Government

Airbnb takes aim at NYC a year after “failed” STR regulations
News / Online
Airbnb takes aim at NYC a year after “failed” STR regulations
By D.J. Catron | September 6, 2024
Hotel prices and rents in New York are both up a year after the city cracked down on short-term rentals, prompting Airbnb to call for changes to the law.   Read More
Short-term rentals feeling pinch of overtourism backlash
News / Online
Short-term rentals feeling pinch of overtourism backlash
By D.J. Catron | August 15, 2024
While strict new regulations in New York, Barcelona and others pose threats, the STR industry sees hope in more balanced approaches in Valencia and the European Union.   Read More
U.K. regulator to investigate Amex GBT acquisition of CWT more closely
News / Distribution
U.K. regulator to investigate Amex GBT acquisition of CWT more closely
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2024
The Competition and Markets Authority in the U.K. has expressed concern that the merger could impact quality of service, pricing and/or lead to reduced innovation for the business travel customers of... Read More
Spanish regulators fine Booking.com €413M
News / Online
Spanish regulators fine Booking.com €413M
By Mitra Sorrells and Derek Catron | July 30, 2024
Spanish authorities said Booking.com has violated competition laws by having an "unfair imbalance" in its relationship with hotels in the country and it has prevented other OTAs from "entering the... Read More
Short-term rentals’ efforts give new lease on life for vacated offices
News / Distribution
Short-term rentals’ efforts give new lease on life for vacated offices
By D.J. Catron | July 30, 2024
Executives from Bob W and Nestor Stay spoke at Phocuswright Europe about growth opportunities for the sector and the potential to revitalize urban areas that are losing office workers.   Read More
Is the travel industry ready to engage with climate justice?
News / Online
Is the travel industry ready to engage with climate justice?
By D.J. Catron | July 24, 2024
While most sustainability efforts focus on greenhouse gases, a new report from the Travel Foundation pushes to show how climate change affects people disproportionately and why it’s important to redress... Read More
Delta apologizes, DOT opens investigation into flight disruptions
News / Technology
Delta apologizes, DOT opens investigation into flight disruptions
By Morgan Hines | July 23, 2024
The airline is “painfully aware” of its slow comeback after Friday’s global IT outage, Delta president Glen Hauenstein said at GBTA, noting that the airline anticipates to be fully recovered toward the... Read More
“Green” rail seeks growth in Europe through greater collaboration
News / Distribution
“Green” rail seeks growth in Europe through greater collaboration
By D.J. Catron | July 17, 2024
Experts from Rail Europe, Eurostar, SNCF and Iryo discussed at Phocuswright Europe how European rail travel is being transformed through greater standardization and collaboration.   Read More
U.S. Department of Homeland Security selects startups to develop digital identity credentials
News / Technology
U.S. Department of Homeland Security selects startups to develop digital identity credentials
By Mitra Sorrells | July 10, 2024
The selection of six startups is the next step in the DHS's work to create privacy-enhanced digital wallets for travel and immigration. Meanwhile, similar efforts are progressing in Europe. Read More
STR industry is evolving but remains ripe for opportunity
News / Distribution
STR industry is evolving but remains ripe for opportunity
By Morgan Hines | July 1, 2024
Despite constraints, STR industry heads believe there are plenty of opportunities including professionalization, consulting and more in the rapidly evolving space. Read More
What does a changing technology landscape mean for travelers, today?
From Our Partners / Technology
What does a changing technology landscape mean for travelers, today?
By Sylvain Roy - Amadeus | June 27, 2024
Amadeus looks at what it calls four of the most important evolutions currently taking place in the travel technology space and the tangible, practical change this is delivering. Read More
STR platforms stay silent while others call out consequences of Barcelona’s new ban
News / Online
STR platforms stay silent while others call out consequences of Barcelona’s new ban
By Morgan Hines | June 25, 2024
Some say the hotel supply in Barcelona will not be enough to fulfill demand once STRs are gone from the city and that could have a detrimental ripple effect on tourism and local residents.   Read More
Electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation acquires autonomy tech company
News / Technology
Electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation acquires autonomy tech company
By D.J. Catron | June 5, 2024
The acquisition of Xwing’s autonomy division will benefit Joby Aviation’s near-term piloted operations as well as fully autonomous operations in the future. Read More
U.K. regulator investigating Amex GBT acquisition of CWT
News / Distribution
U.K. regulator investigating Amex GBT acquisition of CWT
By Linda Fox | June 5, 2024
A statement from Amex GBT said the company had “voluntarily notified the CMA of the transaction for antitrust approval in the U.K.” Read More
Travel Tech hosts D.C. showcase, maintains ancillary fee ruling criticism
News / Technology
Travel Tech hosts D.C. showcase, maintains ancillary fee ruling criticism
By Morgan Hines | May 23, 2024
Overlooking the U.S. Capitol, the Travel Technology Association held its first Policy & Innovation Showcase with Airbnb, Sabre, Booking Holdings and more. Read More