Beyond SEO and Beach Resorts: Travel’s Next Big Shifts
Airbnb tests a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature, letting guests book without upfront payment—aiming for more flexibility and conversions. Meanwhile, startup StaySaavy uses AI to auto-rebook hotels at lower prices post-booking, tackling one of travel’s most persistent pain points. https://youtu.be/_rWz1WFcl4k Listen on Spotify We unpack two transformative trends: the collapse of traditional SEO in favour […]
Booking Smarter: How Airbnb and StaySaavy Are Rewriting the Rules
Airbnb tests a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature, letting guests book without upfront payment—aiming for more flexibility and conversions. Meanwhile, startup StaySaavy uses AI to auto-rebook hotels at lower prices post-booking, tackling one of travel’s most persistent pain points. https://youtu.be/v-z-arPHpPo Listen on Spotify We dive into two tech-driven trends shaping guest expectations and industry innovation: […]
Tourism Under Pressure: Managing Crowds and Fighting STR Regulations
Overtourism is pushing destinations like Rome and Paris to rethink crowd control, while STR operators worldwide are pushing back against rising restrictions. From legal wins in Portugal to grassroots action in Missouri, discover how hosts are shaping the future of regulation and tourism. https://youtu.be/-QNsAm93Nsg Listen on Spotify We’re diving into two critical conversations: how destinations […]
India’s Travel Boom: The Next Global Tourism Powerhouse
India’s leisure travel market is booming, set to hit $15 trillion globally by 2040. Driven by Gen Z, multigenerational trips, and ‘bleisure,’ this shift fuels massive growth in alternative stays, concert tourism, and international air routes. India is fast becoming a powerhouse in global tourism. https://youtu.be/4T2zJ_C-lEI Listen on Spotify We’re diving into a huge story […]
Loyalty Wars and Tech Gaps: Airlines Chase Miles, Hotels Chase Accessibility
JetBlue and Etihad launch extreme loyalty challenges, offering lifetime status and millions of miles—but critics question the sustainability. Meanwhile, the hospitality tech world faces an accessibility wake-up call as experts urge better design for neurodivergent users and frontline staff. https://youtu.be/AzQeoWYeXJY Listen on Spotify We break down two headline-grabbing trends: the rise of extreme airline loyalty […]
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 […]
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 […]