Startups

Airbnb Experiences unveils Cooking to bring out secret family recipes

Kristin Mariano Nov 28, 2019

Airbnb Experiences has launched a brand new category of bookable experiences – Cooking. This has allowed people to have access to recipes and culinary traditions that were once reserved for…

Hospitality

Lights, Camera, Action! Airbnb celebrates world of Bollywood with festival of hosted online experiences

Megha Paul Aug 11, 2021

Airbnb announced the launch of Bollywood Insiders, a 10 day festival of engaging Online Experiences that brings India’s storied film industry to life

Airbnb now offers virtual ‘travel’ experiences to keep you entertained at home

Megha Paul Apr 14, 2020

Airbnb has introduced Online Experiences, a new way for people to connect, travel virtually and earn income during the COVID-19 crisis. With communities around the world staying home to…

Hello four legged friend! Airbnb unveils Animal Experiences

Megha Paul Oct 7, 2019

Booking platform Airbnb has now unveiled Airbnb Animal Experiences - a brand new category of Airbnb Experiences that allow people to better understand animals through caring, expert…

Airbnb creates K-pop themed experiences for Thais

Alastair Newport Aug 16, 2019

Airbnb Experiences is inviting Thais to take their love of Korea to the next level with the launch of Airbnb’s K-pop and K-beauty Experiences. Tourists can now book immersive and unique…

Tourism

VisitBritain to boost local experiences with Airbnb

Tian Tolentino Feb 11, 2019

National tourism agency VisitBritain and Airbnb have announced a partnership to promote and broaden local-led tourism experiences.

Awards

HVS’s Florian Kittler emphasises the need for eco-friendly practices and personalised experiences

Ana Alejandria Oct 24, 2024

HVS Executive Search Europe and Asia Pacific managing director Florian Kittler shares his valuable insights with us regarding the growing need for personalised experiences and sustainability…

Guest Column

Video is the new battleground in the “Experiences” economy

Tony Carne Oct 14, 2024

It’s official! Video is the new battleground in tours and activities.  Last week GetYourGuide CEO Johannes Reck posted on LinkedIn about their fall release day, Unlocked 2024.…

Reports

Airbnb sees an increase in travel searches among Indian Travellers

Kanchan Nath Oct 1, 2024

Airbnb reveals trending travel destinations among Indian travelers for the upcoming festive and autumn season (September-November), showcasing a blend of trending domestic and international…

Hotels

Should travel sellers pivot to second tier cities to benefit from Airbnb bans driving up ADRs in other cities?

Kanchan Nath Jun 18, 2024

It’s clear that consumer appetite for short-term rentals remains high, so should the travel industry now be focusing its attention more on ‘second cities’?

Technology

Airbnb acquires AI stealth company, GamePlanner.AI

Kristin Mariano Nov 17, 2023

“What makes GamePlanner.AI so special is that they combine expertise in AI, design, and community,” said Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky. “AI will rapidly alter our world more than…

Technology

Breezeway becomes official Airbnb partner

Kanchan Nath Sep 8, 2023

Breezeway has become an official Airbnb Software Partner, the integration leverages multiple data connections to bring automation and operational insights to hosts and property managers.

Global

Embrace London’s rainy days with unforgettable indoor experiences while Nannybag safely stores your luggage

Kanchan Nath May 18, 2023

London is famously known for having four seasons in one day, one minute warm and sunny, next the temperature plummets and it is pouring with rain with no sign of it stopping anytime soon.

Features

Unique experiences for ‘thrill seekers’ in 2023 from A.M.A Selections

Kanchan Nath Feb 17, 2023

From a VIP dinner show at Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge to a Ferrari tour and lunch in the Chianti hills, the new experiences are exclusively available to A.M.A Selections guests.

Tourism

Top 10 travel trends for 2023: Adventure, purpose, nostalgia, and extreme immersion experiences

Kristin Mariano Dec 22, 2022

The Lemongrass Digital Insights team has researched the latest travel search trends, and drawn key findings from multiple industry reports, to bring you the top 2023 travel trends you need…

Tourism Boards

Abu Dhabi launches authentic Emirati experiences with local guides

Kanchan Nath Dec 20, 2022

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has created a list of seven authentic Emirati cultural experiences visitors are recommended to try on a visit to the…

Airbnb launches new safety product for solo travellers

Kristin Mariano Jun 17, 2022

Airbnb strives to be a place where anyone can belong and feel safe while travelling. One strength is in the flexibility we offer to our guests through our over 6 million listings. From…

Hospitality

New Bengaluru tech hub part of Airbnb’s ongoing investment in India

Megha Paul Mar 23, 2022

Airbnb has announced fresh investment in India through the impending opening of a new technology hub in Bengaluru

Luxury Airbnb alternative Plum Guide raises USD31 million and to disrupt homestay market

Kristin Mariano Feb 18, 2022

Plum Guide has announced that it has extended its Series B funding round to raise a total of USD31m.

