Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Expedia's Google Takedown Plan + Ryanair's Stumble + Airbnb's Restaurant Strategy

September 21, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Even though we are talking to Expedia's new CEO in less than a week, we still wanted to see what he was thinking right now about Google's travel ambitions and other concerns. He has a few ideas.

Developments at Ryanair over the last week brought an interesting perspective to an interview with the low-cost giant's executive team that we did earlier this month. Short story? They are trying to be nice. But nice (as rival British Airways may tall them) is not so easy.

Yesterday we talked to Resy and Airbnb about their expanded partnership into restauarant reservations on the short-term rental pioneer's website and apps. Appropriately, we have that story on our own partner's website for you to read.

— Jason Clampet, Editor-in-Chief

Skift Global Forum is Near Sold Out

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The online travel environment is transitioning at a hectic pace when you consider mobile and artificial intelligence. Expedia's new CEO, Mark Okerstrom, will have to find a way to chart his company's evolution at an appropriate speed to keep up. It won't always be smooth sailing.

Ryanair's Pilot Drama Threatens to Undo Its Goodwill Push

Just before this pilot issue broke, Skift went to Europe to speak with Ryanair's chief marketing officer about how he improved the airline's customer service. Recent events will almost certainly set Ryanair back, but we think it can recover — if only because people like cheap fares.

Airbnb Adds Restaurant Reservations Thanks to Partner Resy

Nice to have, but we wonder if Airbnb can do more with Resy than just restaurant bookings. Hint: We certainly think it can.

Despegar Hints at Its Latin American Travel Strategy After Successful IPO

With its IPO on Wednesday, Despegar became the world's seventh-largest online travel company by market cap. Its bosses talk a good game. But its major markets may have near-term hiccups ahead.

Meeting Planners Are Experimenting With New Tactics to Avoid Last-Minute Registrations

Event overload is causing attendees to register later than ever, and early-bird discounts are so yesterday. It's time for planners to get innovative.

Travel Agents Are Increasingly Using Global Distribution Systems to Book Hotels

Agents may be placing more hotel bookings through global distribution systems, but the fact remains that hotels would like to move away from expensive distribution channels like these.

Hurricane Maria Leaves Puerto Rico Facing Billions of Dollars in Damage

With hits to Texas and Florida, Puerto Rico will have to make a case that it is worthy of the same — or more — support following the devastation. It should mobilize its strong base of tourists as advocates for its cause.

From Novelty to Game Changer: AI and The Future of Work in the Travel Industry [SPONSORED]

Sponsored by IBM

Smart technology is playing an increasingly important role in our lives. At home, we playfully bark orders and pose hypothetical questions to Alexa and Siri and see them getting smarter over time. The reality is that interconnected, cognitive technology is on the brink from moving from novelty to essential on the home front. For business, it's a game changer.

Booking.com is pulling back from its advertising spend on Expedia-controlled Trivago. But we must await third-quarter financial data and any company pronouncements on the topic to know all of the implications.

Visit Florida Is Planning Ways to Get Tourists Back After Hurricane Irma

Florida's tourism industry was already having a turbulent year before one of the most active and destructive Atlantic hurricane seasons in years began playing out. Getting travelers to come back will require unified marketing efforts — and that's currently in jeopardy.

Launching: Skift Travel App for iOS and Android

The new Skift Travel app is subscribers-first app, with lots of benefits for the paid Skift Research users. But free users do get access to the last 24 hour of stories.

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