Has Airbnb Peaked? + Lux Fashion Lessons + Homesharing Goes Pro

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

November 15, 2017 View in browser

Note From the Editor A Morgan Stanley study suggests that Airbnb's growth in the U.S. and Europe is slowing, and reaching a saturation point. That would be a horrid story to tell on an IPO roadshow if Airbnb, as expected, reaches that point, and we're not buying it. Although Airbnb has gone relatively mainstream in parts of the world, think of all the potential guests in both the U.S. and Europe who haven't tried it yet. Not to mention growth opportunities in the rest of the world, and new product lines. Speaking of product lines — namely luxury fashion products — we have an interesting story today about what travel companies can learn from the challenges of luxury fashion retailers, and vice versa. Online user experience and Google burying organic search results are two parallel concerns, among many. — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor Skift Forum Europe Update: Speakers, Venue, and Early Bird Tickets Earlier this week, we released brand new information on Skift Forum Europe, happening in Berlin in April of 2018. Learn more about new speakers and the venue now, and then register at our €300 OFF Early Bird Rate before we sell out! Learn More Top Stories Airbnb Growth Story Has a Plot Twist — A Saturation Point As Airbnb tries to become the only brand in travel that you'll ever need, it's not just the hotel industry that the company has to contend with, but online travel agencies, too. We can just imagine the hotels telling Airbnb, "Welcome to the club." What Travel Can Learn From Luxury Fashion's Digital Trials Fashion has in many ways been steps ahead of travel when it comes to Web design, online engagement and marketing prowess — but there is still so far to go for luxury brands in both industries. Alternative Accommodations Address Travelers' Fears in an Age of Permanxiety Professionalizing the homesharing experience is helping to alleviate travelers' concerns and anxieties about staying in a stranger's house. But there's always room for improvement. Consolidation Is Reshaping the North American Ski Market Through a new venture with KSL Capital Partners, Aspen Skiing Company (Skico) is broadening its scope far beyond Colorado. But it's not only about amassing mountains. Skico is concentrating on building a new boutique hotel brand, which is raising eyebrows in its newest destination. Luxury Brands Cross Industry Lines for Loyalty Collaborations The success of this, and all brand partnerships, is dependent on a synergistic approach to luxury whether that be sleek and understated or bold and brash. We expect to see more cross-industry partnerships emerge as brands wrestle for the attention and trust of the new luxury consumer. Changing Baltimore's Image One Luxury Hotel at a Time For years, Baltimore has been portrayed on television and other media outlets as a city that's down on its luck. But a close look at what's happening in terms of investment in the city's luxury space reveals another side of the story. Popular Now Hilton and Marriott Turn to the Internet of Things to Transform the Hotel Room Experience It was only a matter of time before the big brands started rolling this smart-room technology. But what will be even more interesting is seeing which brand's approach works better in a hospitality setting, and is more appealing not only to guests but to hotel owners, too. Travel Warnings Create Global Worry Map For Anxious Tourists Travel warnings and alerts are important to many travelers, and any country that cares about tourism tries to avoid getting on such a list. But the U.S. State Department's list is often selective and political, and isn't an exhaustive list of places where travelers could face danger. Travel Companies Start Lending Consumers Money to Book Trips Companies ought to carry out adequate checks on the ability of borrowers to repay travel loans on time. Otherwise, a surprise disruption such as an Icelandic volcano or an economic downturn could prompt defaults. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab. You received this email because you are subscribed to Skift Daily Newsletter from Skift.

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