Concur expects to launch by February the ability to pull Airbnb listings into hotel-only search results within the Concur Travel self-booking tool. At companies that opt in, users searching for lodging as a standalone item would see Airbnb listings with pricing and some details. That includes requests using Concur’s “vicinity search.” Booking requires the user to click over… Read More »
GBTA will consider “all forms of accommodations” for a forthcoming update to its hotel request for proposals template. Aiming to complete the update in time for 2019 rate negotiations, GBTA will establish a volunteer task force to determine which new elements to incorporate, according to an association official. Bringing home-sharing into the annual hotel RFP process would be… Read More »
Boston – Big hotel companies have a monumental task in keeping their properties safe. Many are in far-flung locales, some of which are deemed risky. They may be terrorist targets. They’re unwitting havens for human traffickers. They host high-profile events and high-profile guests. People from all walks of life are always coming and going. Corporate security and travel… Read More »
Airbnb inventory is coming to corporate booking channels. Concur and Flight Centre this summer went public with their plans. Amadeus is considering if and how to link its booking tool. Airbnb’s self-reported data shows rapid growth even before these integrations. Anecdotal reports indicate increased corporate acceptance. Concur in July said “in the coming months” it would integrate Airbnb… Read More »
Airbnb’s continued buildout of corporate travel capabilities has awoken the sleepy serviced apartments sector. New investment capital supports startups for bookings, sourcing and property management. Traditional operators are creating their own distribution platforms. Design norms are shifting along with client expectations for something interesting. Useful for relocation, internships, project work, insurance services and emergencies, serviced apartments and variations… Read More »
You generally will not see interviews published here, but an opportunity that came up last week made an exception worthwhile. What follows are excerpts of separate interviews with top executives at the three largest travel management companies. We spoke by phone with American Express Global Business Travel president Philippe Chérèque last Monday, Carlson Wagonlit Travel president and CEO… Read More »
It’s a classic tale of challenges and opportunities. And disclaimers. For when the three biggest travel management companies help clients use Airbnb, they say, they’re not endorsing it. Whether to use it is up to clients. TMCs are simply capturing data. Well, they might be marketing it, too. And they could soon be booking it. In any case,… Read More »