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.

Dfinitiv unveils travel loyalty experiences platform for AI assistants
News / Technology
Dfinitiv unveils travel loyalty experiences platform for AI assistants
By Linda Fox | October 7, 2026
Dfinitiv's loyalty program platform aims to help travel brands drive engagement and increase revenue opportunities.... Read More
Extra small STR property managers have highest AI adoption rate
News / Technology
Extra small STR property managers have highest AI adoption rate
By Abby Crotty | October 7, 2026
According to KeyData’s 2027 Vacation Rental Industry Outlook survey, 89% of U.S. property managers are using AI for at least one application.... Read More
Aviation coalition urges EU to ease restrictions on voluntary biometrics
News / Technology
Aviation coalition urges EU to ease restrictions on voluntary biometrics
By Cathy Walsh | October 7, 2026
The newly formed Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition is calling for clearer rules on the use of biometrics in air travel, including stronger recognition of consent and a technology-neutral framework.... Read More
Travel’s leading investors split on role of AI in dealmaking
News / Finance
Travel’s leading investors split on role of AI in dealmaking
By Matthew Parsons | October 6, 2026
Certares, Revolution and General Catalyst are betting on AI in travel in different ways.... Read More
Booking.com develops internal platform to build modular AI agents
News / Technology
Booking.com develops internal platform to build modular AI agents
By Abby Crotty | October 5, 2026
Booking.com said AgentHub’s configuration-driven setups and shared infrastructure allow teams to build and iterate on agents faster.... Read More
Pavilion launches with 20 US vacation rental operators
News / Online
Pavilion launches with 20 US vacation rental operators
By Cathy Walsh | October 5, 2026
The company brings together local rental businesses managing more than 5,000 homes under a shared technology, data and infrastructure platform.... Read More
Startup Stage: Safari Circle takes a matchmaking approach to safari planning
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Safari Circle takes a matchmaking approach to safari planning
By Abby Crotty & Cathy Walsh | October 5, 2026
The company’s Safari DNA system matches travelers with destinations, parks and lodges based on their profile and preferences.... Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By PhocusWire | October 5, 2026
Find out what PhocusWire's Hot 25 Startups for 2022 have been up to, including who raised, who sold and who stalled.... Read More
Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch
By WiT | October 2, 2026
Lobby and Crewfare will showcase their innovations at The Phocuswright Conference 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.... Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.... Read More
AI transformation in travel: Kara Franker of Visit Florida Keys & Key West
News / Technology
AI transformation in travel: Kara Franker of Visit Florida Keys & Key West
By Abby Crotty | October 2, 2026
Kara Franker, CEO of Visit Florida Keys & Key West, shares her thoughts on tech innovation in the DMO space in PhocusWire's latest AI Transformation in Travel installment.... Read More
AI agents are having their 'Spotify moment': Why travel needs to take note
Opinion / Technology
AI agents are having their 'Spotify moment': Why travel needs to take note
By Mario Gavira | October 2, 2026
Mario Gavira discusses Instinct, a new agent operating straight out of WhatsApp and iMessage, which he calls "the breakout surprise of the agentic era."... Read More
Choice Hotels acquires RV travel company Harvest Hosts for $130M
News / Distribution
Choice Hotels acquires RV travel company Harvest Hosts for $130M
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2026
Choice is acquiring 100% of Harvest Hosts in an all cash deal from growth equity firm Stripes and other shareholders.... Read More
Juniper Group acquires Bookassist
News / Technology
Juniper Group acquires Bookassist
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2026
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Ireland-based Bookassist will join Juniper Group in January 2027.... Read More
Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption
News / Technology
Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption
By Abby Crotty | October 1, 2026
The latest State of Distribution report from NYU, RateGain and HEDNA suggests that midsize chains are best positioned to benefit from AI.... Read More