Editor's NoteSometimes the connections between stories could not be more apparent. For example, Airbnb started telling boutique hoteliers something they already know — Expedia and Booking.com's commissions can be very steep. So Airbnb is riding to the rescue with commissions of a mere 3 to 5 percent.
At the same time, Booking.com, which catapulted to be the biggest and baddest online travel site by focusing on hotels, is well on its way to becoming a full-service agency. It is no coincidence that Airbnb is making noises about adding flights after having launched some tours and activities. Is everything coming full circle? — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor |