This roundup is becoming a personal tradition. Twice a year I crack open the notebook — and increasingly look through my iPhone camera roll — to highlight who is innovating in the space of airlines, hospitality, and restaurants and serving as beacons for the broader industry to learn from.

Cross-pollination is key for everyone to get better. People in the industry need to experiment, visit, meet, and collide as much as possible and break out of silos.

Of particular note, this year I've curated the list with the importance of human capital top of mind. Elevated experiences come down to well-trained, thoughtful frontline staff, and those who set them up to succeed are the ones that garner repeat guests and higher satisfaction metrics. It's worth noting that this is not a scientific rundown but rather observations from my eye based on global travel so far this year. Also I'll be judging the Skift Design Awards shortly, and in this inaugural competition we'll be taking an even more granular look at service design. Stay tuned for more.

Read the full article at skift Inc.