links (April Edition)

It’s been a while 👋.

Apr 26, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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January 2025

#24: The case for rail cruises (and other tourism-oriented trains)

Trains are a growing niche of the travel industry. What makes a successful tourist train business? And where is the opportunity?

Jan 27, 2025 • Jess Peterson

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December 2024

#23: Notes on travel retail: in-person shopping

Booking travel is easier than ever, but choices are overwhelming. What can we learn from successful clothing stores? And what might a modern, in-person…

Dec 15, 2024 • Jess Peterson

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November 2024

#22: Notes on travel retail: Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is one of America's best retailers. What can the travel industry learn from them? And how might we apply "intensive buying," the TJ's…

Nov 21, 2024 • Jess Peterson

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October 2024

#21: What I'm reading (October edition)

Travel-related links from around the web

Oct 30, 2024 • Jess Peterson

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