Traveling Blog: Ian Schrager's Airbnb Warning + Egencia's Growth Strategy + Tech Solutions for Travel Woes

December 8, 2017

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Note From the Editor

The hotel industry's reaction to Airbnb has taken several forms over the years, including denial, dismissal, and, more recently, demands for a level playing field when it comes to issues like taxes and other regulations. Hotelier Ian Schrager thinks hotels should instead be fighting the threat from alternative accommodations with innovation, as executive editor Dennis Schaal reports.

Innovation in design is the topic of another story today, featuring a Skift Global Forum talk from the CEO of design firm Teague. John Barratt argues that we're entering a new golden age of travel, one that his company hopes to make more comfortable through the use of technology.

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

Why Travel Brands Need to Be Present Across the End-to-End Journey [SPONSORED]

If hotels could out-innovate Airbnb, then Schrager is right that would certainly be part of the answer to the threat posed by the homesharing company. However, Airbnb is more nimble than many big chains. And they are unlikely to give up their legislative efforts anytime soon.

Egencia Is Looking for Scale in Mergers and Acquisitions, Not New Geographies

Expedia has been talking for a couple of years about being opportunistic when it comes to mergers and acquisitions for its Egencia business travel unit. That may be on the back burner for awhile, though, as the parent company, which has been bogged down in integrating acquisitions over the past couple of years, focuses on growing what it already has.

Bidding Platform Koddi Buys a Hotel Ad Tech Division From Criteo

This relatively small deal tells a larger story about the structural reasons why hotels have been behind the curve in digital marketing relative to retail and other sectors.

Video: Design Firm Teague Bets on Tech to Make Transportation Enjoyable

It's been decades since the last "golden age of travel," and we're due for a new one, featuring the Internet of Things.

Business Travelers Are Getting Their Way — Corporate Travel Innovation Report

New research shows corporate travel buyers are aligning more closely with the desires of business travelers.

MyVR Raises $6 Million for Rental Property Software: Travel Startup Funding This Week

Two startups aiming to help vacation rental property managers, one that helps hoteliers market their neighborhood's attractions to guests, and one that helps give business travelers cash back on purchases together raised $18 million this week.

Airbnb has gained in popularity on the claim that chain hotels offer a cookie-cutter experience. Hilton can fight back with technology that enables guests to personalize their experience.

Expedia CEO Declares Company's Global Land Grab Is Nearly Over

Expedia isn't done trying to grow; that would be suicide for any public company. Instead, Expedia argues it can best spur growth by digging in deeper in countries where it already operates rather than expanding its map. The new strategy boils down to a question of priorities, and could change again in coming years.

Rosewood's Newest Brand Is Aimed at Modern Business Travelers

Again, do we really need another lifestyle brand? We'll just have to see if this new brand, Khos, makes strides in reinventing hospitality for business travelers.

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