2013 › October

A simple user experience appears to be the most important factor in increasing mobile adoption. Although 90 percent of travelers say technology helps them when traveling, a deeper usability has yet to be reached.

Airbnb is entering its first year with David Hantman in charge of figuring out its approach to the patchwork of laws that Airbnb largely ignores. Expect a smarter approach from the company as it tries to win more support and prep for an IPO.

All the elements that need to be present in a great tourism video -- creative landscape visuals, people having fun, non-generic voiceovers, right music --- fit in well in this one. Maybe BrandUSA should learn from this, or better still, maybe hire Tourism Australia to do all its marketing? Is that even possible?

The transaction is official, which means the real work now lies ahead.

JetBlue's Mint service will be disruptive in that competitors will likely match the $599 to $999 one-way fares. Competition like this should shake things up.

The Best Western brand is present worldwide in the form of converted or independent hotels. Building seamless technology for customers and operations is a tough task, but superior quality will eventually breed positive branding.