Airbnb Expands Its Vision + Google Adds Tours + Hilton Has New CMO

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

December 15, 2017 View in browser

Note From the Editor None of these developments were earth-shattering in themselves, but they all represented something bigger. Google revealed its desire to own more of the overall traveler experience, Airbnb hinted at its grander ambitions for conquering accommodations, and Hilton will have a new CMO to choreograph its direct-booking and personalization messages. As Travel Tech Editor Sean O'Neill reported, Google took its first "baby steps" into entering the tours and activities, and in-destination space. In another development, Airbnb made it easier for bed-and-breakfasts to manage their listings. And, Hilton has a changing of the guard in the CMO position, as the chain is poised to debut four new brands. CMO appointee Kellyn Smith Kenny will have to place close attention to what Google and Airbnb are up to, as well. — Deanna Ting, Hospitality Editor Travel Brands Should Stand Up For the Values They Believe In Sponsored by Oath Travel brands are increasingly standing up for the values they share with their customers—and are finding that doing so offers new ways to connect. Brands with an authentic voice make the greatest impact as the market continues to reward the risk takers. Read More Top Stories Airbnb's Bed-and-Breakfast Deal Highlights Its Bigger Ambitions in Accommodations Expedia and Priceline, watch out. Airbnb is very obviously coming for you. Today, it's bed-and-breakfasts. Tomorrow, it'll be more boutique and independent hotels. Google Trips Takes a Baby Step Into Tours, Activities and Car Rental Offers Tours-and-activities startups will be eager to see if in-destination apps from giants such as Google, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor will succeed in providing cost-effective customer leads. Hilton's New CMO Inherits a Strong Legacy and Big Challenges in Hospitality Marketing Kenny replaces long-time Hilton executive Geraldine Calpin. The new CMO will have to enhance Hilton's direct-booking marketing efforts. And with artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies influencing every CMO's agenda, there is also an opportunity for Kenny to leverage them to really personalize the guest experience. Delta Air Lines is Going After Future Business Travelers — While Still in College Other airlines say they're adapting to what younger travelers want. But not all of them actually do it. Delta seems to be ahead of many of its competitors. And that's a good thing. Did You Miss the Latest Skift Research Report? Skift Research quantifies the future of travel for you with data and insights from a world-class industry research team. In this report we look forward to 2018, where global markets are showing healthy signs of growth, high consumer and business optimism, and project a solid year ahead for travel. Read More Apple Maps Adds Airport Terminal Guide for Travelers Built-in maps of airport terminals are certainly useful for iPhone users. But this new feature has a long way to go in terms of airports included and the granularity of information available, before it becomes a mainstay for frequent travelers. OTA Insight Raises $20 Million for Hotel Rate Analysis: Travel Startup Funding This Week Who needs Santa? This week investors announced more than $179.5 million in funding for startups that specialize in hotel revenue management, baggage transport, and online travel services. Popular Now Are Hotels and Online Travel Agencies Colluding on Keyword Bidding? The largest hotel chains and online travel agencies have deals on paid search marketing practices that effectively trim their ad spend on Google. But smaller players remain unprotected from tough marketing tactics. Nordic Choice Hotels Tests Blockchain Distribution for Stockholm Property Slowly but surely the travel industry is adopting blockchain. At this stage, we're not sure what it will do to the landscape, but smart companies would do well to pay close attention. American Still Uses Paper Vouchers for Free Flights — Airline Innovation Report American Airlines wants to be known as a customer-friendly company. But the airline still doesn't make it easy for customers to redeem vouchers for flights. That needs to change soon. 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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