Expedia's Voice Bookings and 7 Other Digital Trends This Week

>>Voice-based search will not only have technology issues to overcome, but in an era when news of data breaches is commonplace, companies such as Expedia will have to address the personalization and privacy issues as well: Expedia Brings Voice Bookings, Cancellations and Rewards to Google Assistant

>>Both TripAdvisor and Booking.com are newly emphasizing tours and activities in their TV advertising. You can expect a lot more of this from myriad players in the years to come. There will be variations, though. While these two companies push mainstream, touristy attractions, Airbnb will likely highlight curated experiences, although that could change, as well: TripAdvisor Is Debuting Tours and Activities TV Ads in the Sector’s Breakout Year

>>There was a lot to take in at Skift Global Forum this year. Now videos from the entire two-day event are available to see whatever you missed: Skift Global Forum 2018 On-Stage Videos Are Now Live

>>Supplemental flight data like Wi-Fi availability and seat pitch is slowly coming to online search. Ctrip's entry may accelerate that: Ctrip Will Show Frequent Flyer Earnings With Searches

>>So far as we know, a planned mobile app from Puerto Rico will be the first by any tourism board that offers text-based help for visitors from local concierges while they're in a destination. Other efforts at enhancing the digital marketing of the island's businesses show promise, too: Puerto Rico Takes New Digital Steps to Enhance Tourism Efforts

>>Flyers want technology to improve their experience going through security checkpoints and when dealing with the nightmare of a travel disruption. Airlines need to do more to smooth over the pain points, and mobile technology can help them do it: Airline Passengers Welcome More Digital Solutions to Common Travel Problems

>>Mastercard is launching new best rate and service guarantees, which should help woo some travel-focused customers away from American Express: Mastercard Adds New Hotel Benefits for Elite Cardholders

>>Until recently, venture capital didn't invest in property management companies and hotel development. While consumer demand for new hospitality services is strong, we wonder if the business models behind Stay Alfred, The Guild, Domio, and others can scale up: Stay Alfred Raises $47 Million for Serviced Rentals: Travel Startup Funding This Week