Legends

At this year’s NYC Tech Awards, we’re shining a spotlight on the bold visionaries, passionate founders and CEOs, and the groundbreaking technologies transforming industries at every stage. Whether in enterprise SaaS, healthcare, or marketplaces, these companies are proving that in NYC, the best ideas don’t just thrive; they take flight. We’re excited to recognize these founders at tomorrow’s NYC Tech Awards, alongside our Hall of Fame Inductees Alan Patricof, Annie Lamont, Esther Dyson, Fred Wilson, Julie Samuels, Neil Blumenthal, and Dave Gilboa. Take a closer look at the full list here: https://lnkd.in/exbKyKfd

Early results from my State of Hotel Industry survey ?? Take it and get all the insights for free: https://lnkd.in/g8pSdqAn

This is the most important chart in the travel industry right now. It's the perfect illustration of what many consider social media's major weakness — the inability to drive bookings. Yet this weakness is actually the biggest commercial opportunity in travel over the next decade. To explain, let's examine the current influence of social media throughout the travel booking process. Step 1: INSPIRATION: About three-quarters of travelers begin their initial inspiration on social media, making it the most important source for travel discovery. Step 2: RESEARCH: Once inspired, nearly all these travelers remain on social platforms, utilizing various search features to delve into details like specific hotel options or activities, often guided by their trusted content creators. Step 3: PLANNING: Yet, when it comes to assembling concrete travel itineraries, the pattern shifts. Less than half of those researching on social media continue within these platforms for their planning. The majority revert to traditional booking channels, such as OTA websites, to finalize their plans. Step 4: BOOKING: When it comes to actual bookings—be it flights, hotels, or activities—virtually no one (thus far) completes their travel booking journey on social media platforms today. But this is exactly the billion-dollar #SocialCommerce opportunity in online travel sales that is up for grabs. This drop-off rate from social media platforms—the further we progress along the travel booking process—will undergo significant changes in the coming years. We have seen this gap being overcome in other industries like fashion and beauty, and it will close in travel as well. In fact, we see new social-commerce functionalities being launched on a weekly basis by social media platforms themselves and a growing breed of startups and tech providers. What's driving this social-commerce transformation in travel? And how can travel brands leverage their fair share of direct bookings on social media? We dive deep into all of these questions in our upcoming "The State of Social Media in Travel" report. For exclusive preview insights, subscribe to our Social Content x Travel Newsletter right here on LinkedIn (see link in the comments). ???? https://lnkd.in/egE-4QAy

Want to know how to make travel in 2025 exceptional? ??? Discover the top 5 trends that will shape travelers' motivations next year! Check out our annual report, just arrived: https://ow.ly/lIUi50UgAEx #AmadeusTravelTrends #TravelerFirst