News

Thomas Cook attempts a comeback, under new ownership and online-only
News / Online
Thomas Cook attempts a comeback, under new ownership and online-only
By Kevin May | September 15, 2020
Thomas Cook will be a digital-only operation, operating as ThomasCook.com, with an emphasis on build-your-own packages to popular destinations around Europe.... Read More
phocuswire remix image generic
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Remix your hotel’s business model for crisis recovery
By PhocusWire | September 15, 2020
In this webinar produced by Amadeus and PhocusWire, learn what the global hotel industry looks like today and the traveler trends to be aware of as you plan the next phase of crisis recovery.... Read More
Destinations join forces with private companies to boost tourism
News / Distribution
Destinations join forces with private companies to boost tourism
By Linda Fox | September 15, 2020
Travel companies and tourism organizations are devising various initiatives to bring back travelers in recent months. It's not just lip service, but a collaborative effort by all parties.... Read More
Identifying areas for innovation as travelers embrace their "conscience"
News / Distribution
Identifying areas for innovation as travelers embrace their "conscience"
By Linda Fox | September 15, 2020
Smart Travel Lab believes travelers now have a heightened sense of wanting to do better and travel more sustainably. Brands should take advantage of this shift.... Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg of Valerie Wilson Travel
News / Distribution
VIDEO: New Reality With... Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg of Valerie Wilson Travel
By PhocusWire | September 15, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-president and owner of Valerie Wilson Travel, one of the U.S.'s leading independent retail travel agencies.... Read More
Q&A: How a pandemic has heightened the need for automation in airlines
News / Technology
Q&A: How a pandemic has heightened the need for automation in airlines
By Linda Fox | September 14, 2020
Startups offering tech that enables passengers to rebook themselves, as well as gives carriers a better picture of what's happening, already existed - but the pandemic has thrust the need for such automation into the spotlight.... Read More
VIDEO: Pluto on its pledge for antiracism, diversity and inclusion
News / Online
VIDEO: Pluto on its pledge for antiracism, diversity and inclusion
By PhocusWire | September 14, 2020
 So how do you arrive at a pledge for antiracism, diversity and inclusion in the travel industry? Pluto CEO Alex Rainey explains his travel startup’s strategy during an interview recorded at Phocuswright Europe 2020.... Read More
Toyota launches Woven Capital, an $800M investment fund geared toward mobility
News / Technology
Toyota launches Woven Capital, an $800M investment fund geared toward mobility
By Jill Menze | September 14, 2020
The global investment fund will support growth-stage companies developing technologies and business models in areas including autonomous mobility, automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data and analytics, connectivity and smart cities.... Read More
Sounding Off: For travel startups to survive, they must reduce spend
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: For travel startups to survive, they must reduce spend
By PhocusWire | September 11, 2020
Re-examining business models and running skeleton organizations - alongside expectations of ongoing innovation - has made startups grow up faster.... Read More
Collaboration desperately needed between travel industry players if a recovery is going to be effective
News / Online
Collaboration desperately needed between travel industry players if a recovery is going to be effective
By Kevin May | September 11, 2020
Some "smart initiatives" are being created to get travelers moving again, but not across the board unless there is better sense of partnership created across the industry.... Read More
Delta pauses NDC development, "doubles down" on existing distribution strategy
News / Distribution
Delta pauses NDC development, "doubles down" on existing distribution strategy
By Linda Fox | September 10, 2020
As Delta moves away from NDC to focus on its existing infrastructure, Air France-KLM continues its NDC strategy.... Read More
Mondee acquires Rocketrip in bid to grow business travel strategy
News / Online
Mondee acquires Rocketrip in bid to grow business travel strategy
By Kevin May | September 9, 2020
The company had raised $32 million in a series of funding rounds since 2013, including a $15 million Series C in 2018 from Google Ventures.... Read More
tripactions-enterprise-edition
News / Online
TripActions targets large global companies with launch of “Enterprise Edition” services
By Mitra Sorrells | September 9, 2020
The company is wooing global enterprise clients with its travel and expense solution that combines automated services with round-the-clock support.... Read More
European tourism bodies plead for coordinated travel restrictions
News / Distribution
European tourism bodies plead for coordinated travel restrictions
By Linda Fox | September 9, 2020
The call follows one from the European Commission last week, which wants a coordinated approach to travel restrictions and to help the recovery of economies across Europe.... Read More
BookingKit secures €5M investment to help accelerate pandemic recovery
News / Technology
BookingKit secures €5M investment to help accelerate pandemic recovery
By Kevin May | September 9, 2020
The activity platform enlisted the financial support of Intermedia Vermögensverwaltung, Müller Medien, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), business angel Robert Kabs and another business angel with the round.... Read More