The Marriott-Starwood deal only emboldens the argument that hotel consolidation is active and nowhere close to winding down. Will hotels benefit with more direct bookings as a result?
Thinking about business and leisure travelers as polar opposite groups doesn't benefit anyone anymore and never really did. Both traveler types want the human touch, convenience and of course a few creature comforts during their trips.
With Expedia acquiring Travelocity, Orbitz Worldwide, Wotif and HomeAway since 2014, it isn't hard to imagine Expedia adding GetYourGuide to its portfolio -- although with this latest funding round the price tag just went up.
For every new tours and activities startup that is born, another one dies. For these startups to keep a pulse, they'll have to convince consumers and business owners that they offer more humanistic experiences than if they dealt with an established, successful company.
The Takeoff is a video series from Skift and Amadeus exploring the key elements of the startup mindset, and what it takes to transition from early stage travel startup to next level innovator. Check out all three episodes here and download our report on travel startups for free.
We haven't even scratched the surface of what's possible with international traveler technology and since more than a billion people already cross international borders, time is wasting.
To attract the attention and loyalty of Millennials today, hotels and booking sites need to communicate relevant hotel and destination content instantaneously and conveniently on mobile.
Luxury travelers want to make sure that what they're paying for is actually luxurious, making startups that offer expert help from a human ahead of those aligned closer to mainstream or manufactured experiences.