Editors Pick

Top Travel Tech Weekly News

Key trends driving innovation in tours and packages
Opinion / Online
Key trends driving innovation in tours and packages
By Manuel Hilty - Nezasa | March 22, 2024
Changes in consumer expectations along with the fact technology for selling multi-day tours is still in its infancy create a strong need for technical innovation in the tours and package business. Read More
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
News / Technology
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
By Morgan Hines | March 21, 2024
Some experts see generative AI leading to big changes in property management systems. Will this technology limit the human touch in hospitality? Or create more time for guest services?   Read More
Exploring the travel payments landscape in Asia
News / Online
Exploring the travel payments landscape in Asia
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2024
PhocusWire discusses the complexities of travel payments in Asia with Agoda chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch. Read More
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
News / Technology
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
By Morgan Hines | March 19, 2024
Personalized videos are driving high open rates and creating opportunities for travel brands to connect with customers before, during and after a trip. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Sam Gilliland of Accelya
Interview / Technology
CEO Spotlight - Sam Gilliland of Accelya
By Linda Fox | March 18, 2024
Gilliland spent more than 20 years at Sabre, starting as a software engineer and ending up as CEO, a position he held for 10 years until he left in 2013. He spent some time in private equity before... Read More
Gemini, Google Travel and the threat to OTAs
Opinion / Online
Gemini, Google Travel and the threat to OTAs
By Christian Watts - Magpie | March 15, 2024
Google Gemini, combined with Google Travel, could completely change the way consumers do their searching and planning for trips. Read More
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
News / Online
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
By D.J. Catron | March 14, 2024
While the legislation faces an uncertain future in the U.S. Senate and likely legal challenges if it becomes law, a ban could have far-reaching ramifications for travel companies. Read More
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
News / Online
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2024
Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb and Trip.com Group collectively spent $16.8 billion on sales and marketing in 2023 as they compete with one another and with suppliers enticing travelers to book... Read More
Airbnb's Stephenson on expansion beyond the core and AI
News / Online
Airbnb's Stephenson on expansion beyond the core and AI
By PhocusWire | March 12, 2024
Airbnb announced CFO Dave Stephenson would be taking up the newly created role of chief business officer to oversee its growth plans. Read More
GetYourGuide is hiring a TikTok content creator: Here’s why
News / Online
GetYourGuide is hiring a TikTok content creator: Here’s why
By Morgan Hines | March 11, 2024
Despite accelerating efforts to ban TikTok in the United States, GetYourGuide's job opening for a dedicated TikTok creator has received overwhelming interest. Read More
Accor’s Maud Bailly on how AI can enhance the luxury hotel experience
News / Online
Accor’s Maud Bailly on how AI can enhance the luxury hotel experience
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2024
Especially in the luxury sector, Accor's Maud Bailly said, “digital is an enabler” for hotel staff to create an enhanced, more emotional connection with guests.   Read More
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
News / Distribution
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
By D.J. Catron | March 7, 2024
As short-term rentals grapple with new regulations, major events and tourist preferences may help solidify their place in the travel industry.   Read More
Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe
News / Online
Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe
By Linda Fox | March 6, 2024
The company has had decisions from European lawmakers go against it in recent months, from its blocked acquisition of Etraveli to the threat of being tagged a digital gatekeeper under the looming... Read More
Kayak launches image recognition tool to compare flight prices from a screenshot
News / Technology
Kayak launches image recognition tool to compare flight prices from a screenshot
By Derek Catron and Morgan Hines | March 5, 2024
Extensive training of ChatGPT’s AI model on Kayak’s database of billions of consumer travel queries helped produce the metasearch site’s new features. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Jacob Messina of Stayntouch
Interview / Technology
CEO Spotlight: Jacob Messina of Stayntouch
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Prior to becoming CEO in April 2023, Messina had been SVP of technology and innovation at MCR Hotels, the third-largest hotel operator in the United States and the parent company of Stayntouch. Read More
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