Latest News

Stay up to date with the latest travel technology news, startup updates, and industry developments from across the global travel ecosystem.

News / Online

Airport transportation marketplace Jayride raises $3.5M to build out product and tech

By Mitra Sorrells | November 18, 2019

Airport transfer marketplace Jayride has raised $3.5 million to develop its product and technology.... Read More

Interview / Online

Sounding Off: Rebrands are brave but sometimes don't go far enough

By PhocusWire | November 15, 2019

Perhaps the biggest opportunity to simply run every type of accommodation under the Expedia brand, with the power that its platform has in the marketplace, was dismissed too quickly.... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance

By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019

The company was recently accepted into IAG's Hangar 51 accelerator and has begun work with maintenance staff at Spain flag carrier, Iberia.... Read More

Interview / Online

Brand Business - Maria Elena Velardi of Wayaj

By Steven Lerner | November 15, 2019

Wayaj is an app to discover and book eco-friendly hotels and experiences around the world. Maria Elena Velardi joined in May 2017 as its chief marketing officer.... Read More

News / Startups

Refundit pockets $9.8M for its digital VAT refund service

By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019

Amadeus Ventures led the round, with participation also coming from Portugal Ventures and a number of seed investors.... Read More

News / Technology

Hopper acquires GDX Travel, advancing NDC capacity and geographic growth

By Mitra Sorrells | November 14, 2019

The deal gives Hopper direct access to more than 25 regional and low-cost carriers in Latin America via IATA’s NDC.... Read More

News / Online

Skyscanner pivots from original model, becomes marketplace with bookings

By Kevin May | November 14, 2019

The U.K.-based company is at pains to point out that it is not "becoming an online travel agency" - instead it is offering a three-pronged approach to connecting users with air tickets.... Read More

News / Distribution

Removing friction from travel is Expedia's "Everest" goal

By Jill Menze | November 14, 2019

Expedia Group is seeking to connect customers partners more intelligently as part of a bid to make it locally relevant.... Read More

Interview / Technology

In the green room at Phocuswright with... Kenneth Purcell

By PhocusWire | November 14, 2019

In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Up next: Kenneth Purcell of iSeatz.... Read More

News / Online

Trip.com Group operations income up 52% as company begins new chapter

By Steven Lerner | November 14, 2019

Net revenue grew 12% year-over-year to $1.47 billion for newly named online travel agency group.... Read More

Interview / Distribution

How I Got Here, episode 13 - Oliver Dlouhy of Kiwi.com

By Kevin May | November 14, 2019

Czech Republic-based Kiwi.com is both a consumer-facing and technology business. Its CEO Oliver Dlouhy joins your hosts, David Litwak of Mozio and PhocusWire's Kevin May.... Read More

News / Distribution

HotelBeds to axe 5% of workforce as part of "optimization" strategy

By Linda Fox | November 13, 2019

The Spain-based bedbank says it has now consolidated into one business following its acquisitions, in early 2017, of Tourico Holidays and GTA.... Read More

Opinion / Technology

Why are tour operators neglecting machine learning?

By Nigel Beighton - chief information officer, Atcore | November 13, 2019

Machine learning is underused in the travel industry, yet it could significantly improve efficiency.... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: CruiseDirector creates new online platform for booking no-fee luxury cruises

By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2019

CruiseDirector is an online platform for travelers to book luxury ocean, river, yacht and expedition cruises with no booking fees and a best price guarantee. ... Read More