Airbnb Transforms Into a Super Brand and 4 Other Hospitality Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines hospitality.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Here’s our deep dive into all the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as Airbnb transforms itself into a super brand of travel: Airbnb Is Betting Big on Its New Trips Product, But Can It Really Deliver?

>>In a world that seems in constant flux, luxury travelers are pivoting a bit. They’re prioritizing a stronger connection among themselves and with the people they meet: Amid Global Tension, Luxury Hotel Brands Emphasize Human Connection

>>Using geolocation to push offers to guests is a good idea, in theory, but hotels need to be very mindful they don’t overload or annoy their guests in the process. And given all the data breaches we’ve seen over the past few months alone, they need to be a lot more careful: More Hotels Are Planning to Use Location-Based Services to Interact With Guests

>>The hospitality industry continues to tweak its various loyalty programs. But is this what customers really want? La Quinta’s New Loyalty Play Foreshadows a Major Relaunch in 2017

>>Will the Amazon Echo eventually become the new iHome docking station of the past? Wynn Las Vegas Bets Big on Amazon Echo and Voice-Activated Rooms