Is messaging the future of travel?

In addition to the widespread use of traditional SMS or text messaging, Internet-based mobile chat apps have become the default means of communication for billions around the world. It's advancing at lightning pace and penetrating many aspects of our daily lives, including travel.

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How Marriott uses WeChat in China

With Chinese tourists spending $215 billion last year, up 53 percent from the year prior, WeChat is becoming a key channel for hotel chains including Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton and Shangri-La to stay connected with customers in the Asia.

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U.S. hotels gain incremental negotiating strength over OTAs

The balance of power has shifted in favor of U.S. hospitality companies in their tenuous relationship with online travel agencies, according to Fitch Ratings.

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Airbnb + HotelTonight = new startup Overnight

Need a place to crash last-minute but don't want to pay for a pricey, cookie-cutter hotel? Overnight can hook you up with a local to stay with right away.

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Hotel prices could bust your summer travel budget

Airfare is down 12 percent year over year, with summer fares expected to be the lowest in seven years. Hotel prices, however, have been creeping upward.

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Are the days of cheap mobile search over?

While Google's recent AdWords update is receiving a warm welcome thanks to larger ad formats, fewer top paid placements means marketers will have to pay more to get noticed on mobile.

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The mega-trends future-minded hoteliers need to track

To help hoteliers stay ahead and focused on consumers' evolving expectations, Sabre Hospitality Solutions is highlighting six trends in its "Consumer Mega-Trends Impacting Hospitality" report.

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