News

Marriott tests AI search tool for rental product
News / Technology
Marriott tests AI search tool for rental product
By Linda Fox | March 22, 2024
The search with artificial intelligence tool is in a test phase initially and was developed in partnership with Publicis Sapient.... Read More
D-Edge builds out hospitality tech offering with acquisition of LoungeUp
News / Technology
D-Edge builds out hospitality tech offering with acquisition of LoungeUp
By Linda Fox | March 21, 2024
Accor-owned D-Edge said the acquisition “marks a significant step" toward integrated solutions covering the entire guest journey.... Read More
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
News / Technology
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
By Morgan Hines | March 21, 2024
Some experts see generative AI leading to big changes in property management systems. Will this technology limit the human touch in hospitality? Or create more time for guest services?  ... Read More
Travelers can now purchase AI-created customized audio tours for any destination
News / Startups
Travelers can now purchase AI-created customized audio tours for any destination
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2024
Travelers specify the location, duration and language for the tour, as well as if they have preferences of a theme or specific sites and then moderators review the AI-generated guide before sending it to the customer.... Read More
How Stripe is powering a hospitality subscription service in Japan
News / Online
How Stripe is powering a hospitality subscription service in Japan
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WebinTravel | March 20, 2024
Tokyu Corporation has partnered with Stripe to introduce TsugiTsugi, a flat-rate accommodation subscription service.  ... Read More
Concur aims to drive automation, improve user experience with updates
News / Technology
Concur aims to drive automation, improve user experience with updates
By Linda Fox | March 19, 2024
Key elements of the updates, launched at its Fusion event in the U.S. this week, include enhancing Concur Travel, a partnership with Mastercard and further automating Concur Expense.... Read More
Uber invests in Nigeria-founded mobility startup Moove
News / Startups
Uber invests in Nigeria-founded mobility startup Moove
By Mitra Sorrells | March 19, 2024
Founded in 2020, Moove said it has helped finance vehicles for more than 20,000 customers across Africa, the Middle East, India and the United Kingdom who have provided more than 30 million trips in those cars, primarily on Uber.... Read More
Busbud continues Latin America growth with acquisition of Brazil-based bus marketplace
News / Distribution
Busbud continues Latin America growth with acquisition of Brazil-based bus marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | March 19, 2024
Buson is one of the largest online platforms for bus ticket booking in Brazil, offering more than 70,000 routes from more than 300 bus operators.... Read More
GetYourGuide adds tools to help partners tap into growing traveler interest in experiences
News / Distribution
GetYourGuide adds tools to help partners tap into growing traveler interest in experiences
By Mitra Sorrells | March 19, 2024
GetYourGuide's is unveiling multiple new capabilities to help operators "create, manage and grow" their businesses, including artificial intelligence-powered keyword and location suggestions for product descriptions.... Read More
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
News / Technology
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
By Morgan Hines | March 19, 2024
Personalized videos are driving high open rates and creating opportunities for travel brands to connect with customers before, during and after a trip.... Read More
InDrive secures additional $150M from General Catalyst to accelerate growth
News / Startups
InDrive secures additional $150M from General Catalyst to accelerate growth
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2024
Ride-hailing company inDrive operates in 46 countries and uses a bid-based business model whereby riders input pickup and drop-off locations and propose a price and drivers can either accept or counter-offer.... Read More
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
News / Startups
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
By Phocuswright Research | March 18, 2024
While there are typically multiple $100 million-dollar-plus funding rounds that occur in the short-term rental space in a given year, 2023 only featured one.... Read More
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
News / Technology
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2024
During its Q4 and full-year 2023 results, the company said it had achieved its highest gross bookings since its IPO in 2017 and shared further details of its AI trip assistant Sofia.... Read More
New iSeatz report finds challenges for travel in membership group loyalty programs
News / Online
New iSeatz report finds challenges for travel in membership group loyalty programs
By D.J. Catron | March 15, 2024
While most membership organizations offer travel perks in their loyalty programs, few members use the service when booking travel, the report found.  ... Read More
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
News / Technology
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
By Linda Fox | March 14, 2024
New research identified machine learning, data analytics and digital payments as the tecnology priorities for travel companies this year.... Read More