Flexible searches, hosted travel and unique stays define travel in 2021: Airbnb

Megha Paul Sep 27, 2021

Airbnb presents round-up of key travel trends that have been emerging in India and reflects how consumers are viewing travel in the new normal

Technology

Airbnb is looking for 12 people to live anywhere for one year

Kristin Mariano Jun 10, 2021

Inspired by the growing flexibility to work and live from anywhere, Airbnb has announced the launch of “Live Anywhere on Airbnb”, a program for 12 individuals to live exclusively in listings…

Stay Thai, Your Style! Airbnb unveils domestic travel campaign for Thailand

Megha Paul Dec 8, 2020

As part of Airbnb’s ongoing commitment and in support of the government’s efforts to help drive Thailand’s tourism recovery, Airbnb has launched a domestic travel campaign Stay Thai, Your…

MTDC partners with Airbnb to promote offbeat destinations in Maharashtra

Megha Paul Nov 16, 2020

By promoting homestay tourism, this partnership will encourage travel to lesser-known destinations and will enable inclusive community-led tourism in the state, that will further enhance…

Worried about homestays in Thailand? Airbnb launch new safety standards

Alastair Newport Oct 15, 2020

To ensure hosts are aligned with Thai government guidance, Airbnb has consulted with the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Health and recently held a joint discussion with Airbnb…

Tiqets raises USD 60 million led by Airbnb

Megha Paul Oct 31, 2019

Tiqets announced its series C financing of USD 60 million led by Airbnb with continued support from prior lead investors HPE Growth Capital and Investion. With this new funding, the…

One night only: Highclere Castle is now on Airbnb

Tian Tolentino Oct 21, 2019

For one night only, Highclere Castle will open its doors to two guests, giving them the opportunity to immerse in the iconic location.

Upcycled spaces: Airbnb stays at ‘eco-friendly homes’ increased by 141%

Tian Tolentino Sep 16, 2019

As sustainable tourism becomes more important than ever, hosts and guests on Airbnb are making significant changes to support environmentally conscious travel.

OTAs & Tour Operators

Luxury Escapes Experiences: Transforming a regular holiday into the ultimate lavish escape

Kristin Mariano Aug 28, 2019

Australian luxurious travel operator Luxury Escapes recently launched Experiences, which is a curated collection of handpicked, in-destination activities.

Hospitality

Airbnb makes it easier to look for work-friendly lodgings

Kristin Mariano Jul 23, 2019

Airbnb has added a new feature to make it easier for business travellers to search for work-friendly lodgings that will fit their needs.

Startups

Airbnb Luxe redefines luxury travel

Kristin Mariano Jun 27, 2019

Airbnb has launched Airbnb Luxe — a new luxury experience that makes personal and bespoke travel more accessible to everyone.

Startups

Airbnb Adventures off to a rough start

Kristin Mariano Jun 24, 2019

Customers who tried to book have taken to Instagram and Twitter to complain about being charged for vacations they were ultimately denied.

Startups

For adrenaline junkies only: Airbnb targets thrillseekers

Kristin Mariano Jun 18, 2019

Airbnb unveils Airbnb Adventures - an expansion of Airbnb Experiences that includes the incredible opportunity for daring guests to channel their inner Phileas Fogg and travel around the…

Hospitality

Channel your inner Phileas Fogg with Airbnb Adventures

Megha Paul Jun 17, 2019

You can now enjoy a six-day Galapagos Slow Food Safari, experience the wonders of Oman or camp on a cliff in Colorado. All you have to do is just show up. An expansion of Airbnb…

Technology

Travel tech this week: Airbnb, Kiwi.com and TrustYou launch new features

Kristin Mariano May 23, 2019

This week, tech companies Airbnb, Kiwi.com, TrustYou and Alternative Airlines have launched new features in their respective platforms.

Technology

Know your roots: Airbnb, 23andMe to offer heritage travel recommendations

Kristin Mariano May 22, 2019

Tech giant Airbnb is teaming up with 23andMe, the biotech firm best known for genomics reports about family history and health, to deliver heritage travel recommendations in user…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Airbnb boosts income and jobs in Thai regional communities

Alastair Newport May 13, 2019

New data released today by Airbnb, highlights how the home share community is helping grow tourism in off-the-beaten-track destinations across Thailand and the Asia Pacific, and helping…

Hospitality

A night with Mona Lisa: Airbnb partners with Musée du Louvre

Tian Tolentino Apr 3, 2019

The world-famous Musée du Louvre in Paris has joined forces with Airbnb to give once-in-a-lifetime access to the museum and its masterpieces.

