Home-sharing platforms take a hit as Singapore government bans short-term rentals
Singapore has moved to ban short-term home rentals in the city, directly impacting popular ‘alternative accommodation’ companies like Airbnb and HomeAway Asia.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) introduced new ‘guidelines’ into the Planning (Amendment) Bill that was passed in Parliam [...]
Panorama Tours joins hands with JTB to create Panorama JTB Tours
Panorama Tours has entered into partnership with the world’s largest travel company – Japan Travel Bureau/JTB Corporation.
Pending approval of the Conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement (Agreement), the partnership will see a new entity – Panorama JTB Tours – that will “increase [...]
GlobalTix aims to be the ultimate ticketing platform for attractions, tours and activities
Tours, attractions and activities vary so wildly in size and type, the segment has faced more than a fair share of struggles in its attempts to enter the online travel game.
An estimated 82% of bookings in the segment are still handled via manual processes, according to Phocuswright. On top of th [...]
Priceline-Momondo deal raises question – will consolidation move to Asia with two major independents remaining?
It is interesting to see this latest wave of consolidation in the travel metasearch space move to Europe with the announcement that the Priceline Group has signed an agreement to acquire UK and Denmark-based metasearch site Momondo Group for $550 million in cash.
With this following on the heels [...]
AccorHotels strengthens position in luxury private rental market with Travel Keys acquisition
AccorHotels has begun “exclusive negotiations” for the acquisition of 100% of Travel Keys, a leading player in the private vacation rental market founded in 1991.
According to a statement from AccorHotels, the rental platform is "an elite travel broker representing a luxury collection of ove [...]
Booking.com Booster launched: Supports startups dedicated to sustainable tourism
Booking.com has launched Booking.com Booster, its new accelerator programme that aims to identify, mentor and fund startups committed to sustainable tourism such as preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism that supports local economies/communities.
The new programme is an extension of B [...]
Majority of travellers use search engines when looking for travel inspiration
Travellers are turning to search engines when looking for hotels or information about destinations, with the majority turning to Google as their most common source of travel inspiration.
Guest feedback platform TrustYou reveals 77% of travellers search for accommodation and/or locations, while 57 [...]
Give me the God of Wealth anytime over the God of Wrath
I am feeling particularly good about this Lunar New Year. That’s because I was given an “ang pow” (red packet with money) by the God of Wealth personally.
I ran into him at a new year’s party hosted by George Town Heritage + Hotels in Penang and that red packet he gave me, I will keep [...]
The Millennial Traveller: The Customer Strikes Back
Donald Trump made another vile move over the last few days. Shocker!
Trump’s political moves are so extreme; it’s beginning to almost feel predictable… comical, in the same way some try to laugh through gritted teeth when in agony.
Gag rule on abortion? Sounds about right. Weaken Obamaca [...]
26% Of Australians Would Accept A Lower Paying Job If It Meant Traveling More For Work
26% of Australians would accept a lower paying job if it meant traveling more for work, reveals Booking.com for Business. Businesses must brace themselves for a new breed of business travellers that favour new experiences over traditional workplace benefits.
New research reveals that a staggering [...]
