Mixing Artificial Intelligence and Travel Agents and 9 Digital Trends This Week

Every week we post hundreds of stories across various sectors in travel, connecting the dots across various global trends, and in these weekend posts we highlight the stories that tackle these trends. This one looks at top digital trends.

For all of our trends roundups, go here.

>>Everyone else wants to cut travel agents out. Lola wants to deal them in: Lola’s Booking Experiment Mixing Artificial Intelligence and Travel Agents Is Live

>>Blockchain technology has the potential to disrupt nearly every aspect of every industry imaginable: Why Airbnb and Other Travel Brands Are Interested in Blockchain Technology

>>This campaign proves that incredible visuals and a killer sense of perspective go a long way: Starwood’s New Instagram Video Ad Brings Waikiki to Your Smartphone

>>Take this ranking with a grain of salt: Which Sharing Economy Services Protect User Data From the Government?

>>Travel brands have been chomping at the bit for a “book now” button in Instagram: Marriott and Trivago Sign on to New Ad Product for Facebook and Instagram

>>Connection options at the major hotel chains are improving significantly: Wi-Fi at Hotels: The Battle Over Free Vs. Fee

>>The top 10 spenders in 2016 spent a total $238.7 million: Top-Spending Travel Brands for U.S. TV Advertising So Far This Year

>>Many business travelers have yet to adopt mobile or online solutions to keep track of their spending: 4 Charts on the Reality of Expenses in U.S. and UK Corporate Travel

>>Don’t laugh, the day when travelers can book a flight or hotel using only their voice isn’t far off: Kayak Trials Search by Amazon Echo and More Digital Marketing News This Week