Hospitality

US consumers spend more in Airbnb than Hilton

Kristin Mariano Mar 26, 2019

Airbnb has long been a threat to hotel companies as it offers cheaper accommodation. The start-up also enables hosts to earn money by opening their homes to travellers.

Startups

Airbnb to build an “end-to-end platform” with latest hire

Kristin Mariano Feb 8, 2019

Airbnb is breaking into the travel market as the company just hired the founding head of Virgin America Fred Reid as global head of transportation.

Technology

Travel tech this week: Google and Airbnb’s new acquisitions and more

Kristin Mariano Dec 20, 2018

This week, we saw travel tech giants acquire smaller companies to fuel their growth and industry leaders drive innovation.

Thailand

Airbnb: “Creative communities are essential to vibrant, inclusive economies”

Alastair Newport Nov 19, 2018

Following a recent study by Airbnb, the accommodation-sharing platform has discovered that amongst all of their hosts in Thailand two thousand work in the creative industry.

Technology

PassRight: The “Airbnb” of the complex US immigration process

Kristin Mariano Sep 13, 2018

Liran Rosenfeld experienced the Kafkaesque immigration process in the United States. His first-hand experiences with the immigration system have inspired Rosenfeld to create a platform that…

Technology

Astro-tourism: Airbnb launches ‘blood moon’ experience

Tian Tolentino Jul 13, 2018

Airbnb has launched a unique Social Impact Experience to offer guests a close view of the Red Planet by visiting the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) in Spain’s…

Technology

“I wanted to create the Airbnb of tourism”

Alastair Newport May 30, 2018

Arriving in a new city, in a country you have never been to before, can be an overwhelming experience. You may have all the right plans to discover ‘the real’ Bangkok, for example, but once…

Hospitality

The ‘Airbnb Effect’: The platform’s economic contribution during the royal wedding

Tian Tolentino May 28, 2018

As the world watched in awe, Airbnb hosts took advantage of the Royal Wedding frenzy. The Airbnb effect gave extra income to hosts in London, Windsor and its surrounding areas, bringing more…

Hospitality

Personalized experiences create leaders in the hospitality industry

Kristin Mariano May 24, 2018

Companies that can deliver a personalized experience, from search to booking to check-out, are the leaders of the lodging industry.

Technology

Airbnb’s pursuit to restore Puerto Rico’s tourism business after Hurricane Maria

Tian Tolentino May 15, 2018

Airbnb’s Brian Chesky and Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rosselló have announced a new partnership to drive tourism and support the island as it builds back after Hurricane Maria.

Tourism

App wars: Klook vs. Viator vs. Airbnb – who offers the best tour-booking experience?

Alastair Newport Apr 18, 2018

With Klook, the new kid on the tour-booking block, raising 60 million USD in funding at the end of 2017 , the popular Hong Kong based company has started making waves beyond Asia, and into…

Hospitality

Airbnb expects 20,000 people to book Airbnb Concerts each month

Tian Tolentino Apr 16, 2018

All around the globe, Airbnb is adding hundreds of concerts and it’s already on track to be in 50 cities and have 20,000 people booking Airbnb Concerts each month before the year ends.

Consumer

Airbnb reveals major platform updates with roadmap to 2028

Tian Tolentino Feb 23, 2018

Airbnb unveils a new roadmap for its core home business, designed to bring transformative benefits to every type of traveller.

Tourism

Airbnb to invest millions into responsible tourism across APAC

Alastair Newport Nov 10, 2017 20

Yesterday at the APEC CEO Summit in Da Nang, Airbnb announced it will invest 68 million baht through 2020 to promote and support innovative and responsible tourism projects throughout…

Hotels

Why is age the secret to Airbnb success?

Alastair Newport Oct 31, 2017 18

Airbnb celebrates the UN’s International Day of Older Persons. This year, the theme for  was “Stepping into the Future”, something Airbnb claims it is seeing senior people do all over APAC.

