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.

Tour and activity veterans line up to launch content platform Magpie
News / Technology
Tour and activity veterans line up to launch content platform Magpie
By Linda Fox | March 5, 2019
Former tour operator Christian Watts, Viator founder Rod Cuthbert and Tokyo-based Venture Republic are behind the new company.... Read More
Ctrip ticks $4.5B annual revenue level for the first time
News / Online
Ctrip ticks $4.5B annual revenue level for the first time
By Kevin May | March 5, 2019
Ctrip cited "robust growth momentum" in its international business during 2018, but despite the uptick in overall annual revenue, Ctrip saw a decline of 19% in fourth quarter revenues to $1.1 billion.... Read More
business-travel-airport-woman-innovation-3
Opinion / Technology
Why travel management companies have a responsibility to drive innovation
By David Thompson - American Express Global Business Travel | March 5, 2019
Business travel should be the most fertile ground for innovation in the traveler experience. However, the industry must first be willing to drive change rather than passively react to it.... Read More
AirAsia launches venture capital fund to grow startup base in Southeast Asia
News / Online
AirAsia launches venture capital fund to grow startup base in Southeast Asia
By Jill Menze | March 5, 2019
The low-cost carrier’s venture arm, RedBeat Ventures, is establishing the VC fund - dubbed RedBeat Capital - alongside a strategic partnership with San Francisco-based startup accelerator and venture capital firm 500 Startups.... Read More
Withlocals walks away with €8M to support peer-to-peer experiences service
News / Online
Withlocals walks away with €8M to support peer-to-peer experiences service
By Kevin May | March 5, 2019
The Series B round was led by Keen Venture Partners and also saw participation from previous backer Inkef Capital, giving it around €16 million since 2013.... Read More
TripAdvisor opens hotel Sponsored Placements
News / Online
TripAdvisor expands Sponsored Placements for hotels, adds new features
By Mitra Sorrells | March 5, 2019
TripAdvisor's Sponsored Placements for accommodations are now available to any property that provides rates and availability on the platform.... Read More
Fornova buys hospitality intelligence platform HotelsBI
News / Distribution
Fornova buys hospitality intelligence platform HotelsBI
By Kevin May | March 4, 2019
HotelsBI was created in January 2016 by Leon Vaidman and includes tools for hotels to increase direct bookings and retain customers.... Read More
bookingpal-vacation-rental-funding
News / Distribution
BookingPal lands $12M round to boost vacation rental distribution platform
By Linda Fox | March 4, 2019
Valor Capital Group with Altabix and a “new strategic investor” join Existing investors Amadeus Ventures, PAR Capital Management, Plug and Play Ventures and Thayer Ventures.... Read More
Ground transportation part 1 investors
News / Startups
Ground innovation, part 1: The investment path
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2019
In part one in our ground transportation theme series, we talk to investors about startups in the category.... Read More
thefork buys restorando
News / Online
TripAdvisor-owned TheFork buys Restorando, expands in Latin America
By Jill Menze | March 4, 2019
With TheFork's acquisition of Restorando, its network will grow by 3,500 restaurants across eight countries.... Read More
Sounding Off: Voice-enabled devices in travel need to be given time
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Voice-enabled devices in travel need to be given time
By PhocusWire | March 1, 2019
A touch of the "information superhighway - it'll never catch on"-type reactions to voice tech failures should be put to one side.... Read More
Q&A: Airbnb China president on growing the business, regulators, targeting millennials
Interview / Online
Q&A: Airbnb China president on growing the business, regulators, targeting millennials
By Jill Menze | March 1, 2019
In one of his first interviews since he was appointed president in July, Tao Peng lays out his vision for Airbnb China in this extensive conversation.... Read More
marriott-financials-2018
News / Distribution
Marriott data security breach costs the company $28M so far
By Linda Fox | March 1, 2019
Marriott revealed that the data breach disclosed in November 2018 cost the company $28 million in the fourth quarter.... Read More
Startup Stage Gaffl main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GAFFL connects solo travelers to plan trips, split costs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2019
GAFFL, or, Get a Friend for Life, is intended to help solo travelers find others planning similar itineraries to travel together and share costs.  ... Read More
bookingkit-ctrip-partnership
News / Distribution
Bookingkit calls European first on Ctrip partnership for tours and activities
By Linda Fox | February 28, 2019
Ctrip's global expansion brand Trip.com included in deal to integrate tours, activities and events content into the China-based online travel agency’s listings.... Read More
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