Online Travel News

These articles delve into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are shaping the online booking landscape, ensuring that industry insiders stay informed and prepared for change. These stories cover essential topics such as the development of innovative booking platforms, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in personalizing travel options, and the impact of mobile technology on customer behavior. Additionally, the news stories highlight the growing importance of user-generated content and reviews in shaping consumer decisions, and the role of social media in the online travel booking ecosystem. Skift’s stories examine the competitive landscape and offer insights into the successes and challenges faced by major online travel agencies (OTAs), startups, and traditional travel companies transitioning to the digital space.

Online Travel

Tripadvisor’s Inflection Point: Viator Surpasses Hotels

Tripadvisor sees itself increasingly relying on a fast-growing but profit-challenged Viator, and a hotel metasearch business that big advertisers are less committed to than in the past. Tough stuff.

Tripadvisor’s Inflection Point: Viator Surpasses Hotels

Online Travel

Booking.com Highlights its Short-Term Rental Strategy in India

Investing in the country's alternative accommodations is a timely bet, especially with the pandemic speeding up the adoption of this segment.

Booking.com Highlights its Short-Term Rental Strategy in India

Online Travel

Despegar Is Opening Stores in Brazil and Argentina

You probably won't see many credit card machines at Despegar's stores or booths in Argentina. But you will see travelers with cash.

Despegar Is Opening Stores in Brazil and Argentina

Online Travel

Booking Hopes Its Kayak Brand Can Help Save eTraveli Deal

Booking Holdings' proposed remedy to push through its pending deal to acquire eTraveli Group may not be enough. Perhaps additional concessions or litigation are in the offing.

Booking Hopes Its Kayak Brand Can Help Save eTraveli Deal

Online Travel

Air Canada Adds Cancel for Any Reason Feature in Partnership With Hopper

Expedia's criticisms of Hopper's fintech products don't seem to be hurting Hopper's ability to enter into new partnerships.

Air Canada Adds Cancel for Any Reason Feature in Partnership With Hopper

Online Travel

Airbnb, Booking and Expedia Generate Strong Cash Flow

Today's edition of Skift's daily podcast looks closer at online travel agencies’ cash flow, Saudi Arabia’s tourism investments, and Virtuoso’s sales boom.

Airbnb, Booking and Expedia Generate Strong Cash Flow

Online Travel

Airbnb and Booking Keep the Cash Flowing

We saw during the pandemic how important it was for companies to have plenty of cash and the ability to borrow more. Airbnb and Booking Holdings have ample resources for big things on their to-do lists.

Airbnb and Booking Keep the Cash Flowing

Online Travel

The Surging Travel Demand in Europe and Asia

Today's edition of Skift's daily podcast looks closer at junk fees in Texas, price hikes at tourist landmarks, and increasing travel demand in Europe and Asia.

The Surging Travel Demand in Europe and Asia

Online Travel

Texas Sues Booking Holdings For Not Disclosing Junk Fees Upfront

This likely won't be the last lawsuit against online travel companies related to allegedly deceptive fees because Booking Holdings is not the lone party handling fees in this way.

Texas Sues Booking Holdings For Not Disclosing Junk Fees Upfront

Hotels

Hotels and OTAs First-Half Report: Growth Shifts to Europe and Asia

The major hotels and OTA companies reported strong earnings this month, signaling robust travel demand despite economic uncertainties. The companies most skewed to Asia now offer the greatest potential for growth and share price gains.

Hotels and OTAs First-Half Report: Growth Shifts to Europe and Asia