United States

Airbnb and Resy Team Up to Offer In-App Restaurant Reservations

Mark Elliott Sep 20, 2017 4

A great meal shared with friends, old or new, can make a trip special. That’s why, starting today, you can book a table at nearly 650 restaurants across the United States directly through…

United States

Airbnb Finds Families Prefer Traveling to New Destinations Each Year

Simon Willmore May 1, 2017 0

Perhaps 2017 is the year to move on from the annual trip to the lake house, or at least shake things up a bit with a second family vacation to Kyoto or Bordeaux. According to a recent survey…

United States

How Airbnb Can Remain King Of The Hill

Simon Willmore Apr 27, 2017 0

In recent years, “experience-based” hospitality companies, such as have experienced a meteoric rise in revenue and new customers. Experience-based hospitality companies allow travelers to…

United States

Airbnb Brings Trips to Harlem

Simon Willmore Apr 3, 2017 0

recently announced the launch of its Trips platform in Harlem, New York, adding Experiences to the thousands of homes available for booking. Harlem Experiences offer a chance to get to…

Hotels

Airbnb takes Trips to Delhi

Mark Elliott Mar 28, 2017

Airbnb has launched its new Trips platform in New Delhi, adding 15 local experiences in the Indian capital. Launched in November 2016, Airbnb Trips offers visitors the chance to book…

Hotels

Airbnb brings local Trips to Thailand

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2017

Airbnb has launched its new Trips concept in Thailand, as it continues to diversify out of the accommodation sector. At a press conference held in Bangkok on Thursday (16 March 2017),…

Startups

GetYourGuide CEO: “Asia and the United States are our next big targets”

Kristin Mariano Jun 4, 2019

GetYourGuide has raised USD 484 million in its Series E funding to conquer the USD 183 billion experiences industry. As the global market for tours and activities grows in an unprecedented…

Technology

Travel tech this week: Amadeus partnerships and payments made easy

Kristin Mariano Mar 15, 2019

This week, we saw Amadeus has renewed some of its partnerships as well as alternative payments in the UK.

Face‑to‑Face

Joining offbeat trips is serious business: Q&A with Tripkada CEO April Cuenca

Simon Willmore Jan 23, 2018

I recently sat down with Tripkada's April Cuenca to learn more about how both she and the startup she built are disrupting the Philippine travel industry.

Awards

JLL’s Paavan Patel: Ensure guest experience enhancements are aligned with business objectives

Ana Alejandria Oct 24, 2024

JLL vice-president for advisory and asset management Paavan Patel shares his insights and recommendations for the Asian hospitality sector in this exclusive interview.

Global

Udman Hotels and Resorts Introduces Udman Luxe Villa

Kanchan Nath Oct 11, 2024

Udman Hotels and Resorts, a distinguished name in boutique and luxury hospitality, announces the grand opening of its newest venture—Udman Luxe Villa, in Chattarpur marking the brand's entry…

Guest Column

AI in Travel: Where are we at as of September 2024

Tony Carne Sep 2, 2024

For a little over a year now, I’ve been reporting weekly on all the developments happening with AI within the travel industry. To date through the Everything AI in Travel weekly newsletter…

Technology

Innovative Solutions to Tackle Overtourism: Lessons from the Globe

Liz Melewshkeivch Aug 22, 2024

Overtourism is a pressing concern in some of the world's most-visited countries. There, tourists impact the local infrastructure, disturb communities, and cause harm to natural environments

Features

Holiday happiness: 4 in 5 say that having a holiday greatly improves their mental wellbeing

Kanchan Nath Feb 28, 2024

New research released finds that UK adults spend 3 and a half days, or 84 hours, researching what to do or where to visit on their upcoming getaway.

Features

71% OF UK adults planning a holiday in 2024

Kanchan Nath Feb 16, 2024

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many of us are still trying to make sure that we get away, with almost three quarters of UK adults (71%) either already planning, or likely to go…

Guest Column

An Unforgettable Family Trip from Boston to Barcelona

Alex Martin Jan 19, 2024

The vibrant city of Barcelona is the perfect place for families to explore. Plan your journey to ensure that your family enjoys a unique and memorable experience in Barcelona. There are…

Global

Holiday Happiness: 4 in 5 say that having a holiday to look forward to greatly improves their mental wellbeing

Kanchan Nath Jan 19, 2024

On average, UK adults spend 3 and a half days, or 84 hours, researching what to do or where to visit on their upcoming getaway.

Hospitality

New short-stay rules in New York: Three months on, what does this trend mean for the wider travel space?

Kanchan Nath Dec 12, 2023

Nearly three months on the industry has had time to analyse the impact and reflect on what this means for the wider travel and tourism space, including those selling accommodation.

Technology

Top 5 travel apps worth downloading

Kanchan Nath Nov 30, 2023

Here is a list of 5 best travel apps you must have on phone if you are planning winter vacation. Say goodbye to travel troubles and hello to a hassle-free, enjoyable winter getaway!

