International visitation to the U.S. decreased last year for the first time since 2009. In this photo taken April 19, 2015, people walk in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Andrew Harnik / Associated PressSkift Take: International visits to the U.S could have decreased in 2016 for many reasons, ranging from the pricy U.S. dollar to uncertainty surrounding U.S. politics. While data show continued growth into 2017, perhaps things aren't as positive for the U.S.

A tourist from China takes pictures Skift Take: China outbound travel is booming and has a long way to go before maturity. Individual destinations should pursue the market, but be cognizant of the risks. South Korea serves as an example of what can happen when the Chinese government changes course. — Dave MontaliLast week we launched the latest report in our Skift Research service, A Deep Dive Into Ctrip and the China Online Travel Market 2017.

Skift Take: We can’t imagine a better five years to begin with. And we look forward to the many more ahead. — Jason ClampetIt’s our fifth birthday this week. Click on the logo for more big stories. When Skift launched five years ago the travel industry was in a much different place. American Airlines and US Airways were two different airlines. Micky Arison was still the CEO of Carnival Corporation. Starwood was showing other global hotel brands how international expansion was done.

Pictured is Chinese currency. The Priceline Group is contemplating various way to get deeper into Chinese travel. BloombergSkift Take: Priceline Group's CEO Glenn Fogel has repeated his view that Asia is the company's most important market. We don't think he'll try to acquire Ctrip. But additional moves are possible. — Sean O'NeillThink of it as the China conundrum.

The new Qatar Airways seat can accommodate a family of four in one pod. Qatar AirwaysSkift Take: When you add up the PR value for Qatar as well as the good will it engenders among travelers (especially those adding to their oneworld alliance point totals), the snafu was a smart move.

The reception area at one of Trivago's many offices worldwide. The company blew past its forecast goals for the second quarter 2017. TrivagoSkift Take: Public companies rarely take on projects where the benefits may not appear for years to come. So Kudos to Trivago for risking that with its marketing tools for hotels. That said, the effort is still a risk.

FabHotels has received funding for its asset-light hotel model. It uses digital marketing to drive guests to hotels that agree to standardize their service with amenities like Wi-Fi. FabHotelsSkift Take: FabHotel's franchise model joins peers OYO and Treebo in a promising effort to tame the famously fractured budget segment in India by applying consistent standards of service and marketing. — Sean O'NeillEach week we round up travel startups that have recently received or announced funding.

Spirit Airlines is feeling pressure as competitors have decreased fares. A Spirit Airlines A319. Spirit AirlinesSkift Take: Spirit Airlines is hurting after a mixed quarter, and the outlook isn't good for the rest of 2017. The company's leadership, however, remains undeterred from its current strategy.

An Abercrombie & Kent safari camp constructed in the Moroccan desert. Luxury travel has evolved significantly over the years. Abercrombie & KentSkift Take: These four entrepreneurs took the first steps toward what would become modern adventure and luxury travel, and their first-hand accounts hold lessons -- and entertainment -- for all those who followed in their wake. — Samantha ShankmanIt’s our fifth birthday this week. Click on the logo for more big stories.

Skyscanner CEO Gareth Williams Skift Take: Ctrip’s purchase of Skyscanner continued the trend of metasearch consolidation and should provide Ctrip with support for its outbound and inbound businesses. — Dave MontaliLast week we launched the latest report in our Skift Research service, A Deep Dive Into Ctrip and the China Online Travel Market 2017. Below is an excerpt from our Skift Research Report. Get the full report here to stay ahead of this trend.