On Experience

Colin Nagy, a marketing strategist, writes this opinion column for Skift on hospitality and business travel. On Experience dissects customer-centric experiences and innovation across the luxury sector, hotels, aviation, and beyond. He also covers the convergence of conservation and hospitality.

Airlines

Alaska Airlines: Pacific Northwest Charm Can Beat Luxury

Alaska may not be the sexiest carrier in North America, but its brand management and consistent execution across various customer touch points is a masterclass.

Colin Nagy | 13 hours ago

Hotels

Peninsula Hotels’ Luxury Vision: ‘Finest’ Is Better Than ‘Best’

Peninsula has taken a slow, thoughful approach to expansion as other brands stamp out luxury hotels like razor blades. Key to the thoughtful brand management is the brands COO, Peter Borer, who is obsessive over brand clarity.

Colin Nagy | 3 months ago

Airlines

Airline Loyalty Keeps Degrading: I’m a Free Agent and You Should Be Too

When it comes to airline loyalty, if everyone is "elite" no one is. As Delta rebalances its loyalty program, customers need to remember it is a business in the service of shareholders. I'm surprised it has taken this long for programs to arrive at this revenue-driven conclusion.

Colin Nagy | 3 months ago

Hotels

Cambodia’s Conservation: Modern Approach For High-End Travelers

Cambodia is in its earliest stages of establishing conservation during a precarious time. There are lessons to be learned in Africa, and David Steyn, GM of Shinta Mani Wild tented camp, is helping to broker them.

Colin Nagy | 4 months ago

Hotels

Modern Luxury: The Case For an Elevated Boutique Hotel

As the hyper luxury category spirals upwards, there is new white space for elevated boutique hotels that still offer five-star service. A new Paris opening is a perfect reference for what this category should look to.

Colin Nagy | 4 months ago

Tourism

Biggest Innovators in Travel and Hospitality: Summer Edition

We're back with another installment of inspiration in hotels and hospitality, with an emphasis on craft and touch amidst a hyped-up business cycle for luxury. Here are a few brands, ideas, and services that deserved a hat tip in the first half of 2023.

Colin Nagy | 5 months ago

Hotels

El Cosmico’s Next Chapter Embraces 3D Printing

Texas hotelier Liz Lambert has linked up with noted architect Bjarke Ingels and 3D printing firm ICON to reimagine the future of El Cosmico. Despite the bleeding edge tech, the emphasis will be on the spirit of self reliance and community that defined the early iterations of the property.

Colin Nagy | 6 months ago

Hotels

‘Glamping’ Grows Up: ULUM’s Bid to Create Approachable Luxury

Under Canvas's new ULUM brand is going after a well-heeled, outdoors-centric crowd and sees the opportunity sitting between the glitz of Amangiri and the more minimal brand the company created with Under Canvas.

Colin Nagy | 6 months ago

Hotels

Cracking the Code for a New Wave of Members Clubs

There is a boom in private clubs around the world. But, in the race to garner members and open outlets, personalized service and the underlying craft have gone missing. True hospitality plus thoughtful social and commercial dot-connecting remains a nice open white space.

Colin Nagy, Skift | 7 months ago

Hotels

Beyond AI: The Rewards of a Human-Centric Hotel Career

As luxury hotels struggle to hire and retain talent, a new north star sell is necessary. Turns out great luxury brands create an incredible, well-rounded style of leadership. The appeal of caring for people will always remain relevant, even as AI disruptions ripple through other industries.

Colin Nagy, Skift | 8 months ago