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.

Tripadvisor quietly tests consumer-to-travel agent service Reco
News / Online
Tripadvisor quietly tests consumer-to-travel agent service Reco
By Kevin May | June 26, 2020
The service works on both desktop and via a smartphone app for Apple devices, giving travelers access to a portfolio of agents for a $199 fee each time.... Read More
InPhocus, episode 15 - Racial diversity should be the challenge we accept and win
News / Online
InPhocus, episode 15 - Racial diversity should be the challenge we accept and win
By PhocusWire | June 26, 2020
We speak to Jamie-Lee Abtar, executive director of U.K.-based BAME Women In Travel, to learn more about the organization and what new steps brands should be considering.... Read More
phocuswright-battleground-panel
News / Startups
Startups, investors see opportunities and challenges as travel industry struggles with COVID, diversity issues
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2020
During Phocuswright's Battleground: The Americas event, a panel of startup founders and investors shared their experiences dealing with the COVID-19 crises and their thoughts about the future.... Read More
sevenrooms-50-million
News / Technology
SevenRooms raises $50M to expand its hotel guest experience platform
By Mitra Sorrells | June 25, 2020
SevenRooms has raised a $50 million Series B round with Providence Strategic Growth.   ... Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Steering the comeback: Hotel revenue management recovery planning
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Steering the comeback: Hotel revenue management recovery planning
By PhocusWire | June 25, 2020
The hotel sector is gradually transitioning into a new phase of the coronavirus crisis that will see many properties consider how they can reopen and welcome guests.... Read More
Sabre indicates "modest" recovery signs but air bookings still slammed
News / Distribution
Sabre indicates "modest" recovery signs but air bookings still slammed
By Kevin May | June 25, 2020
"The environment remains uncertain, with reductions in airline capacity and a volatile macro environment," Sabre says in an unscheduled update to investors this week.... Read More
How I Got Here, episode 30 - Adam Goldstein of Hipmunk
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 30 - Adam Goldstein of Hipmunk
By PhocusWire | June 25, 2020
The co-founder and CEO of travel search platform Hipmunk, Adam Goldstein, joins Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May from PhocusWire to talk about its creation, challenges and eventual sale to SAP Concur.... Read More
Trip.com Group launches $500M partner fund as part of Travel On initiative
News / Distribution
Trip.com Group launches $500M partner fund as part of Travel On initiative
By Linda Fox | June 25, 2020
The $500 million war chest will help its travel partners get back on their feet in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.... Read More
sonder-series-e
News / Online
Sonder raises $170M at $1.3B valuation, calls it “validation” of recent pivot
By Mitra Sorrells | June 24, 2020
Sonder has raised $170 million in a Series E round, which it expects to grow to $200 million in the near future.... Read More
How the crisis changed fundraising for travel startups
News / Startups
How the crisis changed fundraising for travel startups
By Linda Fox | June 24, 2020
Some travel startups have secured funding despite pandemic, but the process has been far from straightforward.... Read More
Airbnb won't take IPO off the table for 2020 despite business collapse
News / Online
Airbnb won't take IPO off the table for 2020 despite business collapse
By Kevin May | June 24, 2020
"We spent 12 years building Airbnb's business and lost almost all of it in the matter of four to six weeks."... Read More
Traveler safety and hygiene emerge as the dominant themes at TravelScrum hackathon
News / Technology
Traveler safety and hygiene emerge as the dominant themes at TravelScrum hackathon
By Linda Fox | June 24, 2020
The three themes for the marathon coding event were Health & Hygiene, Travel & Experiences and Sustainability & Relief.... Read More
tripadvisor-covid-protocol-tools
News / Online
Tripadvisor adds new COVID-response filters, prompts travelers to share safety details in reviews
By Mitra Sorrells | June 24, 2020
Tripadvisor is launching a new suite of “Travel Safe” tools to help consumers find, filter for and validate health and safety information.  ... Read More
expedia-group-homeaway-vrbo
News / Online
Expedia Group retires HomeAway, moves customers over to Vrbo
By Mitra Sorrells | June 23, 2020
Expedia Group is getting rid of the HomeAway brand in the United States as it works to simplify its global vacation rental portfolio.... Read More
Lonely Planet selected as a guide provider to new Apple Maps
News / Technology
Lonely Planet selected as a guide provider to new Apple Maps
By Kevin May | June 23, 2020
Apple’s latest iPhone software update includes adding travel guides to the Apple Maps platform.... Read More