Top Travel Tech Weekly News

News / Distribution

Further expansion for OYO in China as investors commit to $1B in funding

By Linda Fox | September 26, 2018

OYO has raised $800 million with a commitment for a further $200 million via Softbank Vision Fund. Read More

Travelport tours and activities blockchain

News / Distribution

Travelport and IBM test blockchain to improve distribution and settlement for tours and activities

By Mitra Sorrells | September 26, 2018

Another travel brand is looking to gain a foothold in the booming in-destination experiences sector. Read More

News / Distribution

VIDEO: TripAdvisor opens up about Bokun acquisition

By Kevin May | September 26, 2018

Bokun customers will get a better placement in TripAdvisor listings for tours and activities, the company has admitted for the first time. Read More

News / Online

Tours and activities providers bring experiences to Google search and maps

By Linda Fox | September 25, 2018

Ticketing platform Tiqets has partnered with Google to supply museum and attraction passes via maps and search. Read More

News / Distribution

Why hotels should take cues from home-sharing, stop "obsession with direct booking"

By Linda Fox | September 25, 2018

Though traditional hotel operators have been beleaguered by the march of brands such as Airbnb, they have taken steps to embrace the trend in recent years. A good example is the Marriott... Read More

News / Online

Xola creates app marketplace for tour and activity operators

By Mitra Sorrells | September 24, 2018

Xola, an online booking platform for tours and activities, is consolidating apps and integrations to support online and offline customer acquisition and sales in its new Xola App Store. Read More

News / Technology

Flight Centre Travel Group acquires itinerary planning platform Umapped

By Mitra Sorrells | September 24, 2018

Umapped, a specialist in itinerary management, has been acquired by Australia-based Flight Centre Travel Group. Read More

News / Technology

Back in the offline world, part 4: High-tech versus high-touch hotels

By Mitra Sorrells | September 24, 2018

For the final piece in this series, we consider the topic of technology in the hotel environment. Read More

Interview / Startups

Startup Stage: FlyGRN combines flight booking with automatic carbon offsetting

By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2018

FlyGRN uses a portion of the commission it receives for flight bookings to support carbon offsetting projects, such as a solar panel initiative in India that displaces fossil fuels. Travelers receive a... Read More

Booking.com ODX blockchain internet marketplace

News / Technology

Booking.com will give data to consumers in emerging markets to access its site

By Mitra Sorrells | September 20, 2018

Booking.com has signed on to try a new blockchain-based data marketplace aimed at helping brands connect with users in emerging markets. Read More

News / Startups

Established travel brands see crowdfunding as mechanism to boost loyalty

By Linda Fox | September 20, 2018

Mr & Mrs Smith and Much Better Adventures discuss why they decided to go down the crowdfunding route. Read More

News / Technology

eDreams trials biometric technology to help drive inspiration

By Linda Fox | September 19, 2018

Edreams Odigeo is employing eye-tracking as well as biometric scanning technology to help it improve the customer experience. Read More

News / Online

TripAdvisor plots social network, goes all-in on personalization

By Jill Menze | September 18, 2018

TripAdvisor is betting big on social media with the launch of “the new TripAdvisor” - a revamp of the platform that allows users to connect with fellow travelers as well as brands, publishers and... Read More