Ctrip-Backed Chinese Booking Sites Plan Merger and 5 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.

>>TripAdvisor will continue fighting to get a bigger piece of the online travel booking pie in 2018. It’s a familiar refrain at this point: TripAdvisor CEO Sees Mobile Leading to More In-Destination Engagement

>>Ctrip — with the help of some useful allies — continues to dominate China’s fast-expanding travel industry. It will be interesting to see whether 2018 brings further expansion into Europe and North America: Ctrip-Backed Chinese Booking Sites Plan Merger

>>When attendees can leave your meeting with a click of the mouse, you’d better keep them engaged: Virtual Meetings Need More Than a Flawless Livestream To Be Successful

>>Virtual and hybrid meetings are growing in popularity, but smart planners need to develop a strategy that integrates live events and digital meetings into a cohesive program: Virtual Tech Brings New Challenges — Meetings Innovation Report

>>”According to Skift” has become the new lingo in travel. That is a really big deal. It’s about reputation. Perception. Image. Skift has become an authority. As the “go-to source.” As the expert. We are very proud: According to Skift: The New Lingo In Travel

>>It would be bad if Chrome River spent all of its newfound money on travel and entertainment. But at least it would be able to expense it efficiently if it did: Chrome River Raises $35 Million for Expense Software: Travel Startup Funding This Week