Guest Column

Coconut Garden Retreat: A Peaceful 4 Bed Pool Villa Oasis in Samut Songkhram

Andrew Wood Oct 17, 2023

Coconut Garden Retreat: A Peaceful 4 Bed Pool Villa Oasis in Samut Songkhram Story and pictures by Andrew J Wood Samut Songkhram, THAILAND: Coconut Garden Retreat is a boutique…

MICE

Web in Travel releases theme and program and speakers for October conference in Singapore

Kanchan Nath Aug 17, 2023

Web in Travel (WiT), the global news and events platform focused on travel technology, has released the program and speakers for its WiT Singapore Conference, which takes place in the city’s…

Features

How short-term rental platforms in Asia can protect their hosts and customers

Kristin Mariano May 12, 2023

Travel demand in the Asia-Pacific region has been mounting as countries open back up, and with China lifting travel restrictions at the start of the year, more and more travellers will…

Eturbo News

A Billion Dollar Threat to Marriott and Hyatt’s Brand Reputation

Juergen T Steinmetz May 8, 2023 0

eTurboNews: The Vacation Owner concept at Marriott and Hyatt seems to be a master of deception. A billion Dollar brand confusion conspiracy. Read more: A Billion Dollar Threat to Marriott…

Eturbo News

Maya Luxe names new Chief Operating Officer

editor Mar 2, 2023 0

by: editor | Maya Luxe, a luxury villa rental company in the Riviera Maya, has appointed Meghann Cundall as its Chief Operating Officer. Full article: Maya Luxe names new Chief Operating…

Hospitality

5 key trends set to shape the hospitality industry in 2023 – Cloudbeds

Kristin Mariano Jan 6, 2023

The hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for lodging businesses around the globe, shares its predictions for the five key trends set to shape the…

Features

Top six unique European getaways for Valentine’s Day

Kanchan Nath Jan 4, 2023

A.M.A  Selections’ expertly selected properties and bespoke private experiences present an elevated, luxury alternative to Airbnb for those seeking a one of a kind Valentine’s Day break. …

Technology

Smart itineraries taking travel experience to next level – GlobalData

Kristin Mariano Jan 2, 2023

Innovation in the travel & tourism industry is on the rise, with many travel-assisted tools and services, including smart itineraries, popping up to enhance travellers' experience.…

Tourism

7 significant travel trends to expect in 2023

Kristin Mariano Dec 16, 2022

2022 marked a return to form for travel and tourism – and while there may be rising costs globally, it’s not stopping travellers from taking holidays and exploring the world. In fact,…

Global

OTAs raise concern with Penang Govt on short term rental plans

Kanchan Nath Oct 11, 2022

The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and its members submitted recommendations to the Penang State Government (Local Government Division) recently, regarding the proposed…

Tourism

10 expert tips for budget-friendly travelling

Kristin Mariano Jul 29, 2022

Google search interest for the phrase 'cheap summer holiday' has risen by almost 167% in the past month, as people look for budget-friendly getaways to recharge after two years of travel…

Tourism

WTTC introduces new report on best practices for short-term rentals

Megha Paul Jul 18, 2022

The report, ’Best practices for short-term rentals’, developed by WTTC with the support of Airbnb, leading global platform for short-term rentals, draws from the experiences of cities around…

New ways of travelling and digital innovation fuel the shift to a membership economy

Kristin Mariano Jun 3, 2022

Driven by tech innovation, changes in traveller behaviour and an inversion from transactional to relational interactions between brands and consumers, the membership economy is helping…

Today’s hotel guest is online and digitally savvy: What is your hotel doing to stand-out?

Megha Paul Mar 10, 2022

Tracy Dong, Principal Industry Consultant, IDeaS talks about how hoteliers who become more digitally reliant and plan their systems and approach accordingly will be better placed to attract…

STAAH unveils top 10 online booking channels for 2021

Megha Paul Jan 12, 2022

STAAH, one of the leading cloud-based hotel distribution and guest booking platforms, has unveiled the lists of online channels that brought the greatest booking revenue to hotels and…

Europe’s cheapest city breaks for 2022

Megha Paul Dec 20, 2021

The Romanian capital of Bucharest offers Europe’s cheapest city break, new research has revealed.

New form of ‘conscious travel’ as travellers look to contribute to communities

Megha Paul Dec 3, 2021

Travellers are more actively focused on enabling positive and empowering experiences for the communities they visit, new research shows

What does the future of travel look like?

