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.

With speculation of a sale in the air, Tripadvisor reports record revenue driven – again – by Viator
News / Online
With speculation of a sale in the air, Tripadvisor reports record revenue driven – again – by Viator
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2024
Two days after announcing it has created a special committee and retained a mergers and acquisition advisory firm, Tripadvisor reported an all-time high for revenue in 2023 led by a 49% growth in revenue for its Viator segment.... Read More
Phocuswright, WiT to launch Middle East travel tech conference in Dubai
News / Online
Phocuswright, WiT to launch Middle East travel tech conference in Dubai
By WiT | February 14, 2024
The co-branded one-day conference will blend the best of Phocuswright intelligence with WiT market insights in digital travel to focus on technology, innovation and distribution and marketing trends in the Middle East.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Sleap.io is a blockchain-based hotel booking platform
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Sleap.io is a blockchain-based hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2024
Founded in 2023, Sleap.io has more than 350,000 hotels on its platform and accepts payment in more than 200 cryptocurrencies. ... Read More
Airbnb adjusted EBITDA up 28% year over year as inventory grows to nearly 8M
News / Online
Airbnb adjusted EBITDA up 28% year over year as inventory grows to nearly 8M
By Morgan Hines | February 13, 2024
Airbnb said it has more than 5 million hosts and the highest inventory growth in 2023 came in Asia Pacific and Latin America.... Read More
Mobility specialist CMAC Group acquired by ComfortDelGro for £80M
News / Distribution
Mobility specialist CMAC Group acquired by ComfortDelGro for £80M
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2024
United Kingdom-based CMAC manages journeys for almost 3 million travelers through partnerships with airlines, train operators and corporations. It also offers private and ride-share transfer at airports, stations and ports via its Suntransfers brand.... Read More
Bob W checks in with €40M in funding
News / Startups
Bob W checks in with €40M in funding
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2024
The apartment rental company is looking to further develop its technology and bring more talent into the team with the fresh investment.... Read More
Priceline expands generative AI chatbot across all products on its platform
News / Technology
Priceline expands generative AI chatbot across all products on its platform
By Mitra Sorrells | February 13, 2024
Priceline said it has created more than 30 new features built on intelligence it has gathered from millions of customers that have used the technology since it debuted in June.... Read More
Generative AI check-in: HomeToGo on integrating artificial intelligence across its platform
News / Technology
Generative AI check-in: HomeToGo on integrating artificial intelligence across its platform
By Morgan Hines | February 13, 2024
PhocusWire is checking in with travel companies that were early adopters of generative artificial intelligence around a year after brands began implementing the technology. ... Read More
Tripadvisor considers potential sale that would take it private
News / Online
Tripadvisor considers potential sale that would take it private
By Derek Catron | February 12, 2024
Tripadvisor has formed a special committee and retained an advisor to consider potential deal proposals.... Read More
Replyable launches to help hospitality businesses with online reputation
News / Startups
Replyable launches to help hospitality businesses with online reputation
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2024
Launched by ex-Google Maps and Amazon engineers, Replyable uses artificial intelligence to help businesses monitor and reply to customer reviews... Read More
Startup travel planner Layla acquires AI-itinerary builder Roam Around
News / Startups
Startup travel planner Layla acquires AI-itinerary builder Roam Around
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2024
Roam Around founder Shie Gabbai is now chief operating officer at Layla, a startup that launched last fall with backing from travel veterans Andy Phillipps, Barry Smith and Brent Hoberman.... Read More
Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai
News / Technology
Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2024
Joby is hoping to begin air taxi operations as early as 2025 in Dubai and has signed a partnership with Skyports for the development and operation of four locations.... Read More
Jeff Katz on Journera’s shutdown and why a connected trip still matters
Opinion / Startups
Jeff Katz on Journera’s shutdown and why a connected trip still matters
By Jeff Katz - Journera | February 12, 2024
Jeff Katz shares his lessons from trying to build Journera and why he still believes in the need for the industry to break down silos in a traveler’s journey.... Read More
Car-sharing marketplace Getaround announces restructure
News / Online
Car-sharing marketplace Getaround announces restructure
By Morgan Hines | February 9, 2024
Getaround announced workplace reductions impacting almost 30% of the company’s North American staff.... Read More
Holdbar gets backing from Brent Hoberman for experience management tech
News / Startups
Holdbar gets backing from Brent Hoberman for experience management tech
By Linda Fox | February 9, 2024
Denmark-based Holdbar, which launched last year, has developed software enabling experience providers to create, promote and sell activities.... Read More