Distribution
Skyscanner says evolution from metasearch to marketplace the logical path to future distribution landscape
13/04/2017 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
Skyscanner has made its intentions clear: it is transitioning from just being a metasearch engine to becoming a marketplace with multiple storefronts, where travellers “can shop for a rich array of air fares with a seamless process from start to finish across any device”. Sounds like a logica [...]
It’s a Spanish welcome to metasearch for alternative accommodation
11/04/2017 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
Spanish tech company Hundredrooms has found a niche entering the metasearch space within the disparate alternative accommodation market in Europe. Establishing itself first within Spain in 2014, it has since branched out to Italy, Germany, France, Mexico and the U.K. It is soon to expand into the La [...]
Dara Khosrowshahi on pivotal leadership moments, confluence of 3Ms and being a tortured executive
12/04/2017 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
In a catch-up over local coffee with Yeoh Siew Hoon, Dara Khosrowshahi, president and CEO of Expedia Inc, recalls his early stepping-back-in-leadership moments, and why it’s important to know where you are going, not just what you are doing. Plus, his thoughts on the confluence of the 3Ms and the [...]
Eight Essential Takeaways from WIT Hospitality 2017
11/04/2017 by WiT
The second WIT Hospitality conference took place on March 28 at Hotel ICON last week. The Silverbox Ballroom teemed with industry characters ranging from C-class executives to fresh-faced students only just embarking on their hospitality careers. The conference dove deep into topics that continue [...]
Expedia’s first Innovation Lab in Asia will be beach-head for mobile learning
06/04/2017 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
We sat in one room watching a man have sensors attached to his face – two above the eyebrows and a couple on his cheeks. The sensors, using Electromyography (EMG) technology, will tell us when he’s frustrated or delighted as he browses the Expedia website for his dream hotel. Turns out he’s [...]
Gibergues’ view of online travel: New trends being set in Asia, Skyscanner & Ctrip will bring marketplace model to the world
06/04/2017 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
Having just spent three months based in its Asia offices, Sebastien Gibergues, Head of Leisure and Online Travel at Amadeus, is better able to appreciate the different way the Asia online travel market is developing compared to Europe and the US. “I also spent a lot of time in the US previously [...]
The Wrap: Sabre redesigns online booking tool GetThere, optimised for road warriors
05/04/2017 by WiT
In the news: New look for GetThere, easier bus booking with Amadeus, restructured management team at FCM Travel, ‘handy’ smartphone with hotel stay TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY: SABRE REDESIGNS ONLINE BOOKING TOOL GETTHERE, OPTIMISED FOR ROAD WARRIORS Sabre has revamped its travel management solu [...]
AccorHotels ventures into private sales with purchase of booking platform VeryChic
04/04/2017 by WiT
AccorHotels' buying spree continues with its latest acquisition - VeryChic, a digital platform for the private sale of luxury hotel rooms and apartments, cruises, breaks and packages. This deal follows close on the heels of its decision to buy French hospitality firm Potel & Chabot (deal is [...]
Letter from Hong Kong: Hard questions posed at WIT Hospitality, the answer lies in commitment to change
30/03/2017 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
The sky was blue. The air was distinctly chilly. Hong Kong put on her best winter frock for us as we kicked off our first WIT event of the year, our conference dedicated to hospitality. The day prior to the event, we had held a Think Tank gathering of about 20 industry leaders and we were gathere [...]
India’s Paytm beds Booking.com
28/03/2017 by WiT
India’s Paytm, a new disruptor in the travelscape, continues to make inroads with the big travel boys, announcing a booking.com partnership. Under this partnership, all domestic and international accommodations available on booking.com will be available on Paytm, with new offers and promotions, [...]