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.

GBTA convention digital identity frictionless travel
News / Technology
Could digital ID be the key to achieving a frictionless travel experience?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 19, 2019
Amadeus traveler ID innovation manager Laurent Conjat says digital identity is coming and will add efficiency and remove friction at every step of the traveler's journey. ... Read More
sounding off business travel
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: True innovation in business travel is more than cosmetic
By PhocusWire | August 16, 2019
The number of startups targeting the corporate travel market in recent years is interesting. It is a sector full of pain points and frustration for business travelers and those trying to manage their spend and safety in a consistent way.... Read More
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further.... Read More
What’s next for Google’s expansion into vacation rentals?
Opinion / Distribution
What’s next for Google’s expansion into vacation rentals?
By James Burrows - Rentals United | August 16, 2019
With Google entering the vacation rental market, what future developments could impact direct bookings, guest experience, customer ownership and the current ecosystem?... Read More
BA-virtual-reality
News / Technology
British Airways boosts in-flight experience with virtual reality trial
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
The carrier is offering passengers on some flights in its first class cabin the chance to view films, documentaries and other programs in 2-D, 3-D and 360-degrees formats... Read More
RV sharing site PaulCamper raises €7M
News / Startups
European RV-sharing platform PaulCamper raises €7M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2019
Berlin-based RV sharing site PaulCamper has raised €7 million in Series A funding.... Read More
sabre-farelogix-DOJ
News / Distribution
Sabre pushes to close Farelogix acquisition, awaits potential D.O.J. block
By Linda Fox | August 15, 2019
Sabre says it intends to close its acquisition of Farelogix by August 21 but will extend the agreement until the end of April to overcome regulatory hurdles.... Read More
Travelport BCD Hyatt blockchain hotel settlement
News / Technology
Travelport, BCD, Hyatt test blockchain for hotel commission settlement
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2019
Travelport, in partnership with BCD Travel and Hyatt, is developing a blockchain system for hotel commission settlement.... Read More
Careful what you wish for: Attribute-based selling isn't all it's cracked up to be
Opinion / Distribution
Careful what you wish for: Attribute-based selling isn't all it's cracked up to be
By Tim Peter - Tim Peter & Associates | August 15, 2019
It doesn't seem that guests really need attribute-based selling, and it's unrealistic to assume that the model will both improve prices for guests and drive more revenue.... Read More
SITA aviation capacity issues and data
Opinion / Technology
Will data or collaboration solve aviation's capacity crunch?
By Thomas Deillon - SITA | August 14, 2019
SITA's Thomas Deillon analyzes how the airline industry should handle the impending capacity crunch.... Read More
CEO interview Amex GBT Doug Anderson
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Doug Anderson of American Express Global Business Travel
By Mitra Sorrells | August 14, 2019
The CEO of the global TMC discusses business travel pain points, the impact of NDC in the corporate channel and new startups entering the market.... Read More
Research Spotlight: Are bots the future of brick and mortar?
News / Technology
Research Spotlight: Are bots the future of brick and mortar?
By Jill Menze | August 14, 2019
A new report from Phocuswright examines how several chatbot startups found a way to turn bot limitations into a feature rather than a bug.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Exosonic wants to cut flight times in half with supersonic airliners
Interview / Technology
STARTUP STAGE: Exosonic wants to cut flight times in half with supersonic airliners
By Jill Menze | August 14, 2019
Exosonic - winner of Phocuswright's Battleground competition - sells quiet supersonic airliners to the commercial aviation industry.... Read More
Amex GBT acquires Middle East Kanoo Travel
News / Online
American Express GBT acquires stake in Middle East TMC
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2019
American Express Global Business Travel has taken a 65% stake in Kanoo Travel, a TMC focused on the Middle East.... Read More
VIDEO: Getting to One Order - is the airline industry there yet?
News / Technology
VIDEO: Getting to One Order - is the airline industry there yet?
By Jill Menze | August 13, 2019
At GBTA 2019, IATA's Yanik Hoyles and Travelport's Ian Heywood engaged in a spirited discussion on the status of IATA's One Order initiative.... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026