AI Hype vs. Real Solutions: What Travel Investors and Hotels Really Need
Travel investors are warning startups: ditch the AI hype and focus on real solutions. Meanwhile, Chatlyn, an Austrian startup, raises €8M to become the AI brain for hotels—streamlining guest communication and saving time. In this episode, we unpack how AI is reshaping hospitality the smart way. https://youtu.be/kTTVqtznDXE Listen on Spotify We explore how travel investors […]
Hotels Battle Rate Undercutting + Agoda’s Simple But Powerful Loyalty Strategy
Hotels are fighting back against secondary OTAs that undercut rates and damage direct bookings. Meanwhile, Agoda is rewriting the loyalty playbook—forget points, it’s all about price. In this episode, we unpack how pricing power, transparency, and simplicity are reshaping travel. https://youtu.be/vPf1PZUtZBQ Listen on Spotify We unpack two critical challenges shaping the future of travel: how […]
India’s Tourism Boom & How Hotels Are Losing Control of Their Rates
India’s tourism is booming, set to hit $38B by 2033, fueled by government campaigns, rising incomes, and aviation growth. Meanwhile, hotels globally face a growing challenge from secondary OTAs undercutting rates. We break down how both trends are reshaping travel, pricing, and direct booking strategies. https://youtu.be/P5gc7mQ7utw Listen on Spotify We’re diving into two major headlines: […]
Power Plays & Phishing Scams: The New Frontlines of Travel Disruption
From Airbnb’s aggressive new lobbying tactics to the rise of sophisticated AI-powered phishing scams, today’s episode dives into the big risks—and bold moves—shaping travel in 2025. It’s a story of power, protection, and the evolving identity of short-term rentals. https://youtu.be/1ZX6Ay7yTxQ Listen on Spotify We look at two seismic shifts: Airbnb’s aggressive political lobbying tactics and […]
The Secret to Running a Scalable STR Business — Smoobu’s Strategy for 2025!
Link Facebook Instagram Youtube X-twitter Linkedin Joining us is Nicolas Grognet, the Strategic Partnerships Manager at Smoobu, to dive deep into what makes a scalable, successful STR business in 2025. From dynamic pricing and direct booking websites to flexible messaging automations and open API access, Smoobu is more than just a channel manager—it’s a platform […]
Overbooked and Over It: Rebalancing Travel in a Crowded World
From European cities fighting overtourism to record-breaking US travel for July 4th, we unpack how destinations are rebalancing strategy—and what it means for STR hosts navigating regulation, demand, and sustainable growth. https://youtu.be/ZBvL_j6AIVQ Listen on Spotify We’re zooming in on two sides of the travel surge: the growing backlash in Europe against overtourism, and the record-breaking […]
Crypto in the Himalayas & Chaos in Hotel Data: Bhutan and HEDNA Shake Up Travel
Bhutan launches a nationwide crypto payment system for tourists—no banks required. Meanwhile, hotel operators are struggling with data chaos despite ambitions to boost direct bookings. We unpack both trends and what they mean for STR hosts. Listen on Spotify We explore two powerful forces shaping our industry: Bhutan’s bold crypto tourism model and the operational […]
Why Travel Loyalty Programs Are Losing Their Spark—and How to Fix Them
Points aren’t enough—status and personalization are now key to loyalty. Industry leaders at Phocuswright Europe say travel brands must move from transactional rewards to emotional connection. Episode 266 explores how STR hosts can build guest loyalty that truly lasts. Listen on Spotify We’re digging into a hot topic from Phocuswright Europe: the state of travel […]
AI Check-Ins and Citywide Strategy: Sabre and Louisville Set the New Standard
Sabre adds AI to its SynXis booking engine, making hotel personalization smarter and more scalable. Meanwhile, Louisville sets the bar for sustainable meetings with green venues and community-led impact. Episode 265 explores how tech and purpose are redefining hospitality. Listen on Spotify We look at two standout examples of how technology and sustainability are redefining […]
Ballot Boxes & Black Boxes: Airbnb Gets Political, Flyers Get Anxious
Airbnb launches a $5M political campaign in NYC, signalling a shift from lobbying to influencing elections. Meanwhile, aviation safety is in the spotlight after high-profile crashes, despite strong safety records. Episode 264 explores how politics and public trust are reshaping travel. Listen on Spotify We cover two powerful themes: Airbnb’s bold political play in New […]