Editors Pick

Top Travel Tech Weekly News

mark-okerstrom-expedia-group-direct-bookings
News / Online
Expedia CEO Mark Okerstrom: “War over the best booking experience is almost over”
By Jill Menze | June 25, 2019
Speaking at Expedia Group's first Research Summit, Mark Okerstrom said the next "vector of innovation" happens after bookings are made. Read More
Travel payments, part 4: Hopes and hurdles for startups
News / Technology
Travel payments, part 4: Hopes and hurdles for startups
By Mitra Sorrells | June 24, 2019
In part four of our payments month them we talk to investors and entrepreneurs about the challenges and opportunities for startups in this space. Read More
Conversational commerce and the travel industry: it’s time to say hello
From Our Partners / Online
Conversational commerce and the travel industry: it’s time to say hello
By Messenger Business | June 24, 2019
Immediate. Personal. Conversational. Mobile messaging has long been the preferred way for people to connect with friends and family. Now it’s transforming communications between travel businesses and... Read More
rail-industry-white-paper
From Our Partners / Technology
REPORT: How mobility as a service is bringing rail to the forefront
By PhocusWire | June 24, 2019
Rail may not have moved as quickly into the digital age as other segments of travel but now is the time to capitalize on some of the early initiatives. Read More
duffel series a round
News / Startups
Duffel raises $21.5M for yet-to-launch distribution platform
By Jill Menze | June 21, 2019
Benchmark, which has invested in companies including Uber, Twitter and Snap, led the Series A round, with participation from Blossom Capital and Index Ventures, which participated in Duffel’s $4.7... Read More
sounding off 21 emerging technologies
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Not all emerging tech is created equal
By PhocusWire | June 21, 2019
Technology can be exciting and the user experience pretty good. And brands should be applauded for dabbling with interesting new consumer interfaces to see what works. But there is a "but"... Read More
Hopper ramps up hotel booking with global private rates and price tracking
News / Online
Hopper ramps up hotel booking with global private rates and price tracking
By Kevin May | June 20, 2019
Eighteen months on from its initial launch, Hopper is applying some of the secret sauce learned from flights to its hotel search and booking service. Read More
Expedia’s Arthur Chapin on emerging tech: The good, the bad… and the blockchain
News / Technology
Expedia’s Arthur Chapin on emerging tech: The good, the bad… and the blockchain
By Jill Menze | June 20, 2019
You’ve heard it once, and you’ll hear again how things like blockchain and Amazon’s Alexa are disrupting the travel industry. But when does the talk turn from promise and buzz to practical... Read More
Hotels need to embark on a new chapter - the digital one already written by Amazon
News / Online
Hotels need to embark on a new chapter - the digital one already written by Amazon
By Mitra Sorrells | June 19, 2019
Hotels can fend off threats from outside by adopting a retailing mindset and using tech that supports their model, rather than relying on outdated property management systems. Read More
In The Big Chair LIVE - Mat Orrego of Cornerstone
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair LIVE - Mat Orrego of Cornerstone
By Kevin May | June 18, 2019
Alongside running CIS since 1992, Orrego is an active supporter of the travel startup world through his work with RunUp Labs and as a regular and vocal judge at pitch competitions. Read More
RateGain acquires social and guest engagement platform BCV
News / Technology
RateGain acquires social and guest engagement platform BCV
By Kevin May | June 17, 2019
A mid-range, double-digit millions figure is believed to have been paid for 24/7 social media monitoring, reputation management, analytics and content marketing business. Read More
Mary Meeker's annual report: Growing giants, next-gen data and super apps
News / Online
Mary Meeker's annual report: Growing giants, next-gen data and super apps
By Linda Fox | June 17, 2019
Many in the digital and wider industrial world await Mary Meeker’s annual trends report with anticipation for what can be expected for their sector. We look at the travel-related elements. Read More
VIDEO: Understanding the biometric future for travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Understanding the biometric future for travel
By PhocusWire | June 17, 2019
Biometric technology is becoming an accepted part of the journey for travelers in more parts of the world. Read More
Will food delivery apps eliminate the need for hotel room service?
From Our Partners / Technology
Will food delivery apps eliminate the need for hotel room service?
By PhocusWire | June 17, 2019
In recent years, new options for on-demand, personalized meals have emerged – initially disrupting the way people dine at home and now gaining traction among travelers as a convenient way to eat while... Read More
REPORT: Measuring true impact in digital advertising
From Our Partners / Online
REPORT: Measuring true impact in digital advertising
By PhocusWire | June 17, 2019
Travel marketers have ramped up their digital advertising budgets, their focus on measuring the true impact of their ad spend and identifying what is working, and what is not. Read More
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