Government

 alt="Could using algorithms to set hotel rates become illegal?"  title="Could using algorithms to set hotel rates become illegal?"
Opinion / Technology
Could using algorithms to set hotel rates become illegal?
By Adam Harris – Cloudbeds | April 29, 2024
The U.S. government is sending strong signals that algorithmic pricing solutions could represent a price-fixing conspiracy – a view hospitality professionals reject. Read More
 alt="Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy"  title="Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy"
News / Technology
Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy
By D.J. Catron | April 24, 2024
Airbnb’s new policy banning indoor security cameras takes effect April 30, underscoring just how critical the sector’s concern for balancing security and privacy has become.   Read More
 alt="Travel groups warn of fewer trips if U.S. adopts plan to lower credit card fees"  title="Travel groups warn of fewer trips if U.S. adopts plan to lower credit card fees"
News / Online
Travel groups warn of fewer trips if U.S. adopts plan to lower credit card fees
By Johanna Jainchill and Robert Silk – Travel Weekly | April 19, 2024
A proposal to lower credit card fees could have the unintended consequence of reducing travel by cutting into the funds that support loyalty programs, data from the U.S. Travel Association shows.   Read More
 alt="Airbnb calls for STR policies for renters"  title="Airbnb calls for STR policies for renters"
News / Online
Airbnb calls for STR policies for renters
By D.J. Catron | April 16, 2024
Airbnb announced plans to work with local governments in support of short-term rental rules that will allow renters to earn extra income by sharing their home.   Read More
 alt="What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry"  title="What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry"
News / Online
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
By D.J. Catron | March 14, 2024
While the legislation faces an uncertain future in the U.S. Senate and likely legal challenges if it becomes law, a ban could have far-reaching ramifications for travel companies. Read More
 alt="WTTC partners with Oliver Wyman to drive sustainability in travel"  title="WTTC partners with Oliver Wyman to drive sustainability in travel"
News / Technology
WTTC partners with Oliver Wyman to drive sustainability in travel
By Linda Fox | March 7, 2024
WTTC and Oliver Wyman are helping the industry navigate the regulatory landscape when it comes to sustainability, while startups BeCause and Weeva are helping hotels with data collection and insights. Read More
 alt="Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost"  title="Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost"
News / Distribution
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
By D.J. Catron | March 7, 2024
As short-term rentals grapple with new regulations, major events and tourist preferences may help solidify their place in the travel industry.   Read More
 alt="OpenAI wants to inspire European cities to use GenAI for tourism"  title="OpenAI wants to inspire European cities to use GenAI for tourism"
News / Technology
OpenAI wants to inspire European cities to use GenAI for tourism
By Mitra Sorrells | March 6, 2024
OpenAI is partnering with the city of Dublin to create an itinerary planner built on GPT-4 and to host a workshop in the fall for leaders of other tourism destinations across the EU. Read More
 alt="Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe"  title="Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe"
News / Online
Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe
By Linda Fox | March 6, 2024
The company has had decisions from European lawmakers go against it in recent months, from its blocked acquisition of Etraveli to the threat of being tagged a digital gatekeeper under the looming... Read More
 alt="STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change"  title="STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change"
News / Online
STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change
By Morgan Hines | February 29, 2024
The short-term rental industry will have 24 months to comply with new industry regulations to be implemented across Europe. Read More
 alt="Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations"  title="Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations"
News / Technology
Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations
By Yeoh Siew Hoon – Web in Travel | February 29, 2024
The Global Travel Tech also includes eDreams Odigeo, Travelport and Skyscanner. They seek to address global concerns around anticipated regulatory changes affecting digital travel platforms.   Read More
 alt="How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis"  title="How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis"
Opinion / Technology
How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis
By Adam St. John – Sitata | February 26, 2024
The technology needed to keep travelers informed and safe during unexpected crises already exists today. Travel insurance is the sector that holds the key to democratizing the benefits of duty of care... Read More
 alt="Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai"  title="Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai"
News / Technology
Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2024
Joby is hoping to begin air taxi operations as early as 2025 in Dubai and has signed a partnership with Skyports for the development and operation of four locations. Read More
 alt="Short-term rentals had up and down year, AirDNA report finds"  title="Short-term rentals had up and down year, AirDNA report finds"
News / Online
Short-term rentals had up and down year, AirDNA report finds
By Derek Catron | January 25, 2024
Growth in supply outpaced demand, yet the sector saw a record $64 billion in revenues amid high-profile regulatory action.   Read More
 alt="Google under fire for proposed changes to search in Europe"  title="Google under fire for proposed changes to search in Europe"
News / Online
Google under fire for proposed changes to search in Europe
By Linda Fox | January 24, 2024
The search giant has been criticized for not engaging with businesses on planned changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act as well as falling short of the regulation's requirements with those... Read More