Power Struggles in Travel: Airbnb’s Services Backlash & the Corporate Booking Revolt
Airbnb’s new ‘Services’ feature is sparking backlash as hosts shoulder the costs—without consent or revenue share. Meanwhile, corporate travel managers are ditching outdated booking tools in favour of seamless platforms. Episode 258 breaks down both shifts and what STR pros can do next. https://youtu.be/GHIg-QUV1FA Listen on Spotify We tackle two major flashpoints: the growing host […]
AI Meets Empathy: Agoda’s Smart Planner and the Future of Incentive Travel
Agoda launches an AI-powered planner for Indian travellers, blending personalization with visual storytelling. Meanwhile, IRF leaders stress that while AI enhances planning, human connection remains core to incentive travel. STR hosts must balance tech with trust to stay relevant. https://youtu.be/YSL_jf1kYKc Listen on Spotify We’re looking at two big developments shaping the future of travel and […]
Climate Clash & Click Wars: Aviation’s Green Fight and OTA Marketing Surge
Aviation faces climate criticism as SAF rollout stalls, while OTAs pour $4.5B into marketing to stay top-of-mind in a shifting discovery landscape. Episode 256 explores what this means for STR hosts—and how to align with low-impact travel and smarter marketing funnels. https://youtu.be/_cTIzt-INEs Listen on Spotify We unpack two headline stories with major implications for the […]
Mobile Momentum & Marine Regeneration: Travel’s Digital and Sustainable Future
The U.K. is leading Europe’s mobile-first travel evolution, with nearly half of all bookings made via smartphone. Meanwhile, MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay is setting a new standard for regenerative tourism. Here’s how STR hosts can adapt to tech-driven demand and values-led travel design. https://youtu.be/ZjvEYwswex8 Listen on Spotify We’re diving into two game-changing developments: the U.K.’s […]
Energy Over Agenda: Rethinking Events and Evolving Loyalty in 2025
Event planners are shifting from packed schedules to wellness-focused design, while hotels rethink loyalty—from points to real-time recognition. Episode 254 explores how energy management and human-centred rewards are redefining hospitality in 2025. STR pros, take note. https://youtu.be/AiTfG2knIro Listen on Spotify We explore two powerful shifts redefining how we design experiences and earn guest loyalty: wellness-based […]
From Vienna to Visionary AI: The Real Future of Travel Planning
Vienna tops 2024’s ICCA city rankings, while large meetings drive most economic impact despite being just 8% of total events. Meanwhile, AI may be missing travel’s $3T opportunity—by ignoring where journeys really begin: social intent. Here’s how STR hosts can adapt and stay visible. https://youtu.be/zTsEkydVEa0 Listen on Spotify We explore two big conversations: what the […]
Visa-Free Access & AI Agents: Two Major Shifts Reshaping Travel in 2025
The Philippines opens visa-free travel to Indian citizens, eyeing new tourism growth. Meanwhile, AI is transforming bookings—no more scrolling, just smart, trusted results. Learn how STR hosts can prepare for Indian demand and stay visible in an AI-driven travel ecosystem. https://youtu.be/VtZ-tHG88LI Listen on Spotify We’re unpacking two powerful developments reshaping tourism and travel tech: the […]
From AI-Powered Planning to Creator-Led Travel: The Tools Shaping 2025
AI is transforming planning workflows, while platforms like tripPromoter are helping creators turn content into bookable travel. From streamlining logistics to monetising inspiration, a new era of human-AI collaboration is reshaping how we plan, share, and sell travel. https://youtu.be/HozaXgTlbWc Listen on Spotify We tackle a world where travel decisions are increasingly driven by personal stories, […]
Smart Pricing for Summer & The Incentive Travel Dilemma
As peak season hits, dynamic pricing and local awareness are key to STR success—set-it-and-forget-it won’t cut it. Meanwhile, incentive travel is shifting toward personalised rewards over group trips. Here’s how to stay ahead with smarter strategies and guest-focused experiences. https://youtu.be/llQDrr11mFc Listen on Spotify We tackle two key trends shaping the summer 2025 travel season: how […]
Canada’s Hotel Boom & Booking.com’s Creator Backlash
Canada’s hotel industry is booming with eco-luxury and cultural design leading the way. Meanwhile, Booking.com cuts affiliate ties and Expedia’s AI tools use creator content without credit—signalling a shift away from human-led discovery. https://youtu.be/eIhsZgdLW5o Listen on Spotify We explore two major forces reshaping hospitality: Canada’s surge in sustainable, story-driven hotel development—and the rising tension between […]