Airbnb snaps up Fondu team for talent and perhaps local guide expertise
Skift Take
The apartment-hire company has made its own attempts to build out local expertise and the Fondu acquisition should give it the framework for building out further.
Airbnb has “acqhired” Fondu, maker of a “bite-size restaurant review” iPhone app.
The Fondu team will join Airbnb’s product group in San Francisco, but other assets of the company were not purchased. The service, which focused on recommendations from trusted friends, is to be shut down Nov. 1.
Fondu CEO Gauri Maglik noted that the two companies share a common goal of helping users discover offline experiences.
Up Next
Airlines
Are Loyalty Programs Fair? The Backlash Against Airlines’ Most Valuable Asset
Airlines don’t release much data on their massively profitable loyalty programs. But scrutiny from the government and consumers have led some to wonder, are these programs worth it?
Short-Term Rentals
New AirDNA CEO Tries to Brush Away the ‘Cobwebs’ at Its Property Management Brand
What if market analytics firm CoStar launched a property management system for hotels? That's the play that AirDNA is making in the short-term rentals industry. AirDNA will go at it with its own data analytics brand as well as its Uplifting brand in the PMS arena.
Airlines
Greenland’s Growing Pains? New Flights Open the Island to the World
Upgraded airports and nonstop flights are opening Greenland to more visitors. Managing growth while preserving its unique environment and culture will be critical to long-term success.
Online Travel
Building Travel Brand Love through Content and Culture
Aligning with major cultural moments can help brands connect with the right audience at the right time. Live sports, music tours, and shopping events like Prime Day can unlock huge opportunities for travel advertisers to build long-term loyalty and drive bookings.
Sponsored Hotels
IHG’s Luxury Brands Tap Multi-Generation Travel for Growth
IHG is revamping its luxury suites and rolling out new training to help cater to a rising trend in multi-generational travel. Who knew family values could be such good business?