Loyalty

News / Technology

Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements

By Linda Fox | May 17, 2024

The company said its Sofia AI assistant now includes hotel recommendations and enables users to search by city and dates as well as budget and key amenities. Read More

News / Technology

As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops

By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024

At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces. Read More

From Our Partners / Online

Innovating beyond insurance to holistic, peace-of-mind services for travelers

By PhocusWire | May 13, 2024

Allianz Partners' Joe Mason discusses the company's newest innovation, Allyz, and how it can serve as a "constant companion" to each tension for travelers. Read More

News / Technology

Hospitality stakeholders on fixing the data silo problem

By Morgan Hines | April 30, 2024

Despite years of work across the hospitality industry, hotels are still struggling to connect guest data across multiple systems, inhibiting their ability to provide an optimal guest experience. Read More

From Our Partners / Technology

5 signs a hotel tech stack is outdated

By Jose Canelos - Amadeus Hospitality | April 23, 2024

Technology upgrades are proving to be top of mind this year, as hoteliers using legacy software or those with major gaps in functionality are increasingly worried about being outperformed. Read More

News / Online

Travel groups warn of fewer trips if U.S. adopts plan to lower credit card fees

By Johanna Jainchill and Robert Silk – Travel Weekly | April 19, 2024

A proposal to lower credit card fees could have the unintended consequence of reducing travel by cutting into the funds that support loyalty programs, data from the U.S. Travel Association shows. Read More

News / Technology

How airlines are thinking about technology investment in 2024

By Linda Fox | April 11, 2024

A study from Amadeus reveals 64% of airlines are expecting to spend more on technology in 2024, with 46% of low-cost carriers anticipating a moderate increase and 54% of full-service carriers expecting... Read More

News / Technology

IHG enlists Google for AI travel planning tool

By Linda Fox | April 9, 2024

As part of an expanded partnership with Google Cloud, IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching a generative AI-powered travel planning service to help guests book stays with the group's One Rewards app. Read More

News / Online

Who should own the travel customer?

By Norm Rose - Phocuswright Research | April 8, 2024

A full, inter-operational digital ID ecosystem will be required to truly reap the benefits of frictionless travel. Read More

From Our Partners / Online

How travel clubs are driving revenue, loyalty and customer experience

By PhocusWire | April 8, 2024

Custom Travel Solutions founder Mike Putman explains the benefits of a travel club and how brands are using this type of offering to drive revenue and loyalty. Read More

News / Online

Airlines have jacked up the cost of reward travel since 2019

By Robert Silk | April 5, 2024

A new analysis from consulting firm IdeaWorks shows the cost of reward travel at U.S. airlines has jumped sharply since 2019, eroding the value of frequent-flyer points. Read More

News / Distribution

The impact of American Airlines' distribution changes one year on

By Linda Fox | April 3, 2024

American Airlines has made no secret of its goal of 100% internet-based bookings and other carriers are showing signs of following suit with varying strategies. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Obvlo helps travel brands provide personalized destination content

By Mitra Sorrells | April 1, 2024

Founded in 2021, Obvlo currently works with hotels that are part of the Hilton, Marriott and IHG brands, and the company is planning to expand its work to destinations and airlines. Read More

News / Online

More executive changes at Expedia Group as Gieselman departs

By Mitra Sorrells | March 28, 2024

After three years as president of Expedia Brands, Jon Gieselman is leaving and his responsibilities are being divided into two new roles - CMO and COO. Read More