Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Travel Technology

The Uniquely Compelling Appeal of Big Data

Phil Butler

Five years ago the world-wide-web was horrified at the concept of usable user data. Today every business from high fashion to the local laundry-mat wants to know how to convert customers via predictive intelligence. Technology is gearing up to meet a Big Data conundrum, as marketers wring their hands awaiting the golden ring that signifies an R-O-I bonanza. But at this stage of trend analysis, most experts agree that the analytics ship has not yet arrived. Here’s a succinct look at where we really are.

Former Google Exec Dr. Stefan Tweraser Named SnapShot GmbH CEO

Aleksandr Shatskih

Hotel tech startup, SnapShot GmbH has announce the selection of former Google Germany director, Dr. Stefan Tweraser as the Austrian company’s CEO. Borrowing from the talents of this technology company manager, SnapShot hopes to fast forward development of a much anticipated new produce, as well as building a powerful business presence in the space.

On an Island of Hospitality Data: Using Pineapple Search

Phil Butler

Over the last dozen years I’ve tested just about every search technology that exists. From back in the so-called “search wars”, to new forms of AI and semantic intelligence, the ultimate goal of any search device is relevance for the user. Today I tested a little hospitality search engine called Pineapple Search.

HomeAway: The Latest Acquisitioin in Expedia Buying Spree

Aleksandr Shatskih

News from Expedia tells of the OTA’s coming purchase of holiday rental firm HomeAway. In a deal estimated at $3.9 billion, the Texas based startup could punch a hole in the alternative accommodations space for the famous brand.

Key Data Integrations for Hotel Intelligence

Phil Butler

Market segment, the new paradigm hotel revenue people seek to optimize and utilize, it can be an elusive beast. Using guest analytics and loyalty data will become more and more useful, but the key segments, and those data sets, will power the coming hotel operations shift toward predictive analytics. Here are some resources that should be […]

Solving the Big Data Analytics Riddle for Hotels

Aleksandr Shatskih

Hotels and other hospitality oriented businesses have received the message, big data analytics can solve for major business challenges from price optimization, to predicting touristic flows. However compelling this new realm may be for current and future operations though, not all big data solutions add the same value.

A Hotel Distibution Tech Infographic from SnapShot

Aleksandr Shatskih

Understanding the technology in the hotel distribution space can be challenging, so many players and so much technology. A visual representation of this technology can help grasp the landscape and “fit the pieces into the puzzle.” Part of working on Hotel Demand Management, and its many layers, meant getting a good grasp of the segments, […]

Priceline & Expedia: Fearing Airbnb Like the Klingons

Phil Butler

A story on Skift this morning bears the headline; “Airbnb’s Growth Doesn’t Scare Priceline at All”. A big picture of William Shatner set to duke it out is as funny, given Priceline should be scared, that is. If only Priceline’s Star Fleet had integrated Airbnb!

TripAdvisor powers up with ZeTrip and Rove

Phil Butler

TripAdvisor has announced the acquisition of tech startup ZeTrip, and travel journal app Rove. Apparently, the semi-stagnant market for high tech travel tools, has been rekindled.

Is ride sharing a green Lyft or an Uber hype idea?

Phil Butler

Two cutting edge transportation startups, Lyft and Uber, they’ve done a good job of marketing anything and everything that could help them convert. Long billed as green friendly ride share services, the two have pledge in the past to help reduce the number of cars on the road.