Priceline Group Changes Its Name 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.

>>How is Travelport competing against much bigger companies like Sabre and Amadeus? By creating technology solutions its clients actually want to use while expanding in the world’s fastest-growing regions for travel: Travelport Is Diversifying With Strong Growth in Payments Tech

>>The name change to Booking Holdings reflects the reality that Booking.com dominates the parent company’s business. Although the parent company still calls Connecticut home, the balance of power shifted long ago to Amsterdam: Priceline Group Changes Name to Reflect Booking.com’s Power

>>A lot of work needs to be done to improve the ability of hotels to sell to planners in smarter and more efficient ways. A variety of event technology companies are working on it, but the process of building trust among stakeholders will likely take some time: Social Tables CEO on Breaking Down Barriers for Meeting Planners

>>Even big travel management companies, which usually resist change, are planning ahead to better anticipate traveler and travel manager needs. No one’s quite sure when this more connected and insightful future will arrive, though: Corporate Travel Agencies Build for a More Complex Future

>>The foundational work is being done to help corporate travel catch up to online travel in terms of booking technology and service delivery, although no one is really sure when the foundational work will end: Personalization Is the Next Big Step in Corporate Travel

>>Road trips remain incredibly popular in many parts of the world and are a great way to get off the beaten path. RVShare’s new CEO, an ex-HomeAway executive, is likely looking to capture more than the sliver of the market it currently has: RVShare Raises $50 Million: Travel Startup Funding This Week