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 […]
STR Impact, Guest Experience, and the Real Winners of Regulation
Airbnb claims $90B in U.S. economic impact, spotlighting how strict STR laws benefit hotels more than communities. Meanwhile, Booking.com and Hyatt say experiences—not points—are the future of loyalty. Episode 263 dives into the data and the new rules of guest engagement. https://youtu.be/iubH5P-ntlw Listen on Spotify We break down Airbnb’s bold new economic claims and dig […]
AI Agents, Climate Shifts, and the STR Opportunity in 2025
Speakspots launches an AI-powered WhatsApp agent to help rural properties deliver high-touch service at scale. Meanwhile, STRs are seeing climate-driven demand spikes—but also rising costs. Episode 262 explores how tech and climate are reshaping guest expectations and operations. https://youtu.be/cN4NG79aFqE Listen on Spotify We dive into two timely innovations: how rural hotels are leveraging AI-powered WhatsApp […]
Smarter Stays: Hybrid Pricing Models & Italy’s Remote Check-In Victory
Length of stay (LOS) pricing is evolving—hybrid strategies now boost revenue without sacrificing system performance. Meanwhile, Italy’s court overturns a ban on remote check-ins, validating keyless tech and digital ID. Smart pricing and smarter regulation are shaping STR’s future. https://youtu.be/KnnS8Py6QDA Listen on Spotify We explore two major developments: the evolution of Length of Stay (LOS) […]
AI Everywhere: Apple’s Travel Future & the Next Wave of Travel Tech Investors
Apple is turning the iPhone into a travel essential—passport, translator, and concierge in one. Meanwhile, investors are backing AI that solves real travel problems, not just flash. Episode 260 explores how utility and mobile-first design are defining the next era of travel tech. https://youtu.be/UplHU0lAsBk Listen on Spotify We focus on the tech shaping the future […]
Travel’s Missed Connections: Solo Women Rise, NDC Stalls
Solo women over 50 are driving travel growth with wellness-led, immersive experiences—yet still face outdated industry assumptions. Meanwhile, airlines struggle to deliver on NDC’s promise of personalised booking. This episode explores where innovation meets real-world expectations. https://youtu.be/_FHtOx7q7Qs Listen on Spotify We unpack two important developments shaping the future of travel: the emergence of solo women […]
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 […]