Expedia Plans AI Tweaks, Officially Launches ‘One Key’ Loyalty Program in U.S.
As earning and burning points on vacation rentals become the norm, maybe even Airbnb will launch a loyalty program one day.
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.
Behind the Source of the Viral ‘Airbnb Collapse’ Data
Who came out looking bad here? Nick Gerli and AllTheRooms, in particular, as well as the media that took him at his word about the source of the data.
Kayak’s Steve Hafner on the Expedia-Hopper Clash
Hopper critics see blood in the water. But the company has a loyal following among younger people that rivals would die for. Hopper has altered course many times before, and can make changes to shift the momentum.
Exclusive: Expedia Terminates Its Hopper Relationship, Says It ‘Exploits Consumer Anxiety’
Expedia ended its supplier relationship with Hopper over a variety of business practices it finds abhorrent. Was there a competitive motive involved, as well? Yup.
3 Airlines and the FAA Join Google to Assess Flight Emissions
All would admit that the way online travel companies display the climate impact of flights is vague and inadequate. But help is on the way.
Airbnb Takes Another Step to Keep Users From Straying Off-Platform
Airbnb plans to discontinue its email alias feature, citing safety reasons and aiming to prevent direct bookings outside of its platform.
Google Travel Boss Richard Holden Has Been Replaced
Kudos to Google for bringing some diversity into the leadership of Google Travel. Left unanswered is whether the leadership changes portend any strategic shifts.
Vacation Rental Management Association Seeks New Allies and a Stronger Voice
The VRMA is known for its conferences and networking. Kimberly Miles is trying to broaden its partnerships and make it more relevant.
Google and Booking.com Poised for Fallout From EU’s ‘Gatekeeper’ Restrictions
The fine print would ultimately determine the financial impact of the Digital Markets Act. But the fact that Booking Holdings filed a statement from Booking.com with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about it this week means it believes the repercussions could be material to its operations.
Booking Is Trying to Acquire a Flights Seller. Europe Would Be Wrong to Block It.
The European Commission's logic appears to be that any strengthening of Booking.com — even in its flights business — would bolster its grip on the hotel business. Deal or no deal, Booking is committed to expanding in flights.