Latest News

Latest News

Stay up to date with the latest travel technology news, startup updates, and industry developments from across the global travel ecosystem.

timeshifter-2-million
News / Startups
Jet-lag app Timeshifter raises $2M as it launches new product for shift workers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2021
The company has partnerships with travel brands including Tripadvisor, Travelperk, SAP Concur, CWT and United Airlines.... Read More
Airbnb creates tool for hosts to confirm guests’ COVID status
News / Technology
Airbnb creates tool for hosts to confirm guests’ COVID status
By Kevin May | February 5, 2021
The Health Safety Assertion tool allows hosts to request guests declare their status in relation to COVID-19 symptoms. Guests will also be asked to disclose if they have recently been exposed to the virus.... Read More
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
News / Online
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
On the Beach says consumer demand is very weak currently with traffic, bookings and online marketing spend for four months ended January 31, 2021, down more than 70%.... Read More
Sounding Off: Why startups should be careful with their roadmaps
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: Why startups should be careful with their roadmaps
By PhocusWire | February 5, 2021
Thankfully, the sector has (mostly) moved on from the days of the "travel is totally broken - we're going to fix it" messaging from startups.... Read More
yatra-q3-2021
News / Online
Yatra sees improving India domestic market, international remains slow
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
Yatra says new corporate travel signings are boosting its growth and that it also has a growing pipeline of potential customers.... Read More
Tripadvisor's Bokun creates activities service with JTB online giant in Japan
News / Distribution
Tripadvisor's Bokun creates activities service with JTB online giant in Japan
By Kevin May | February 5, 2021
JTB Bokun is the first partnership by the Bokun tours and activities tech platform with a domestic OTA.... Read More
your-rentals-refund-data
News / Distribution
Fully refundable vacation rentals get 4.2X more bookings, higher revenue
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2021
Data from Your.rentals shows January bookings were 92% of pre-COVID levels for properties with fully refundable cancellation policies, but only 23% of the norm for those with partial or non-refundable policies. ... Read More
Rad Power Bikes raises $150M to grow e-bike business
News / Technology
Rad Power Bikes raises $150M to grow e-bike business
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2021
The Seattle-based direct-to-consumer brand will use the funds to scale its retail and service offerings.... Read More
Accor begins digital key rollout, plans 500 hotels in 2021
News / Technology
Accor begins digital key rollout, plans 500 hotels in 2021
February 4, 2021
The hotel giant is planning for the digital key solution to be in 50% of its properties within five years.... Read More
Kiwi.com draws rash of complaints for not paying air refunds
News / Online
Kiwi.com draws rash of complaints for not paying air refunds
By Jaime Biesiada - Travel Weekly | February 4, 2021
The agency is accused of not dispersing refunds on air travel canceled by airlines due to COVID-19. It claims the refunds have been delayed by the volume of requests due to the pandemic.... Read More
anand krishnan-ibs-software
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Anand Krishnan of IBS Software
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2021
In 2018, Anand Krishnan was brought on as CEO of IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider managing mission-critical operations for airlines, airports, hotels and cruise companies.... Read More
iata-2020-traffic-figures
News / Online
Global air passenger traffic shows historic decline in 2020, future bookings down 70%
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2021
IATA’s baseline forecast for 2021 predicts an improvement of 50.4% over 2020 demand.... Read More
ixigo-buys-confirmtkt
News / Distribution
Ixigo buys train booking app Confirmtkt to serve India’s $8B rail market
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2021
The deal aligns with the Indian online travel agency’s decision in 2019 to focus on flights, trains and buses.... Read More
The challenges of digital health passports in getting corporate travelers back on the road
News / Technology
The challenges of digital health passports in getting corporate travelers back on the road
By Linda Fox | February 3, 2021
In a Q&A with PhocusWire, Brandon Balcom, director of innovation, business development, for CWT, discusses barriers to digital health passports.... Read More
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
News / Distribution
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
By Kevin May | February 3, 2021
The company's affiliate program, which has around 10,000 agency partners, will be opened up so that exclusive rates for hotel and air ticket packages are available for all.... Read More
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