Top Travel Tech Weekly News

News / Online

Marriott ramps up tours and activities, new loyalty program plays a role

By Kevin May | April 18, 2018

Plenty of attention on Marriott this week as it introduces a new loyalty package - but other efforts to coincide with the launch illustrate a maturing of another sector. Read More

News / Technology

How TripAdvisor is using AI to "humanize" its review community

By Jill Menze | April 17, 2018

TripAdvisor is the most-visited pre-transaction travel website in the world - meaning hundreds of millions of visitors each month come to the site looking for travel recommendations. That’s a lot of... Read More

News / Technology

AI analysis, part 3: The brains behind Hopper

By Mitra Sorrells | April 16, 2018

In part three, we talk to Fred Lalonde, founder and CEO of Hopper. Read More

News / Distribution

QOTW: Something about keeping things alive

By PhocusWire | April 13, 2018

Quote from Kathy Morgan, vice president of product management at Sabre Travel Network, in an article on PhocusWire this week. Read More

News / Online

TripAdvisor reminds the giants: we're still huge and influential

By Kevin May | April 12, 2018

The conversation in online travel circles has been dominated this year by new entrants and the age-old battles. Read More

News / Distribution

Sabre makes NDC push, launches new airline commercial platform

By Jill Menze | April 12, 2018

While airlines are still adjusting their attitudes toward IATA’s New Distribution Capability, Sabre has changed its tune about how the communication standard will present new opportunities around... Read More

News / Online

Google tests activities search platform with a twist

By Kevin May | April 10, 2018

No need to panic just yet - it's only a test, of course - but Google has quietly built a search engine for tours and activities. Read More

News / Distribution

Experiences and products - not financial rewards - drive customer loyalty for travel brands

By Mitra Sorrells | April 10, 2018

The key to long-term loyalty for travel brands comes from creating memorable experiences based on superior products and personalized service. Read More

News / Online

Airbnb tests eliminating guest fees in new pilot program

By Jill Menze | April 9, 2018

Airbnb is asking select hosts to join a pilot program that removes guest fees from listings. Read More

News / Technology

AI analysis, part 2: Watson's world

By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018

It’s been more than seven years since IBM’s Watson computer entered the spotlight by beating two acclaimed – and human – competitors on the quiz show Jeopardy! Read More

News / Online

Hotels that request guest feedback earn more positive reviews

By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018

Accomodations can improve their online reputation by proactively asking guests to post reviews. Read More

News / Technology

QOTW: Something about the end experience

By PhocusWire | April 6, 2018

Quote from Mike Croucher, chief architect at Travelport, in an article on PhocusWire this week. Read More

News / Technology

AI analysis, part 1: Travel tech giants

By Mitra Sorrells | April 2, 2018

The ubiquity of artificial intelligence is evident in the fact that the abbreviation “AI” is now a common and recognizable term. Read More

News / Distribution

Air France-KLM inks NDC deals with Amadeus and Travelport

By Mitra Sorrells | March 30, 2018

Amadeus and Air France-KLM have reached an agreement to allow Amadeus customers to access a private channel to receive airline content without paying a surcharge. Two days earlier Travelport announced... Read More