Six charts that give us a quick glance of Airbnb’s business versus that of hotel brands large and small. Chart 1 Airbnb’s growth is significant, but the unanswered question so far is whether the growth comes at the expense of traditional hotel business or if it is carving out its own, new business. Up against that, of course, is the ambitious growth of hotel brands in cities like New York, where they’ve been adding rooms at a rapid, double-digit rate over the past six years. read more

In the fight with OTAs for direct bookings, a superior website design can tip the scales in the favor of individual properties. With the multitude of booking options available to travellers, owners and asset managers should recognize that it is more important than ever for their hotel or resort website to stand out from the crowd and drive direct bookings. The property’s website needs to offer a distinct impression and presentation that creates a unique public persona and differentiates it from branded websites and online travel agencies. read more

While Marriott International’s pending acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide might be part of a consolidation wave in the hotel industry, speakers at a recent Michigan State University event couldn’t agree on who will be buyers and who will be sellers. read more

Last year, marketers and businesspeople around the world saw a huge change in the way people use the internet. Most notably, in May 2015, we saw that more people were using their mobile devices to search for things online than on their desktop computers. read more

Mauritius is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual island-nation located in the South-Eastern region of Africa.

It’s time for Africa!

Africa’s Mauritius has emerged one of the best islands in the world according to TripAdvisor‘s 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards for islands.

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Hyatt announces plans to offer Hyatt Gold Passport members up to a 10% discount for booking direct. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the launch of an exclusive discount for Hyatt Gold Passport members, rewarding loyal guests with an up-to-10-percent discount for bookings made through Hyatt.com or the Hyatt mobile app.

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An overview of the trends shaping the technology, media, and telecom industry

Over the last 30 years, in a constantly shifting environment, TMT companies have struggled to gain solid ground, aiming to ride the trends of digital evolution and navigate the resulting disruption. Better understanding the underlying trends is key—as is comprehending the digital ecosystem as a whole.

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This year won’t be the year of artificial intelligence (AI). But it’s coming and artificial intelligence will be transformational. That summarizes the sentiments of Barry Diller, the chairman and senior executive of both Expedia and IAC/InterActiveCorp, who says that machine learning and artificial intelligence will combine to manage companies’ big data troves and there will be layers of innovation “tacked onto distribution systems.” read more

Guest Author: Pam Levesque, General Manager, Blue Bay Inn When I started working at the Blue Bay Inn in November 2014, I was transitioning from a decade in the corporate retail industry. I wasn’t worried about managing staff, keeping guests happy or maintaining the property – those things I could handle. But I was a little unsure about managing the property’s marketing myself. read more