Traveling Blog: Hospitality Exec Loves Airbnb + Ryanair's Upselling Strategy + Explaining Travel Mobile Use

July 17, 2018

Editor's Note

Larry Korman first saw the light when he noticed that the traveler in, say, Iowa would consider booking a residence and not the same old, staid hotel room. And for that change of thinking, Korman may be the most fawning executive in all of hospitality over Airbnb, which is still dismissed by many hoteliers. Korman is CEO of Korman Communities, which offers serviced apartments for extended stays. Once thought of as just for corporations looking to house workers, serviced apartments are now enticing consumers of all stripes. Thank you, Airbnb, says Korman.

Senior Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting's interview today with Korman offers the rare contrarian view on Airbnb within the hospitality sector. It goes to show how a major disruptor starts by lifting peripheral businesses like Korman's, before the entire industry grasps the new model as part of its own evolution.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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Video: How Accenture Helps Travel Companies Stay Agile

In addition to dreaming up new hotel brands, we're surprised more hotel companies aren't thinking of launching more of their own serviced residence brands — or buying up others.

Ryanair Believes Airline Apps Are Perfect for Last-Minute Upselling

Ryanair's CMO believes airline apps can be a big help to travelers as they're preparing to get on a plane. And if those apps can also generate more revenue for carriers, all the better.

Opportunities for the 15 Ways Travelers Use Mobile: Skift Research

If there is a common thread throughout the in-destination journey today, it's mobile. Even so, gaps exist in mobile usage between parts of the journey and the key players in each part. For those that are behind, it's urgent to play catch-up.

Skift Table: When's the Right Time to Call In a Restaurant Consultant?

Admitting you need outside help is never easy for a chef or restaurateur, especially within the first year of business. But with the right advice and guidance from a trusted source, the payoffs were huge for one small Los Angeles restaurant.

Why Short-Term Rentals Are Mainstream and Booming

We are witnessing an evolution as more traditional hotel companies add alternative accommodations — and homesharing companies such as Airbnb add hotels. This piece gives a good summary of the ways short-term rentals are changing and continuing to grow.

Flyers Brace for More Credit Card Pitches, This Time on United Flights

Flight attendants on United will have both a stricter mandate and a stronger incentive to pitch the airline's new co-branded credit card.

The acquisitions of Active Hotels and Bookings B.V., which led to the creation of Booking.com, transformed parent company Priceline.com, and online travel history. Take a look at Priceline's fourth quarter of 2005 financial results, and you'll be able to see the journey in progress.

Newly Named Air Italy Is Ready to Take On Troubled Alitalia

We're not sure Europe needs another airline with global ambitions. But more capacity almost always means cheaper fares, so passengers should enjoy watching these competitive dynamics play out. Perhaps Air Italy will become Italy's national carrier if Alitalia stops flying. Or maybe they'll both go bust.

Norwegian Air CEO Is Wait and See on Possible Sale as Competitors Show Interest

Norwegian Air reported earnings Thursday, and a lot of analysts expected it to feel like a funeral. But something funny happened. The airline reported a profit. Does this mean it's in good shape? Probably not, but at least it's better than a loss.

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