European Commission Will Block Booking’s Acquisition of eTraveli
If the European Commission's decision isn't overturned, one implication may be that Booking.com would be precluded in practice from making major acquisitions. Period.
Dennis Schaal is Skift’s Founding Editor and Executive Editor. Dennis has been a reporter focusing on online travel and short-term rentals for more than two decades at Skift, Tnooz, USA Today, and Travel Weekly. He is well-known for tough one-on-one interviews on stage at Skift events, including with the CEOs and top execs of Expedia, Uber, Booking Holdings, Priceline, Kayak, Hopper, and more.
Airbnb’s NYC Listings Could Be Down 70% after September 5
Airbnb will survive the regulatory clampdown in New York City as it only generated about 1% of its 2022 revenue. Still, the city is an important market, and this will hurt.
New York City Has Approved Only 257 Short-Term Rental Registrations Ahead of September 5 Deadline
New York City's short-term rental choices will be a shadow of their former selves starting September 5. That's good for neighbors tired or parties and nuisances, but bad for hosts and travelers looking for affordable visits.
You Can Still Book Some Flights on Google – For Now
If Google wants to build its flight price guarantee, it has the challenge that it always had with Book on Google — find airlines content to having their customers get into the Google habit.
American Airlines’ Lawsuit Against Ticket Consolidator Reveals Details About Hidden Practices
The whole airline consolidator business model lends itself to cutting corners and difficulties in enforcing contractual rules.
American Airlines Sues Skiplagged, Alleging False Savings Promises and Deceptive Practices
How long will it be before American Airlines' flight content gets removed from Skiplagged? Hint: Southwest sued and its flights are gone.
When Hosts Grudgingly Serve as Quasi-Travel Insurance
Few issues are as divisive among short-term rental hosts, property managers, online travel agencies and guests as refund policies following hurricanes, wildfires, and pandemics.
Hostelworld Gets Even More Social
Dublin-based Hostelworld has integrated its own social network into its business to such a degree that is materially helping its financials.
Vrbo Refund Reversal in Maui Was an Exception
Vrbo reversed its longstanding guest-refund policy for the wildfires in Maui – for the first time, guests would be entitled to full refunds.
Vrbo Reverses Long-Standing Guest Refund Policy in Maui
Vrbo risks a host backlash but is doing the right thing for guests. As opposed to the articulated policies, how this all works out in practice is another matter.