Microsoft Bets on Artificial Intelligence and 7 Other Digital 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 digital trends.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>While European Union competition authorities might be happy with the results of their crackdowns, it doesn’t look like much has changed. The market still makes it difficult for both smaller online travel agencies and the hotels themselves to compete: Hotels Still Afraid to Take on Expedia and Booking.com Despite Rule Changes

>>Travel is more exciting than a well composed and prop-heavy Instagram shot would let on. We think it’s time to start letting go: It’s Time to Rethink the Travel Instagram Aesthetic

>>Can a legacy brand like Flight Centre really transform itself and get more digital and global? Flight Centre Invests $7 Million for Stake in Leading Argentinian Booking Site

>>Microsoft thinks that voice-powered internet gives it a shot — via voice assistant Cortana — at upending today’s travel search funnel, which is dominated by Google’s search results. The theory’s plausible, but Microsoft needs to move faster to win: Microsoft Bets on Artificial Intelligence to Help It Succeed Again in Travel

>>American Express Global Business Travel is investing in technology to give travelers better digital tools and a more streamlined booking experience: CEO Interview: How American Express GBT Tackles Innovation

>>Big corporate travel players are finding solutions to improve the experience for their travelers. American Express Global Business Travel’s acquisition of booking tech company KDS last year shows one way forward: The Digital Battle to Improve Traveler Experience — Skift Corporate Travel Innovation Report

>>Technology-driven innovation has done wonders for airline industry stock prices. But is that innovation also doing wonders for passengers? Right now the answer seems to be no: The Airline Industry’s Tech Problem — Digital Marketing News This Week

>>Startups raise funding for booking platforms for serviced apartments, event spaces, and branded budget hotels, while one Indian booking site gets a new investor owner: HotelPlanner Picks up TravelTicker: Travel Startup Funding This Week