Alaska Airlines Plans to Launch in 30 More Markets by 2018
Alaska has been so well run that we expect its early transition hiccups to be ironed out before they cause United/Continental-level disasters.
Sean O’Neill is Skift’s Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean’s forte is reporting, and he’s broken multiple hotel industry scoops. He has also conducted 1:1 interviews on stage with the CEOs of Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Wyndham.
Wyndham Hotels Debuts Online Auctions for Loyalty Program Redemption
Travel brands haven't innovated much when it comes to reward redemption. So kudos to Wyndham for gambling on something new. But their new auctions aren't without risk to the company.
Tourico Holidays Tunes Up Its Technology After Hotelbeds Merger
The wholesale travel sector is under pressure from shifts in how hotel companies distribute their rooms. Tourico's new tech for agencies and airlines may help boost sales and margins in the face of these trends.
Business of Loyalty: What the Travel Industry Could Learn From Amazon Prime
Amazon's subscription model — which has already disrupted music, groceries, and retail — could be the key to travel brands unlocking more revenue per customer. Here's the lowdown on the latest tests.
Trivago Joins Rivals in Offering Hotels a Rate-Shopping Tool
Trivago is bold to take on the giants Booking.com and Expedia Inc. by debuting hotel data services, too. But its rate-shopping tool is better designed and possibly more powerful than what its rivals offer. Game on.
Momondo CEO Exits Company as Acquisition by Kayak Closes
It’s surprising that Momondo Group CEO Hugo Burge would depart the moment the acquisition of his brands by Priceline Group would close. But Kayak’s promise of boosted marketing spend suggests the Momondo and Cheapflight brands will live on.
Cash-Back Biz Travel App Raises $7 Million: Travel Startup Funding This Week
Dosh says it has 55 people working on letting travelers earn cash back on the money they spend on business trips, while Hoperator has debuted to bring AI tools to hotel chat. Each has promise.
Google Is Testing Vacation Rental Search in Its Hotel Price-Comparison Tool
In tests involving about 7,000 property listings in Europe, Google is checking if travelers would like to use it to search and book vacation rentals. Online travel rivals should be on the alert.
Priceline CEO: Hotels Secretly Love Us Despite Accusations of Monopoly
Priceline CEO Glenn Fogel says he wants travelers to think of Booking.com's name first when they start thinking about reserving homes and apartments for rental. He says a marketing effort is in the works to achieve that.
iCars Denies That It Is Spinning Its Wheels in Corporate Ground Transport
In theory, the merger of iCars and Limos.com promises a thriving black car service for corporate travelers. In practice, there is circumstantial evidence this investment vehicle hasn't yet left the repair shop.