Traveling Blog: Google Marches On + Airbnb Boosts Group Travel + Thomas Cook's China Gamble

November 29, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Google is coming, Google is coming. And you don't need a rider on horseback at midnight to figure it all out. Google has revamped its flights product, and in a story today, Travel Technology Editor Sean O'Neill details Google's plans to take market share in the hotel arena. The big-time travel player formerly known as a search engine also has maps, apps, phones, earbuds, and a virtual assistant. One day it will put them all together.

Speaking of putting it all together, Airbnb is making it easier for people traveling in groups to split payments for their stays. The feature could make life easier for both leisure and business travelers taking trips with family, friends or colleagues.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

American Airlines Puts a Focus on Top-Tier Dining Through Its Flagship Brand [SPONSORED]

Google wants consumers to buy more travel on it. That may prompt industry players to closely patrol the gray line between the search giant referring more customers to them and Google becoming customers' first choice for booking trips.

Marriott Edges Out Hyatt for Top Honors in J.D. Power's Hotel Loyalty Survey

Should other hotel loyalty programs follow World of Hyatt's lead in being much more revenue-based and geared toward high-end travelers? This survey's findings seem to suggest it, but we have some reservations.

Airbnb Makes Good on Startup Acquisition With Launch of Split Payments for Group Travel

For anyone who's ever had to wrangle a payment from a friend for a trip, this new Airbnb payments feature is a very welcome early holiday present.

Aman Resorts Places Big Bet on City Hotels

Aman is still not an ordinary hotel company. But it's no longer as unusual as it once was. It's a little more mainstream.

Travel Operations and Maintenance Are Getting Smarter With AI [SPONSORED]

Sponsored by IBM

Smart technology is increasingly improving how airlines, railways, and other sectors ensure smooth experiences for travelers. For travel companies using these cognitive systems, that means saving time and costs, reducing delays, and optimizing efficiency.

Thomas Cook China Operation Faces Strong Opposition

China is a tiny part of its overall business right now, but Thomas Cook is thinking long term. Whether the company's expansion into China is a success or not will probably come down to the strength of its local opposition, which is deeply entrenched.

Conrad Ups Its Innovation Play

In the heavily competitive luxury space, Conrad is looking to gain its edge through innovative technology.

Aligning Luxury Hotels With Active Brands to Attract High-Achieving Guests

Luxury travel brands are today operating within the transformation economy. Brands must align themselves with experiences that speak to affluent consumers' desire for a personal evolution.

Giving Free and Independent Travel a Luxury Edge

Long-time tour operator Ker & Downey has always had a mission to get travelers to less-explored regions. Aside from bringing in tourism dollars to developing countries, the company stands out for its commitment to on-the-ground philanthropy.

Delta is slowly restoring benefits once-lost to SkyMiles members, but it's more of a competitive move against other carriers than an olive branch for passengers.

8 Financial Themes Shaping the Hotel Industry in 2018 and Beyond

After pouring over third quarter earnings results and investor calls, it's clear the big hotel chains have embarked on a new, but potentially arduous road.

Best Airline and Hotel Innovators in 2017 From a Business Traveler's Perspective

Here's to some of the most innovative and thoughtful brands in travel today. These companies are doing the heavy lifting to make travel and hospitality more inspiring.

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