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Dennis' Online Travel Briefing

Every Wednesday, Executive Editor and online travel rockstar Dennis Schaal brings readers exclusive reporting and insight into the business of online travel and digital booking, and how this sector has an impact across the travel industry.

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Online Travel

Expedia and Marriott Claim Progress on Proliferation of Rogue Hotel Rates

Rogue wholesale rates on metasearch sites are the gifts that keep on giving — for travelers and the metasearch sites. Expedia and Marriott seem to be making some progress on the issue.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Booking Site Declines in June Could Signal Softening of Blockbuster Summer

Please check your pandemic-era assumptions at the door. Hotels have gained ground on online travel agencies. Also, the blockbuster summer travel season may be slightly less so.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Do Travel Agents Matter in Online Travel? Expedia Thinks So

Expedia is trying to press its advantage in business-to-business programs. It's ahead of Booking Holdings in this area, and Airbnb doesn't have one.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Airbnb and Marriott Nearly Signed a Deep Partnership Agreement Around 2015

Marriott might have made a great investment had it bought a chunk of Airbnb in 2015. Ultimately, Marriott opted to build its own with Homes & Villas.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Discounts on Last-Minute Short-Term Rentals Could Be the Next Big Thing

Whether it’s via Whimstay or others, the Hotwire-like selling of last-minute inventory for vacation rentals is destined to find a role in this very hot sector.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Exclusive Amazon Partnership Could Broaden MakeMyTrip’s India Reach

Amazon is doing travel these days in India in its own image — as a way to build even greater traction for Amazon Pay. Hey Amazon, where to next?

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Online Travel’s Letters to Shareholders Should Nix the Fluff, Stick to Facts

When asked a few years ago whether Booking.com was a disruptor, CEO Glenn Fogel said "no." Online travel companies should prove their innovation, not make excessive boasts.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Expedia Group CEO Interview: Our Tech Was an Anchor Thwarting Innovation

In years past, Expedia has often talked about integrating its tech platforms or leveraging its massive data trove. Will it actually spur innovation this time around?

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Uber as Next Travel Powerhouse? Highly Doubtful

If you think Dara Khosrowshahi is going to toggle a switch and turn Uber into the next Expedia or Booking, then consider the years-long effort Booking Holdings is putting into building "the connected trip." Who's going to plan a vacation and start with a rideshare app?

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Sonder Expands Sales Team to Tap Into Traditional Hotel Biz

Outsiders figure out what's wrong with an industry and rightfully disrupt it. Then they learn that the disrupted industry does things a certain way for a reason. It doesn't mean Sonder's overall strategy is wrong, but that's a lesson it is learning.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago