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.

Top-level takeaways on the Italy travel market
News / Online
Top-level takeaways on the Italy travel market
By Phocuswright Research | May 5, 2026
Even amid geopolitical uncertainty, Italy’s broad appeal, strong domestic alternatives and ongoing digitalization continue to support long-term growth.... Read More
How travel companies are approaching agentic AI
News / Technology
How travel companies are approaching agentic AI
By Mark Frary | May 5, 2026
Travel companies are exploring how AI agents can support internal workflows and operational tasks, while setting limits on autonomy for customer-facing tools.... Read More
Netcompany takes full ownership of Smarter Airports
News / Finance
Netcompany takes full ownership of Smarter Airports
By Cathy Walsh | May 4, 2026
The acquisition marks a new stage for AIRHART as Netcompany expands the airport operations platform beyond its original deployment at Copenhagen Airport.... Read More
Amex GBT to go private in $6.3B acquisition by Long Lake
News / Finance
Amex GBT to go private in $6.3B acquisition by Long Lake
By Morgan Hines | May 4, 2026
The all-cash transaction, which is backed by General Catalyst, is expected to close in the second half of the year.... Read More
Startup Stage: Altitude AI wants to modernize unmanaged business travel
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Altitude AI wants to modernize unmanaged business travel
By Cathy Walsh | May 4, 2026
The startup is building an AI-powered business travel platform designed to help companies without dedicated travel teams book trips and control travel spend.... Read More
DMOs shift toward destination-as-a-service model in AI era
News / Technology
DMOs shift toward destination-as-a-service model in AI era
By Morgan Hines | May 4, 2026
As travelers lean into AI travel planning, how can DMOs maintain and gain visibility?... Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Kayak, Roomex, Fareportal and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Kayak, Roomex, Fareportal and more...
By PhocusWire | May 1, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.... Read More
Trifork acquires VION AI to expand airline operations tech
News / Technology
Trifork acquires VION AI to expand airline operations tech
By Cathy Walsh | May 1, 2026
The deal brings VION AI’s turnaround intelligence tools into Trifork’s aviation business as airlines push for tighter operations and fewer delays.... Read More
Vibe coding in STR tech: Hype vs. reality
Opinion / Technology
Vibe coding in STR tech: Hype vs. reality
By Shahar Goldboim - Boom | May 1, 2026
Shahar Goldboim, CEO and founder of Boom, argues that while vibe coding gives short-term rental operators more flexibility, the real opportunity lies in AI systems that can execute reliably without turning operators into system architects.... Read More
Hyatt talks up internal AI uses cases, efficiency
News / Technology
Hyatt talks up internal AI uses cases, efficiency
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2026
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian discussed the opportunity for AI to make the company more efficient and more effective in Q1 2026 earnings.... Read More
DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app
News / Distribution
DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2026
DirectBooker, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2026, has also launched an app in ChatGPT and a connector in Claude.... Read More
Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps
News / Technology
Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps
By Cathy Walsh | April 30, 2026
The India-based online travel company has added ChatGPT apps across ixigo, AbhiBus and ConfirmTkt, allowing users to search and compare travel options in a conversational interface.... Read More
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
News / Technology
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
By Morgan Hines | April 29, 2026
Uber is pushing to become a super app as it expands to offer hotels, voice booking and more.... Read More
Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms
News / Distribution
Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2026
Hilton unveiled an Anthropic-powered AI trip planner in March.... Read More
Amadeus to acquire biometrics tech specialist Idemia for €1.2B
News / Technology
Amadeus to acquire biometrics tech specialist Idemia for €1.2B
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2026
The deal strengthens Amadeus' existing biometric and identity capabilities and follows its acquisition of Vision-Box in 2024.... Read More