Editors Pick

Top Travel Tech Weekly News

Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices
News / Online
Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices
By Morgan Hines | May 6, 2024
Some industry leaders are in favor of Airbnb's new limited-access, unconventional experiences that tie into pop culture while others are feeling underwhelmed Read More
Booking Holdings beats earnings expectations, talks up AI potential
News / Online
Booking Holdings beats earnings expectations, talks up AI potential
By D.J. Catron | May 2, 2024
First quarter revenues of $4.4 billion represented a 17% increase over the same period last year, and net income of $776 million was nearly three times higher than Q1 in 2023.   Read More
Airbnb puts new spin on experiences with “Icons” launch
News / Online
Airbnb puts new spin on experiences with “Icons” launch
By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2024
Aligned with its strategy to move beyond its core short-term rental business, Airbnb is launching new experiences created in partnership with "the world's greatest icons." Read More
How visual content is reshaping flight shopping for travelers, airlines and resellers
News / Technology
How visual content is reshaping flight shopping for travelers, airlines and resellers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2024
One of the pillars of customer-centricity in the airline industry is rich content – giving flight shoppers a clear and visually compelling booking experience similar to what they see... Read More
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
News / Startups
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
By D.J. Catron | April 30, 2024
An Accenture survey found consumers feel less confident about booking a hotel than buying a car, and booking a flight was nearly as nerve-wracking as getting a mortgage. Read More
Could using algorithms to set hotel rates become illegal?
Opinion / Technology
Could using algorithms to set hotel rates become illegal?
By Adam Harris – Cloudbeds | April 29, 2024
The U.S. government is sending strong signals that algorithmic pricing solutions could represent a price-fixing conspiracy – a view hospitality professionals reject. Read More
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
News / Technology
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
By Morgan Hines | April 26, 2024
Travel tech leaders focused on wellness have an eye trained on the future - with predictions as to how technology may impact traveler wellness and wellness tourism. Read More
Short-term rental experts talk funding climate, acquisition and valuations
News / Startups
Short-term rental experts talk funding climate, acquisition and valuations
By Linda Fox | April 25, 2024
Vacation rental executives from Awaze, HomeToGo, Hostaway, CVC Capital and Forge Holiday Group discuss industry growth and challenges. Read More
Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy
News / Technology
Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy
By D.J. Catron | April 24, 2024
Airbnb’s new policy banning indoor security cameras takes effect April 30, underscoring just how critical the sector’s concern for balancing security and privacy has become.   Read More
Preparing travel for the future of AI search
Opinion / Technology
Preparing travel for the future of AI search
By Mario Gavira | April 23, 2024
In the second of two articles, Mario Gavira looks at how travel marketers can prepare for the potential impact of AI on search marketing. Read More
Search marketing for travel in the age of AI
Opinion / Technology
Search marketing for travel in the age of AI
By Mario Gavira | April 22, 2024
In the first of two articles, Mario Gavira looks at trends in search marketing for travel and how artificial intelligence might impact the landscape. Read More
Delta partners with Accelya, Google on new NDC plans
News / Distribution
Delta partners with Accelya, Google on new NDC plans
By D.J. Catron | April 18, 2024
The last of the three major U.S. airlines to embrace modern retailing and distribution announced the partners it will work with, including IATA and ARC. Read More
Is technology bringing the "perfect trip" nearer?
News / Technology
Is technology bringing the "perfect trip" nearer?
By Linda Fox | April 17, 2024
PhocusWire talks to Steve Singh, Concur co-founder and former CEO turned travel startup investor, on how technology is keeping the drive for the "perfect trip" alive. Read More
Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2024
News / Startups
Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2024
By Linda Fox | April 16, 2024
Phocuswright's Travel Startups Interactive Database shows that after a down year in 2023, funding for travel startups has increased in the first quarter of 2024.   Read More
Can trip planning startups ever succeed?
Opinion / Startups
Can trip planning startups ever succeed?
By Christian Watts - Magpie | April 15, 2024
If somebody builds the ultimate tool, which actually works, has access to all the world’s travel information and has all of the bells and whistles that one could hope for, does that mean people will... Read More
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