Traveling Blog: Has Airbnb Peaked? + Lux Fashion Lessons + Homesharing Goes Pro

November 15, 2017

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Note From the Editor

A Morgan Stanley study suggests that Airbnb's growth in the U.S. and Europe is slowing, and reaching a saturation point. That would be a horrid story to tell on an IPO roadshow if Airbnb, as expected, reaches that point, and we're not buying it. Although Airbnb has gone relatively mainstream in parts of the world, think of all the potential guests in both the U.S. and Europe who haven't tried it yet. Not to mention growth opportunities in the rest of the world, and new product lines.

Speaking of product lines — namely luxury fashion products — we have an interesting story today about what travel companies can learn from the challenges of luxury fashion retailers, and vice versa. Online user experience and Google burying organic search results are two parallel concerns, among many.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

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As Airbnb tries to become the only brand in travel that you'll ever need, it's not just the hotel industry that the company has to contend with, but online travel agencies, too. We can just imagine the hotels telling Airbnb, "Welcome to the club."

What Travel Can Learn From Luxury Fashion's Digital Trials

Fashion has in many ways been steps ahead of travel when it comes to Web design, online engagement and marketing prowess — but there is still so far to go for luxury brands in both industries.

Alternative Accommodations Address Travelers' Fears in an Age of Permanxiety

Professionalizing the homesharing experience is helping to alleviate travelers' concerns and anxieties about staying in a stranger's house. But there's always room for improvement.

Consolidation Is Reshaping the North American Ski Market

Through a new venture with KSL Capital Partners, Aspen Skiing Company (Skico) is broadening its scope far beyond Colorado. But it's not only about amassing mountains. Skico is concentrating on building a new boutique hotel brand, which is raising eyebrows in its newest destination.

Luxury Brands Cross Industry Lines for Loyalty Collaborations

The success of this, and all brand partnerships, is dependent on a synergistic approach to luxury whether that be sleek and understated or bold and brash. We expect to see more cross-industry partnerships emerge as brands wrestle for the attention and trust of the new luxury consumer.

Changing Baltimore's Image One Luxury Hotel at a Time

For years, Baltimore has been portrayed on television and other media outlets as a city that's down on its luck. But a close look at what's happening in terms of investment in the city's luxury space reveals another side of the story.

It was only a matter of time before the big brands started rolling this smart-room technology. But what will be even more interesting is seeing which brand's approach works better in a hospitality setting, and is more appealing not only to guests but to hotel owners, too.

Travel Warnings Create Global Worry Map For Anxious Tourists

Travel warnings and alerts are important to many travelers, and any country that cares about tourism tries to avoid getting on such a list. But the U.S. State Department's list is often selective and political, and isn't an exhaustive list of places where travelers could face danger.

Travel Companies Start Lending Consumers Money to Book Trips

Companies ought to carry out adequate checks on the ability of borrowers to repay travel loans on time. Otherwise, a surprise disruption such as an Icelandic volcano or an economic downturn could prompt defaults.

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