Traveling Blog: Airbnb Debuts Flexible Payments + Yotel's New Brand + Travel Startups Bet on Tech

January 16, 2018

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Note From the Editor

What does it take to stay on top? That's a theme running through a couple of our stories today. Skift Research looked at venture capital and the startup scene, and examined some of the threats that emerging technologies pose to the largest players. Meanwhile, Travel Tech Editor Sean O'Neill examined whether tours and activities leader TripAdvisor can fend off challenges from venture-funded startups such as GetYourGuide and Klook. It's clear from both stories that one of the things that industry leaders can ill afford is complacency. That's never a winning formula.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

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Emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and blockchain, have yet to make the leap from buzzword to mainstay, but have the potential to disrupt travel incumbents. The big players will have ample opportunity to adapt, though, and leading startups can play a role in helping executives grapple with when and how to implement these technologies.

Airbnb Follows HomeAway's Lead By Not Requiring Full Payments in Advance

As the professionalization of homesharing progresses, adding a payments feature such as this makes a lot of sense.

TripAdvisor Is Fighting to Keep Its Lead in Attractions: The Inside Story

The attractions booking sector is TripAdvisor's to lose, especially given its recent success. But unless it pushes faster on mobile innovation, rivals like GetYourGuide and Klook might overtake the company.

Yotel Expands Into Branded Residences With an Extended Stay Element

We have our reservations (pun intended), but if the popularity of pod-like hotels is any indication, perhaps this might just work for YotelPad and its experiment in reviving the condo hotel concept.

Launching: Skift Table Daily Newsletter

Don't miss out on all the news you need to better understand the business of dining out.

European Tourism Had One of Its Best Years While U.S. Had One of Its Worst

Europe's 2017 tourism story is nearly the opposite of its 2016 downward twists and turns. It wasn't a perfect year and some destinations on the continent are still struggling, but it's also a sign that many Europeans are choosing to travel closer to home to stick to their budgets.

Smart Speakers and Hotel Rooms Aren't an Easy Fit

Technology companies are embedding smart speakers into all kinds of household devices, ranging from toothbrushes to refrigerators. A strong use case for hospitality, however, has yet to emerge.

British Airways Finally Improves Its Catering — Business of Loyalty

After so much bad news for passengers flying on British Airways, there's finally a bit of improvement coming to the airline — but only for international travelers.

Virtual reality continues to evolve as a media format. Vendors and developers are making new concessions based on how consumers use the technology, and the high costs associated with creating 360-degree content.

Priceline Group CEO Expects Mobile Payments to Catch On Like They Have in China

It's no surprise that Priceline's CEO expects mobile use for everything in travel to increase. The question is what the online travel company plans to do about it.

China Shuts Down Marriott's Website and Mobile App Over Tibet Gaffe

This incident is a tough reminder for Marriott and many other global companies that when it comes to China, especially, everything is politics.

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