Analyst Robert Cole

Robert Cole

Senior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure TravelRobert Cole

Robert Cole contributes to Phocuswright on topics related to hospitality, technology, distribution and traveler engagement. He has authored numerous papers for Phocuswright and has served in industry leadership roles with the Open Travel Alliance interoperability committee, HEDNA board of directors and as an HSMAI Adrian Awards Platinum/Best of Show judge. 

Mr. Cole is also founder of RockCheetah, a hotel marketing strategy and travel technology consulting practice with clients including global hotel brands, travel technology providers, consumer websites, major media groups, travel related service organizations and the U.S. Government. Robert has over 30 years of travel industry experience. Prior to working with Phocuswright, Mr. Cole served as vice president, destination experience for mega-wholesaler Mark Travel; vice president of hotel and car for dynamic packaging pioneer Neat Group; director of hospitality development for Sabre Group; and corporate director of marketing planning for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. He holds a B.S. degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.

Travel Research From Robert Cole

Travel Rewards vs. Loyalty – What’s the Difference?

Travel Rewards vs. Loyalty – What’s the Difference?

Category: Technology Innovation Published: November 2023 Analysts: Norm Rose, Robert Cole

This article addresses some key trends in the development of travel loyalty, with a focus on the following:Overview of loyalty and reward program structure, and what differentiates themOutlining metrics...

The Future of Social Media, Influencers and Social Commerce in Travel

The Future of Social Media, Influencers and Social Commerce in Travel

Category: Technology Innovation Published: March 2023 Analysts: Robert Cole US $295

A key goal of travel industry marketers is to build efficient, direct-to-consumer relationships by expanding brand reach, enhancing traveler engagement and maximizing customer lifetime value. But...

Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2023

Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2023

Category: Technology Innovation Published: January 2023 Analysts: Michael Coletta, Robert Cole, Cathy Walsh, Hollis Thomases, Dmitry Koltunov, Adam Glickman, Lorraine Sileo, Norm Rose US $1,495

Each year, Phocuswright publishes a content series that identifies the most significant innovation trends in travel technology and distribution for the upcoming year and beyond. This year we again...

Cybersecurity in Travel Goes Beyond Technology

Cybersecurity in Travel Goes Beyond Technology

Category: Technology Innovation Published: October 2022 Analysts: Robert Cole

Cybersecurity is an issue for every company’s management, board, employees, customers and business partners, and the essential issue boils down to balance between greater security and usability. For...

Hotels: On the Path to Attribute-based Prosperity or Calamity?

Hotels: On the Path to Attribute-based Prosperity or Calamity?

Category: Technology Innovation Published: April 2022 Analysts: Robert Cole

Hotels have long struggled to capitalize on room rates. The old selling model, which relies on simplistic sorting factors, leaves lots of potential revenue on the table by not customizing options for...

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