Sean O'Neill, Skift
The conventional wisdom has been that the online travel market in Latin America will narrow down to a fight between Expedia-supported Despegar and global brands like Booking.com. But Almundo, thanks to backing from Iberostar, might put up a meaningful fight.
2 days ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
Ctrip's revenue growth has remained in line with forecasts, but its costs are rising. More interestingly, the online travel giant has branched out into hotel management by providing data services and marketing support to franchisees for a new brand, Rezen.
6 days ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
No one saw that Argentina's economy would take such a bad turn this year. But Despegar, based in Buenos Aires, is making moves to weather the storm after its market valuation has been slashed in half.
6 days ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
When it comes to Google and its hotels redesign, few things are all or nothing. TripAdvisor can worry that Google now has more traveler photos and reviews, but some of them are from TripAdvisor. Hotel websites and phone numbers get featured, but clicking on a book button brings customers to an online travel agency site. In travel, it's never winner take all.
2 weeks ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
Kiwi has grown fast without venture capital or marketing gimmicks. The online travel agency's story shows what it takes for a startup to scale today. Its story also reveals the long shadows cast by the mighty travel conglomerates.
4 weeks ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
Hopper's survival is a testament to the perseverance of its founders, though it's an understatement to say it takes them a long time to scale their products up. The startup is also now overpriced, based on its funding, for most potential acquirers — except maybe for Airbnb.
1 month ago
Bloomberg
Chinese online travel may be imperiled from increasing regulation as well as the trade war and aggressive rhetoric between the U.S. and China. On the other hand, the Chinese middle class will not be denied; their passports are ready.
2 months ago
Patrick Whyte, Skift
Oyo's surprise move represents a big threat to the likes of Whitbread-owned Premier Inn, which has been a dominant force in the UK scene over the past few years. We'll have to wait for more details to see just how serious a player it might become.
2 months ago
Seth Borko, Skift Research
Does Expedia or Booking have the energy to launch their booking apps in four local Indian dialects? Maybe not, but MakeMyTrip does, and that local effort matters.
2 months ago
Seth Borko, Skift Research
Emerging markets will shape the future of the travel industry but each region requires a unique strategy. MakeMyTrip and Despegar, online travel leaders in India and Latin America, provide distinct insights into how to succeed their respective home markets.
2 months ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
Ctrip sacrificed some revenue growth to defend its market share in hotel bookings from rivals like Meituan. The competition shows no sign of abating.
2 months ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
HotelTonight is no longer a mobile-only company. It's no longer just for same-day stays, as its name once implied. Investors seem to want no potential income left on the table, even if the brand must lose some of its original distinctiveness.
2 months ago