Editors Pick

Top Travel Tech Weekly News

As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
News / Technology
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024
 At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces.   Read More
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
Opinion / Online
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
By Javier Delgado - Mirai | May 14, 2024
One day after the European Union added Booking.com to its list of "digital gatekeepers," Mirai's Javier Delgado analyzes the effect of Google's Hotel Ads changes on hotels. Read More
Steve Hafner on 20 years at Kayak: "The innovation isn't over yet"
News / Online
Steve Hafner on 20 years at Kayak: "The innovation isn't over yet"
By D.J. Catron | May 11, 2024
As the metasearch site passes 20 years since its launch, CEO Steve Hafner shares his views on generative AI, Kayak for Business, the future of metasearch and more.   Read More
Vacasa announces layoffs to 13% of workforce
News / Distribution
Vacasa announces layoffs to 13% of workforce
By D.J. Catron | May 9, 2024
 The vacation rental management company laid off 13% of its workforce as it seeks to reorganize operations following a Q1 that saw gross booking value drop 18% year over year.  Read More
Tripadvisor is not for sale - at least not for now
News / Online
Tripadvisor is not for sale - at least not for now
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
Tripadvisor announced it is not selling amid first quarter earnings results that included revenue of $395 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6%. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Kurt Ekert of Sabre
Interview / Distribution
CEO Spotlight - Kurt Ekert of Sabre
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2024
Kurt Ekert joined Sabre as president in January 2022 and became CEO in April 2023. Prior to that he had most recently been president and CEO of CWT and chief commercial officer at Travelport. Read More
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
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