Global business travel had a great year in 2015, thanks to overall economic growth, but 2016 could be a different story as there's considerably more uncertainty in global markets this year.
International travel had another banner year in 2015, but given currency challenges and uncertainties such as the Brexit vote, the odds are against a repeat performance in terms of international visitor arrivals in 2016.
Letting travelers experience a property for a day with no strings attached is one of the best ways to create new and future guests and begin stacking the building blocks for brand loyalty.
Messaging isn't moving through the travel industry as fast as some would make you believe given only a few major brands have hopped on this trend. It is growing, however, and the startup sector is one that shouldn't be ignored when considering where this technology will come from.
The outlook appears bleak for European travelers who were perhaps considering a U.S. trip this summer or later this year that hadn't already booked before the Brexit vote as search interest for U.S. hotel stays continues to fall well below last year.
Cloudbed's recent venture round is in line with other small investments made in hotel software so far this year as investors are more cautious and focus on smaller funding amounts.