Airbnb Acquires Luxury Retreats and 8 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.

>>Big data, AI, and geo-fencing are coming together to reshape the hotel guest experience: What Marriott Learned From Starwood’s Loyalty and Digital Expertise

>>Professionally managed and do-it-yourself rentals are two very different types of hospitality businesses: New Skift Research Report: The State of the Global Vacation Rental Market 2017

>>Onefinestay’s parent company, Accor, and homesharing juggernaut, Airbnb, aren’t the only companies interested in the traditional vacation rental market: Onefinestay CEO: The Vacation Rental Market Is Fragmented and Ripe for Disruption

>>For Hilton, focusing on building direct customer relationships, improving loyalty, and launching new brands will always be top priorities, at least for this year: Hilton CEO: Spinoffs Have Freed Us Up for Organic Growth, More Direct Bookings

>> …And here comes Airbnb Lux: Airbnb Acquires Vacation Rental Company Luxury Retreats, Officially Moves Into Luxury

>>As a growing company with global ambitions and a $3 billion stockpile, Airbnb wants to buy stuff. You can expect that more acquisitions are on the way: Airbnb’s Buy of Luxury Retreats Is Latest of a Dozen Acquisitions

>>Companies like Marriott International, with its strong global presence, are in a good position to capitalize on hotel demand that may shift away from the U.S. due to political concerns: Marriott CEO Says U.S. Travel Ban Financial Impact Is Minor, But May Deter Groups

>>Choice talks a good game about its SkyTouch subsidiary. But signs point to continued heartache: Choice Hotels Wants to Sell a Technology Division That Struggled to Break Even

>>Hyatt just now realized consumers like wellness brands? Hyatt Can’t Wait to Expand New Wellness Brand Miraval