Megha Paul Nov 17, 2021

Andrew Bate, CEO of Safely, talks about how continued uncertainty around travel restrictions and high vacation rental demand will impact travel choices this year

Interviews

SUPER SEVEN SERIES -2nd podcast drops – interviews with travel identities – who’s next?

cynthia dammerer Sep 8, 2021

In this series of seven podcasts, prominent travel identities chat to TellmeWhere2Go about adjusting to the Covid era. From travel restrictions to how they view the current state of their…

Features

Indians looking to live anywhere, explore nature getaways and offbeat locations when travel returns

Megha Paul Jul 9, 2021

Indians are looking at travel in newer ways and exploring flexible, nearby travel and travel to work remotely, according to new Airbnb and YouGov research

Tourism

HENRYs keen to cautiously return to pre-pandemic travel behaviour

Megha Paul Jun 2, 2021

HENRYs (those High Earners who are Not Rich Yet) are committed to discretionary travel spending despite shifting life priorities

Tourism

‘Slow travel’ could be the next big tourism trend

Kristin Mariano Jun 2, 2021

Pent-up demand for immersive travel experiences with no set time limit could help ‘slow travel’ become the next big tourism trend.

Startups

Tinder for travel: Swipe right in Flytinary

Kristin Mariano May 5, 2021

New travel app, Flytinary, aims to provide a one-stop travel experience which takes the legwork out of arranging trips and gets its users amazing prices.

Travel Agents

How is pandemic-related consumer behaviour impacting travel?

Joe Cusmano Apr 1, 2021

As travel companies eye industry recovery, they are also watching what consumer behaviours, triggered by the pandemic, might stick around in longer term.

Technology

STAAH reveals top online channels for 2020

Kristin Mariano Feb 5, 2021

The commission-free STAAH booking engine comes to hoteliers’ aid as the accommodation industry comes out of a pandemic-struck 2020.

Cruise

Sea Sick: Is Cruising still a Happy Business?

Dr. Elinor Garely - special to eTN Aug 24, 2020

The Cruise industry before COVID-19 generated $134 billion in travel and tourism revenue prompting CLIA to paint a rosy future. This was before COVID-19

Bloggers

Traveller or Tourist?

Silvia O'Donovan Jun 11, 2020

Innovation and the ability to accept and embrace change are the key elements that will make a difference in the landscape of any sector, not just travel. We’ve seen the last decade bring…

Singapore

How one travel tech startup will help prepare businesses for the “new normal”

Alastair Newport Jun 2, 2020

Singapore-based travel tech start-up, iko.travel, is providing a solution to the industry during some of its darkest days in generations by offering its technology and booking platform at no…

How short-term rentals will play a big role in 2020’s hot holiday trends

Tian Tolentino Jan 28, 2020

UK Short-Term Accommodation Association (STAA) has released a report stating that accommodation available in the UK short-term rental sector is ticking the boxes for 2020’s holiday trends.

Chinese New Year: Group travel explodes in 2020

Alastair Newport Jan 16, 2020

Ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year season, Airbnb reveals a surge in family travel during the holidays that boosts tourism in the region. Travellers choose to travel with their loved…

Hotels

5 technology trends for hotels this 2020

Tian Tolentino Jan 6, 2020

Guestline's chief technical officer Andrew Metcalfe offers his expertise into how the hospitality industry can stay competitive in the forthcoming year.

Guest Column

How to Build a Travel Service Customers Will Love

Django Stars Dec 11, 2019

With more than 100k flights, 1.5 million bookings made every day, and every tenth person in the world employed in travel services, it’s no surprise that the value of the travel industry, and…

Technology

The future of revenue management: What technologies and trends will shape its outlook?

Kristin Mariano Oct 13, 2019

Staying on top of what is needed to succeed today is hard, but what about two years or five years into the future? What do hoteliers need to know about where the industry is heading?

Guest Column

The Rough Guide to being a travel company in 2019

Jon Reay Sep 19, 2019

Digital is transforming all industries. Businesses are becoming ever more digital. In travel, you may still be selling holidays, flights or accommodation but the way you do it has…

Guest Column

The Industrial Revolutions of Hospitality

Jordan Hollander Sep 19, 2019

I have a friend who used to work in corporate finance at Apple, I remember the last year before she decided to leave - she wasn’t even invited to the Company’s splashy Christmas party at San…

Technology

GetMyBoat CEO: “We give an owner the tools they need”

Tian Tolentino Sep 3, 2019

In this interview, co-founder and CEO Sascha Mornell talks about the company's beginnings, how the platform works and why Eastern Europe should be on your radar.

Interviews

How a golf trip started a vacation rental platform

Tian Tolentino Jul 25, 2019

Like an ember starting a fire, Galen Cheng didn’t know that a simple golf trip to North Nicolas would lead to the creation of a new vacation rental platform.

Technology

Travel tech this week: Travellers favour alternative payments and more

Kristin Mariano Jul 25, 2019

This week, the rise of alternative payments is seen in many parts of Europe and Asia. This trend has a significant on travel as we may see a revolution on how we pay for goods and services.

