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.

How cutting-edge hotels use artificial intelligence for a great guest experience
News / Technology
How cutting-edge hotels use artificial intelligence for a great guest experience
By Viewpoints | February 7, 2018
This is a viewpoint from Mitul Makadia, founder of Maruti Techlabs. In the 21st century, industries that resist integrating new technologies often lose their competitive edge. Businesses across the... Read More
Nordic Choice blockchain test Winding Tree
News / Technology
Q&A: How - and why - Nordic Choice Hotels is testing blockchain
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2018
Could an open-source blockchain-based distribution system stimulate innovative solutions from travel industry startups, provide more choices to travelers, and drive more revenue to suppliers? ... Read More
Singapore Airlines launches large-scale digital innovation initiative
News / Online
Singapore Airlines launches large-scale digital innovation initiative
By Marisa Garcia | February 7, 2018
Singapore Airlines has announced the launch of a Digital Innovation Blueprint to support the development of a travel technology community in Singapore, and to help diversify its own product and servic... Read More
Google updates UX to make flight and hotel bookings easier on mobile
News / Technology
Google updates UX to make flight and hotel bookings easier on mobile
By Nick Vivion | February 6, 2018
With experts emphasizing the importance of UX, and consumers responding to well-designed products, it's more than just a nice-t0-have. An intuitive user experience is critical in today's competitive e... Read More
Google new nav bar hotel search
News / Online
Google simplifies travel search, leads for partners with new all-in-one mobile upgrade
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Google is adding new features to its travel search functions to add ease and speed for mobile users.... Read More
Sabre launches 'Ella,' TSI's new virtual travel agent chatbot
News / Distribution
Sabre launches 'Ella,' TSI's new virtual travel agent chatbot
By Michele McDonald | February 6, 2018
Sabre Corp. launched a pilot program of a “virtual agent” chatbot powered by artificial intelligence with Dallas-headquartered Travel Services International USA (TSI). As with most initial forays i... Read More
Online travel agency fightback: Tactics to lure direct bookings
Opinion / Distribution
Online travel agency fightback: Tactics to lure direct bookings
By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | February 6, 2018
As the travel planning journey continues to become increasingly more complex, hoteliers need to be looking for more impactful ways to engage and retain their best potential guests.... Read More
BCD Travel sets out tech playbook, creates marketplace for third parties
News / Distribution
BCD Travel sets out tech playbook, creates marketplace for third parties
By Linda Fox | February 6, 2018
BCD Travel has developed a platform for corporate travellers and bookers to access third party services. At launch, the marketplace will include a number of startups including Fairfly and Freebird... Read More
Bing Phocuswright digital travel marketing study
News / Online
What travel marketers need to know for digital engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Travel marketers should fine-tune digital strategies to attract new customers and reinforce loyalty among existing ones as they strive to prevail in the competitive landscape of online travel agencies, metasearch sites and supplier brands.   ... Read More
Not building walls - Airbnb forms tourism ties with Africa, El Salvador, Haiti
News / Distribution
Not building walls - Airbnb forms tourism ties with Africa, El Salvador, Haiti
By Linda Fox | February 6, 2018
When Donald Trump reportedly had a few choice words to describe a number of destinations recently, some companies, such as Airbnb, decided to get behind those places. Airbnb put not only its money... Read More
Sixt withdraws from DriveNow car-share service
News / Online
Sixt withdraws from DriveNow car-share service
By Kevin May | February 6, 2018
Car rental service Sixt has exited from the DriveNow car-sharing brand after selling its stake to manufacturer BMW.... Read More
Singapore Airlines to turn miles into cryptocurrency using blockchain
News / Distribution
Singapore Airlines to turn miles into cryptocurrency using blockchain
By Marisa Garcia | February 6, 2018
KrisFlyer, Singapore Airlines Group’s frequent-flyer program, will introduce a new blockchain-based loyalty digital wallet which will allow members to spend their KrisFlyer miles for point-of-sale at... Read More
Why Marriott and Accenture collaborated on Known Traveler Digital Identity - but can it become reality?
News / Technology
Why Marriott and Accenture collaborated on Known Traveler Digital Identity - but can it become reality?
By Nick Vivion | February 6, 2018
The coverage was global and across industries: the Known Traveler Digital Identification program captured the imagination, combining buzzy concepts like blockchain, cryptography, and data privacy into... Read More
Google's tough path to understanding language
Notated News / Technology
Google's tough path to understanding language
By Douglas Hofstadter - The Atlantic | February 5, 2018
If you're a translator or a linguist, tech-powered services like these must be either be an irritation or, worse, a drive your accuracy radar mad.... Read More
Singapore Airlines blockchain loyalty wallet
News / Technology
Singapore Airlines creates blockchain-based rewards program for frequent flyers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2018
Singapore Airlines will launch a blockchain-based “digital wallet” for members of its KrisFlyer loyalty program.  ... Read More
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