March 9, 2019 View in browser

Editor's Note

We've covered HotelTonight since day one when it burst on the scene as the fastest hotel-booking app on the planet. There's plenty of speculation about how well Airbnb's purchase of the startup turned out for all stakeholders, and HotelTonight indeed had plenty of hiccups along the way. But rest assured that HotelTonight revolutionized the mobile booking of hotels and spurred imitators, large and small, around the world.

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Top Stories
Airbnb Is Buying HotelTonight: Here’s What That Means

Will Airbnb stick to its boutique and independent-only stance on hotels? That could put it at a serious disadvantage when it comes to competitors like Booking or Expedia in the long run. But if Airbnb winds up offering a wider swath of hotels, it could boost its brand even further. Either way, it's guaranteed to be interesting.


Airbnb Is Paying $400 Million For HotelTonight, Half in Pre-IPO Stock

On the surface, HotelTonight got a lowish deal from Airbnb. But with roughly half in stock, the price tag could look very upbeat if Airbnb's stock soars in an initial public offering.


American Plots Long-Haul Expansion

American Airlines has never flown to Africa, and the last time it flew to India, it lost lots of money. But the airline is now the world's largest, and it could soon expand internationally.


Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

While everyone has heard horror stories of overcrowded destinations, hostile locals, and lining up for hours for a glimpse of a tourist attraction, travel advisors are still faced with requests to visit the world's most popular places. They have a dilemma: Do they make the booking or risk losing the business by recommending alternatives?

Skift Design Awards Now Accepting Entries

Do you create exceptional, transformative experiences for travelers? Enter into the inaugural Skift Design Awards!

Who’s Really Winning the Direct Booking Wars Between Hotels and Online Travel Agencies?

Arguments can be made for a number of sides, but the truth is there's no true winner or loser here, if we're being totally honest.


American Cancels Flights Because of Shoddy Overhead Bins

We'd like to think airlines would catch poor retrofit work before an aircraft flies passengers, but clearly that didn't happen here.


What Next-Gen Alternative Accommodations Will Look Like: New Skift Research

Analyzing startups and venture capital trends helps us glimpse the future of travel.

Editor's Picks
The Curious Case of Japan's New Low-Cost, Long-Haul Carrier

Japan Airlines is certain its low-cost, long-haul carrier will excel. That's hard to say, as details are still so sketchy. But the project is intriguing and holds the promise of something fresh in the air. So it's worth waiting a little while longer for the final reveal.


The AOC Effect Comes to Travel, Whether You Like It or Not

U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her Green New Deal have stirred up debate about the path toward a sustainable travel future. She's right on time — and hopefully not too late.


Why Europe Risks Falling Behind as a Global Tourist Destination

Travelers will always want to visit Europe. But as the world continues to open up, there's more competition for tourist dollars. Destinations will need to adjust accordingly.


Marriott CEO Tells Senators Passport Changes Being Considered After Data Breach

You can see the dilemma that Marriott and other hotels face: Keep passport data strictly at the property level, where management may not be technically adept, or centralize the information where it can be potentially hacked in one fell swoop. CEO Sorenson is leaning toward the local approach. Either way is risky business.


Despegar Surfs Rising Wave of Mobile Travel Bookings in Latin America

The Argentine economic crisis continues to drag on Despegar, but the online travel agency's continuous investment in mobile is setting it up for long-term growth across the continent.

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