Traveling Blog: TripAdvisor's Prime Position to Lose + Reinventing the Tourist Hotel + Skift Forum Europe Group Rates

January 15, 2018

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Note From the Editor

While TripAdvisor's hotel search and booking business has faced intense pressure, analysts have pointed to the company's tours and activities platform as a cause for optimism. Tech Editor Sean O'Neill takes a look today at TripAdvisor's attractions business, and wonders whether competitors may be gaining an edge.

Hoshino Resorts is hoping to gain an edge with the launch of a midscale brand that aims to enable tourists to go local and experience the vibe near their stays. Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting examines whether the new brand will be different enough to succeed.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

Skift Report: How UK Cities Excel at Hosting Conferences in Advanced and Creative Industries

We want to make it easier than ever for you and your colleagues to join us at our second annual Skift Forum Europe. That's why today we are announcing that competitive group rates are now available. Grab your colleagues and register now.

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.

Hoshino Resorts' New Midscale Brand Wants to Reinvent the Tourist Hotel

Hoshino Resorts is smart to get a head start on accommodating the influx of travelers who are not only traveling to Japan in droves, but yearning to do so in a way that makes them feel more connected to the local culture, without having to break the bank.

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.

European Tour Operators Still Worry a Lot About January Bookings — Here's Why

Common wisdom among tour operators has always been that to have a good year, you needed to have a good January, and it is still no different. While the reasons for booking holidays early might hark back to the pre-Internet era, the consumer pattern hasn't changed very much.

U.S. Airlines Cancelled Fewer Flights Than Usual in November

Maybe airline service isn't as strong as most customers would like. But there's no mistaking the data. Operationally, many U.S. airlines are stronger than ever. That's good news for passengers who want to get to their destination on time.

Virtual Reality Was Everywhere at CES But Lack of Adoption Is Still the Actuality

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.

You don't expect corporate travelers to dip into their own pockets on business trips. But certain travelers love to fly in premium cabins, and that's good news for Delta's revenues, which were already strong.

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.

Exclusive: TripAdvisor Reorganizes Business Units in Attempt to Revive Its Prospects

It is widely acknowledged that TripAdvisor needed to reinvigorate its business and product lines after a difficult transition to hotel metasearch and instant booking. The company believes the new internal structure will give its units that enhanced focus.

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