Isaac Carey

Cvent continues to stay on the forefront of new digital technology for meetings and events, but it still faces difficulties in user experience. At Cvent Connect last week, the company spoke about how it can use its new features to improve usability, as well as more long-term plans to get at the heart of the issue.

The company is doing well, considering it's operating in one of the most difficult markets for business travel. Now it's hinting at new, out-of-the-box products, but we'll have to wait and see what those are.

The company has developed in a fractured and decentralized way. Going back in time to change the underlying foundation will not be easy, especially if Cvent keeps acquiring new businesses.

Sure enough, more travel companies are starting to inch toward direct booking. Southwest has always been a leader in this area among the big U.S. carriers, and this move will help it do more business with corporate travelers.

Some of the bigger destinations on the list are obvious, but there is a lot of movement among smaller, less high-profile cities. In many ways, this movement comes down to what investments a destination makes into infrastructure and experiences.

This week in digital news, be sure to check out our list of 2018's top-paid CEOs in online travel. We also look at how hospitality startup Sonder plans to use its new funds, and explore Sunweb's growth strategy as a tour package company in Europe.

This week in tourism, we explore why UNESCO kept Venice off its list of cities in danger and look at the challenges facing the U.S. as a destination. Plus, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the most exciting players in travel.

This week in hospitality, Oyo is jostling to become one of the largest hotel brands worldwide, expanding aggressively into new markets and leveraging its ability to offer lower prices. Meanwhile, Marriott encounters difficulties related to resort fees and a recent data breach.

This week in aviation, Delta's investment in its loyalty program leads to happy customers and better business. Plus, we make a tough choice as to what we believe it the most exciting region for airlines so far this year. Check out the story to read where it is and why.

There is a lot of buzz around what new distribution technology will do or won't do for the industry, but really only one thing is certain: It's way too early to tell.