This promotional tour from Airbnb to tout Airbnb Adventures clearly backfired because of traveler outrage and difficulties in booking and paying for the one-time trip. It's not an opportune start for Airbnb's tour initiative, which may be a tad more complex than Airbnb anticipates.
The travel industry has its own set of unique challenges when it comes to getting cross-border payments right. There are a few key tactics that can turn a good payments strategy into a great one.
Travel Leaders is one of the first travel giants to turn overtourism into an opportunity. It's teaming up with industry partners and academia to raise awareness, seek solutions, and push for sustainable business practices.
Viewing travel costs as an opportunity rather than a necessary evil can help businesses become stronger, in terms of both morale and revenue. Making this shift is hard, and it's unclear how many companies are ready to commit.
Global companies with a high volume of travelers, take note. Tight travel budgets and overly strict travel policies don't make for happy or productive employees.
Reducing food waste and environmental impacts are proving to be difficult for meeting planners. The sector's antiquated way of doing business is holding up progress at a moment when widespread change is necessary.
Big-name tour operators aren't losing sleep over Airbnb Adventures. But some are indeed paying close attention, which is prudent. Just ask European airlines, which underestimated the emergence of Ryanair and EasyJet, and would love to have a do-over.