Skift Take
This week in digital news we examined two very different things that many travel companies don't understand: WeChat and blockchain. WeChat is already important for travel companies that want to engage with Chinese travelers; blockchain may become so.
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.
>>Wego got its start in 2005. But it only found a path to scaling up recently when it shifted its focus from Asia to the Gulf States: Travel Search Engine Wego Labored in Asia but Found Its Footing in the Gulf States
>>The smartest travel companies are beginning to buy startups that may not be central to their main businesses or help them consolidate market share, but could boost the innovation metabolism of their motherships: Travel Megatrends 2018: Mergers and Acquisitions Focus on Strategic Innovation
>>Voice will change the current travel marketing funnel much faster than we think. Savvy marketers and technologists should begin thinking about ways to make an impact on this burgeoning channel: Voice Search Will Change Travel Marketing Faster Than You Think
>>Whether or not you agree with this, it’s certainly an idea worth contemplating as everyone and everything in the travel industry are beginning to converge. Whatever you decide, please don’t shoot the messenger: Why Expedia or Priceline Might Just Be the Next Great Hotel Brand
>>WeChat may be key for travel brands and destinations looking to appeal to Chinese outbound travelers. However, brands need to go beyond simply copying and pasting content from western social media to see the kind of payoff they are hoping for: New Skift Research Report: WeChat Strategies for Global Travel Brands 2018
>>Ctrip isn’t pursuing U.S. travelers aggressively yet, but it will. The Trip.com deal was small, but might be seen as an early indicator: Ctrip Chairman Believes His Company’s the Answer for U.S. Travelers Headed to Asia
>>Event technology is complicated. But as competing platforms develop the capability to work together, a more flexible future will be possible for planners: Event Technology Will Be Transformational
>>Some companies are betting big on blockchain’s bandwagon effect. Time will tell whether the new technology materializes into cheaper, better, and faster travel experiences: Travel Megatrends 2018: Blockchain Will Spark a New Type of Tech Race in Travel
>>Laughing all the way to the bank is even more fun when you’re in the back seat of a chauffeured car. The founders of the Berlin-based professional driver service Blacklane have received significant funding from an investor in the Gulf States, a growing regional source of investment for travel companies: Blacklane Raises $40 Million: Travel Startup Funding This Week
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Tags: blockchain, digital, Travel Trends, trends roundups, wechat
Photo credit: When it comes to WeChat, many travel brands might be tempted to copy and paste content from western social media. That won't work. WeChat