Expedia News

Trivago has big structural problems, such as two online travel agencies being responsible for three-quarters of its referral revenue, but it appears to be managing costs and pumping out product changes during this down time. Give the company credit for maintaining a pulse.

Barry Diller resoundingly endorsed the future of travel when he said "if there's life, there's travel." Maybe that's why the recent $1 billion investment in MGM Resorts won't be the last for Diller in the sector.

Intent Media was in expansion mode early this year and had a good thing going, but Covid-19 and the resulting online travel advertising crash wrote the company's obituary.

In Skift's top stories this week, Expedia conducted another round of layoffs, tech investors are drooling over the events industry, American Airlines is mulling bringing back the 737 Max before the end of the year, and Google founding itself dealing with a U.S. antirust lawsuit.

These layoffs at Expedia Group aren't particularly surprising, and were in the offing when travel demand plateaued in many countries starting in July and August. You can expect that Expedia will not be the only company forced into taking another whack at employee payrolls.

SilverRail had become an afterthought in Expedia Group's plans as the online travel agency attempts to simplify its portfolio. SilverRail management, however, still believes in the promise of the sector.

With the closure of its operation in Japan and rumblings about selling its stake in India, AirAsia Group will have to renews its focus on core markets in Southeast Asia. But while the airline operation turns inward, the group's e-commerce operation is gambling on expansion.

With thousands of hotels going out of business and up for sale, and vacation rentals business booming in certain destinations, there will be a ton of disruption and convergence in hospitality. Savvy short-term rental operators can pick off some direct bookings, but the mega online travel agencies will hardly notice.

Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern is waging a simplicity campaign. Turning the Expedia and Hotels.com loyalty programs into a single plan might make sense. But one thing definitely on the agenda is trimming marketing through Google, a company Kern characterized as a "shark."

Focusing on alternative accommodations is a smart move because in uncertain times, who doesn't want options?