Technology

Travel tech this week: The best travel brand, tickets for space and more

Kristin Mariano Jul 18, 2019

This week in the travel tech sector, TUI is hailed by independent consumers as the best travel brand trumping rivals Thomas Cook and Booking.com. Meanwhile, this could be your chance to go…

Tourism

Chinaboo: A deeper look at Chinese tourism in SEA

Kristin Mariano Jul 15, 2019

Chinese tourists are ubiquitous across the globe. Anywhere you turn, Chinese is present; even in the most remote tourist area in Africa. It could almost be said that there is no tourist spot…

Startups

Women travelling solo are truly “wanderful”

Kristin Mariano Jul 12, 2019

More women are heading out of their comfort zone and seek high-octane adventures that provide an opportunity to develop new skills and passions.

Tourism

The future of tourism: 7 travel trends you should know

Tian Tolentino May 30, 2019

According to the global consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, demographic changes, evolving needs and new technologies will change the landscape of tourism over the coming decades.

Technology

Travel tech this week: Starting a small revolution and more

Kristin Mariano May 16, 2019

This week, road transportation takes centre stage with Uber sharing speed data and Amadeus including Heycars in its system. A new app is launched that combines tech’s best products – social…

Technology

Travel tech this week: DXB Entertainments new B2B platform and more

Kristin Mariano May 2, 2019

This week, travel booking sites eSky and DXB Entertainments moved forward with their businesses. Meanwhile, UDrive and Rentals United received millions of funding.

Startups

Oyo says konnichiwa

Kristin Mariano Apr 5, 2019

Fresh from receiving a significant investment from Airbnb, Indian unicorn Oyo has struck a joint venture with Softbank Corp. to launch a hotel business in Japan.

Technology

Big Game: The hunt for an ‘end-to-end’ booking platform

Kristin Mariano Mar 12, 2019

There has been a long quest for that one name in travel that caters to the need of a traveller from beginning to end. That is the dream!

Global

Putting India on the wellness travel map

MILI SEMLANI Semlani Feb 26, 2019

The PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart (ATRTCM) took place in Rishikesh, India from 13-15 February. The travel mart and conference hosted over 130 delegates…

Hospitality

Breathing (OYO) Life into Japan’s home rental market

MILI SEMLANI Semlani Feb 25, 2019

After China, Indonesia and Malaysia; OYO is now spreading its wings further east into Japan.

Tourism

Cupid strikes the solo traveller

MILI SEMLANI Semlani Feb 8, 2019

This time, cupid has other plans and its target seems to be the solo traveller. Adventure travel expert Explore commissioned a survey into solo travel, which revealed that many people…

Tourism

How to combat overtourism

MILI SEMLANI Semlani Jan 31, 2019

With excessive tourism and, even more so, unsustainable tourism on the rise, the need for forming a World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) was inevitable.

Serviced Apartments

Home away from home: Here’s why serviced residences will flourish in 2019

Kristin Mariano Jan 28, 2019

WhyHotel CEO Jason Fudin claims business travellers and groups or families will continue to choose apartment products for their short stays in 2019.

Global

20 trend reports in 1: What travel will look like in 2019

Kristin Mariano Dec 31, 2018

Flooded with trend reports at the end of the year? TD has a special New Year's gift-- the lord of all trends reports to keep you on top of your game in 2019.

Global

Hotel channel managers: Key providers and how to choose one

Altexsoft Team Dec 30, 2018

In one Hotel Hell episode, lodge guests had to search for a front desk employee by themselves. Eventually, a bartender checked them in with a pen and notebook… 

Technology

Hotelbeds: Year-end review and forecast trends for 2019

Tian Tolentino Dec 11, 2018

Tech provider and distributor Hotelbeds has released industry comments and insights about the year in travel and its forecasts for 2019.

Hotels

“Independents are the true pioneers of the future in travel”: Preferred Hotels’ MD

Alastair Newport Nov 15, 2018

Last week in the first part of my interview with Josephine Lim – MD of Preferred Hotels in Southeast Asia -- we discussed what it takes to become a member of the prestigious group and its…

Travel agency software: Choosing tools for booking, accounting, marketing, and tour building

Altexsoft Team Nov 2, 2018

This article was originally published as a blog post by AltexSoft. It is published here with permission. Despite the recent charge toward using OTAs, a recent study showed that offline…

Tourism

Rugby sevens in Africa draws tourism

Kristin Mariano Oct 12, 2018

Rugby sevens in Africa is fast becoming a tourism drawcard, attracting overseas spectators.

