Articles tagged “startups”

Messaging isn't moving through the travel industry as fast as some would make you believe given only a few major brands have hopped on this trend. It is growing, however, and the startup sector is one that shouldn't be ignored when considering where this technology will come from.

One of Zerve's biggest downfalls was not jumping on mobile fast enough, which is where these startups want to take the tours and activities sector.

The short-term rental and vacation rental markets haven't worked out all their problems but likely will with time. Startups as always should be cautious of building their businesses on the backs of the shortcomings of major established brands.

It’s summer time in many parts of the world and travelers are looking to get outdoors and on the water for some fun in the sun and some travel startups want to help travelers make the most of the sunshine and warm weather.

Travelers in 2016 come to travel agents because they need help, which has always been the bottom line. But it's not always because they don't know how to book online, or that they're too busy to book themselves or don't know where they should travel to. Travel agencies that get the job done without letting technology muddle that become more important.

Co-living goes a step further from traditional short-term rentals and seeks to embed travelers and residents as one collective group. This is a form of living that more and more entrepreneurs are bringing to fruition but it's unclear whether co-living will survive within the short-term rental travel space in the long-run.

While several brands continue to stubbornly deny that Airbnb or online travel agencies are threats to their business, the travel startup community continues to put forth solutions that just might have enough drive to move the industry forward.

Technology for hotel employees has made significant strides in the past five years, but there are still new frontiers to be addressed such as putting staff in guests' hands via mobile concierge apps or communicating with guests through messaging platforms.

By letting guests bid for rooms and getting hotels to engage in this practice, more guests are encouraged to book direct and understand the benefits of doing so.