Traveling Blog: The Tech Backlash and Travel + Skift Tech Forum June 12 + Airbnb's Grand Vision

January 8, 2018

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Note From the Editor

What has Silicon Valley created and how have digital overload and social media addiction impacted the quality of our lives — and travels. In an essay, "The Coming Tech Backlash and What It Means for Travel," Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali dissects these deeply entrenched trends and details how they amount to a major test for the travel industry.

Skift will be taking up these issues and others in Silicon Valley during the inaugural Skift Tech Forum June 12 in the United Club at Levi's Stadium. A central theme will be the disruption taking place in travel retailing, merchandising and distribution.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

Grab your calendars — The Skift Tech Forum date and venue are officially set! Now is the best time to secure your spot at our $250 OFF Super Early Bird Rate.

The Coming Tech Backlash and What It Means for Travel

While the larger world is asking questions and turning on Silicon Valley, and the tools and culture it spawned, it is time for everyone — including us in travel — to pause to account for the society we are creating. The tech and social media backlash happening right now is a test for us in travel, as well.

CEO Interview: Trainline Aims to Steal Airline Share Down the Line

Rail travel still remains a stubbornly offline mode of transport when it comes to booking a ticket. Companies like Trainline are trying to change this by making it easier to search and buy tickets across Europe.

Tourism Under Trump Year 1 Led to a Revise of the U.S. Brand

We knew 2017 was going to be a wild ride for U.S. tourism and that's certainly how it played out. Although many of Trump's policies did more harm than good for the travel industry, some could have been much worse.

Airbnb Co-Founder Wants to Offer All Forms of Travel

Airbnb has been moving beyond homesharing for awhile now. After venturing into experiences and dining, what part of travel will the company tackle next?

EasyJet Is Transforming the German Market With Launch of Domestic Routes

Yes, Air Berlin was ostensibly competition for Lufthansa. But for a long time, Air Berlin was a weakened competitor. Now that Easyjet has taken over some of Air Berlin's assets, the German market could be transformed.

Australia Tourism Poised to Capitalize on the Commonwealth Games

Tourism on Australia's Gold Coast is booming ahead of the April Commonwealth Games. The challenge for operators, buoyed by strong demand, is to deliver memorable experiences to justify the high rates — and stimulate demand after the athletes go home.

China's Booming Cruise Industry Is Facing a Slowdown

Cruise operators say they have confidence in the long-term potential of China as a major cruise market. The short term is a little more tricky.

Overtourism Remains a Concern in Jeju Island Even as Chinese Travel Drops

Like destinations around the world, South Korea is trying to figure out the best way to manage tourism. In the case of Jeju Island, local residents and government leaders have different priorities.

We'd like to see more airports not worry about budgets and focus on reinventing the airport experience, but that's probably not feasible in most places. Architects like HKS' Pat Askew do what they can to make travel more pleasurable with the resources they're given.

Luxury Travel Confronts a Widening Identity Crisis

Luxury hospitality is no longer defined by marble bathrooms and turndown service. To compete and appeal to today's luxury guest, hotels have to be a lot smarter and more thoughtful than ever before.

Hoteliers Are Taking Different Approaches to Luxury Travel Innovation

Everyone has different ideas and approaches for the next big thing in luxury hospitality, from digital innovation and more personalization to smarter, more intuitive service, and better dining experiences.

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