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.

AI hits its stride: 5 takeaways for travel leaders
News / Online
AI hits its stride: 5 takeaways for travel leaders
By Phocuswright Research | July 28, 2026
More than half of U.S. travelers have now used AI to plan, book or navigate a trip, and expectations are climbing just as fast. ... Read More
The travel startup funding deals and acquisitions that stood out in Q2
News / Finance
The travel startup funding deals and acquisitions that stood out in Q2
By Linda Fox | July 28, 2026
The appetite for travel startup funding was limited in Q2, with more activity in mergers and acquisitions.... Read More
Trip.com Group hit with $763M penalty from Chinese regulators
News / Online
Trip.com Group hit with $763M penalty from Chinese regulators
By Morgan Hines | July 27, 2026
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation found that Trip.com Group violated anti-monopoly laws.... Read More
TravelAI acquires Sonder brand, relaunches Sonder.com
News / Online
TravelAI acquires Sonder brand, relaunches Sonder.com
By Abby Crotty | July 27, 2026
Last November, Sonder announced a wind down of operations and filed for bankruptcy after Marriott ended its licensing agreement with the STR specialist.... Read More
Startup Stage: Waltru wants to replace generic travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Waltru wants to replace generic travel itineraries
By Abby Crotty | July 27, 2026
The app is in beta in Barcelona, with plans to expand to Madrid, London, Rome and Paris.... Read More
Hospitality executives on foundations before AI, industry readiness
News / Online
Hospitality executives on foundations before AI, industry readiness
By Linda Fox | July 27, 2026
Executives from Cendyn HomeToGo and Penta Hotels discussed the impact of AI on hospitality marketing at Phocuswright Europe 2026.... Read More
Agoda CPO Ittai Chorev on the push into real-time travel updates, AI search
News / Technology
Agoda CPO Ittai Chorev on the push into real-time travel updates, AI search
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WiT | July 24, 2026
The OTA expanded language support for flight-related chat queries to include Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Thai, Indonesion and support for Hong Kong-based users.... Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Spotnana, Hostaway and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Spotnana, Hostaway and more...
By PhocusWire | July 24, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.... Read More
Google fined €890M by European regulator in DMA breaches
News / Online
Google fined €890M by European regulator in DMA breaches
By Linda Fox | July 23, 2026
In its decision, the commission said the search giant gives its own services more prominence in search by using, for example, “enhanced visuals and filters.”... Read More
Visiting Media, HotelPORT partner to help hotels improve content across digital channels
News / Online
Visiting Media, HotelPORT partner to help hotels improve content across digital channels
By Abby Crotty | July 23, 2026
The companies plan to audit OTA listings, brand websites, event content and immersive experiences to identify opportunities for improvement.  ... Read More
Aer Lingus employee wins AI challenge with hotel concierge for standby flyers
News / Technology
Aer Lingus employee wins AI challenge with hotel concierge for standby flyers
By PhocusWire | July 23, 2026
An Aer Lingus digital product manager won RouteStack’s AI build challenge with StandByStay, a hotel concierge for airline employees flying standby.... Read More
13% is the number that explains why OTAs need hotels to keep working
News / Online
13% is the number that explains why OTAs need hotels to keep working
By Phocuswright Research | July 23, 2026
This report is part of the U.S. Travel Market Report 2026 series, which includes matching essentials on airlines, hotels, car rental, cruise and packaged travel.... Read More
Digital IDs in air travel move beyond government tests at the last mile
News / Technology
Digital IDs in air travel move beyond government tests at the last mile
By Marisa Garcia | July 23, 2026
The technical foundations for seamless travel are largely in place, and focus is shifting toward interoperability, government policy and international coordination.... Read More
Loveholidays' ambitions in the growing packaged travel market
News / Online
Loveholidays' ambitions in the growing packaged travel market
By Linda Fox | July 22, 2026
Loveholidays head of strategy Isabella Cheng discusses dynamic packaging growth and AI usage in an interview in the PhocusWire studio at Phocuswright Europe 2026.... Read More
AI's success in travel hinges on human involvement
News / Technology
AI's success in travel hinges on human involvement
By Morgan Hines | July 22, 2026
Behavioral science plays into how travelers and travel company teams take to AI, and a human touch is necessary for success.... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026