Hotels

HOTECH 2020: “The guest of the future won’t search for a room or a hotel”

Alastair Newport Oct 9, 2018

As travel increasingly becomes a popular lifestyle choice among the growing middle and upper classes in Asia, gross travel bookings are projected to register strong growth from 2017 to 2020.…

Technology

“Travelling has never been as hassle-free” says Klook COO, after highest-ever funding round

Kristin Mariano Aug 21, 2018

After closing USD 200 million Series D funding, Klook has become the most-funded company in the tours and activities sector. The new unicorn company now has the ammunition to expand…

Technology

Travltalk: Changing the way we travel, chat and socialise

MILI SEMLANI Semlani Jul 27, 2018

The newly launched location-based mobile app Travltalk is aiming to change the way millennial explorers, backpackers that roam the world seeking adventure and authentic local experiences.

Entrepreneurs

Project Deepblu dives into adventure travel

Simon Willmore Jun 29, 2018

We talk to marketing professional and Bitcoin-based entrepreneur James Tsuei about his new environment project

Hospitality

New Orleans temporarily bans short-term rentals

Kristin Mariano May 29, 2018

New Orleans has hit the pause button on adding more short-term rentals in the city, as the local council conducts further study on the effects of transient accommodations.

Tourism

Keep calm and carry on spending: 20% of Brits will spend more on holidays in 2018

Alastair Newport May 22, 2018

The classic British summer is an annual farce in which we all partake, lurching from heat waves (British heat waves not proper heat waves) to torrential downpours. Weather forecasts aren’t…

Technology

Tripcents launches iOS app for travel planning

Kristin Mariano May 16, 2018

Tripcents, a travel budgeting app for the millennial traveler, officially launched its iOS version. Gone are the days when we used to blow out our credit cards during trips. This new app…

Entrepreneurs

Vietnamese traveltech startup Triip raises new funding round, readies itself for ICO

Simon Willmore Apr 23, 2018

Ho Chi Minh City-based travel tech startup Triip has announced that it has raised an undisclosed funding round from Japanese strategic investor Gaiax and Vietnamese angel investor Nguyen…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Booking.com’s battle to claim OTA market share in India

Simon Willmore Apr 12, 2018

The fight for market share in India is heating up as the Amsterdam-headquartered OTA lists more non-hotel options. This is in light of Booking.com’s recent announcement that it offers five…

Air

7 tips for building a successful mobile booking app for OTAs, airlines and hotels

Altexsoft Team Apr 10, 2018

Travel customer expectations have changed significantly over the last several years. As with other consumer-focused industries, near universal smartphone and tablet adoption has affected…

Travel Agents

Priceline Group rebrands as Booking Holdings

Simon Willmore Feb 23, 2018

In the business of travel, names matter. So why has the Priceline Group, which operates in over 40 languages across more than 220 countries and territories, come out under a new name?

Luxury Travel

Stay One Degree: First social network for luxury home rentals

Tian Tolentino Feb 2, 2018

As the sharing economy continues to grow, more and more consumers are enjoying the convenience and flexibility it brings to the table. Brands like YouTube, Uber, and Airbnb have had a major…

Entrepreneurs

Travel tech innovation race at full speed with ‘Hotel Jumpstart’

Simon Willmore Jan 15, 2018

Five companies recently pitched for Hotel Jumpstart, a mentorship-driven accelerator programme to support the most innovative travel tech startups.

Startups

Packdat start-up! Disrupting the travel market with Felix Lee

Simon Willmore Jan 3, 2018 6

Felix Lee Zheng De looks like any other Singaporean engineering student: lanky, bespectacled, wearing jeans and trainers, raring to go anywhere. What sets this twenty-something apart is that…

Tourism

Sweden welcomes record number of UK visitors

Jill Sayles Nov 20, 2017 16

The past year has seen UK visitor numbers to Sweden soar, new campaigns, new tourism products and the launch of three new flights from the UK. Annual figures from Visit Sweden show that…

UK

ETOA pushes for faster digital travel legislation

Jill Sayles Jun 1, 2017

Technology and its ever-evolving usage has transformed the visitor economy in recent years. It has altered the way travellers research, book and enjoy their experiences, as well as…

United States

GuesttoGuest Expands World’s Largest Home Exchange Community and Bolsters U.S. Market with Purchase of HomeExchange

Simon Willmore May 14, 2017 0

The $35 Million raised is part of an aggressive plan to reach one million users by 2019GuesttoGuest, the largest global community for home exchange, announced today that it has acquired…

United States

Q&A with Eric Breon, CEO of Vacasa.com

Simon Willmore Apr 24, 2017 0

Eric Breon is the CEO of Vacasa.com, which launched about the same time as Airbnb, but is quite different in its business model. We sat down with Eric to chat about the vacation rental…

UK

Brits shun domestic attractions for international travel

Aaron Greenwood Mar 28, 2017

Brits are more likely to have visited the Eiffel Tower than the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, and more people have been to the Empire State Building than the Angel of the North,…