News

google-covid-updates
News / Online
Google adds hotel and flight availability data and ‘free cancellation’ filter
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2020
Google's travel search results will now show the percentage of available hotels and flights and also enable users to filter properties that offer free cancellation.... Read More
Hostelworld plots strategy beyond core product as bookings fall by two-thirds
News / Online
Hostelworld plots strategy beyond core product as bookings fall by two-thirds
By Kevin May | August 13, 2020
The "sharp drop" in its trading performance led the company to pursue a debt facility and subsequent equity raise of £13.8 million in June.... Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2020 preview: Out of Office with… Caroline Strachan
Interview / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2020 preview: Out of Office with… Caroline Strachan
By PhocusWire | August 13, 2020
In a series of interviews with executives participating in the online event in September, PhocusWire finds out what they have learned from the COVID-19 crisis. Next up: Festive Road's Caroline Strachan.... Read More
manifest-escapes-launch
News / Online
Manifest travel club launched by ex-CEO of Frontier Airlines
By Kevin May | August 12, 2020
Manifest connects its members to getaways and activities in exclusive destinations around the U.S. via private planes.... Read More
Coronavirus claims ground transport victim as GroundLink shuts
News / Online
Coronavirus claims ground transport victim as GroundLink shuts
By Kevin May | August 12, 2020
The U.S.-based platform for booking chauffeured vehicles says services will end on August 31, citing the "catastrophic effects COVID-19 has had on the global economy."... Read More
Touchless tech: How short-term rentals are simplifying stays amid COVID-19
News / Technology
Touchless tech: How short-term rentals are simplifying stays amid COVID-19
By Jill Menze | August 12, 2020
Property managers and hosts are investing in contactless solutions to help guests feel more confident about traveling.... Read More
marriott-q2-earnings-2020-2
News / Distribution
Marriott believes worst is over, global occupancy at 30%
By Christina Jelski | August 11, 2020
Around 9% of Marriott's properties worldwide currently remain closed, versus a high of more than 25% shuttered hotels back in April.... Read More
Technology and governments (sorry) have vital roles to play in tourism's recovery
News / Technology
Technology and governments (sorry) have vital roles to play in tourism's recovery
By Kevin May | August 11, 2020
The role of digital services, governments and regional organizations will be forced to come to the fore if the globe is to get back to the $9 trillion tourism economy it had pre-pandemic.... Read More
British Airways taps fintech startup Banked for new loyalty offering
News / Technology
British Airways taps fintech startup Banked for new loyalty offering
By Jill Menze | August 11, 2020
Through the partnership, British Airways Executive Club members who make an online purchase with a Banked merchant can collect Avios during checkout.... Read More
splitty-acquires-cancelon
News / Startups
Hotel booking platform Splitty acquires assets of Cancelon
By Mitra Sorrells | August 11, 2020
Splitty says the deal will create a "distinctive OTA" with low expenses and high value for consumers.... Read More
AirAsia and Trip.com Group unite in digital travel services pact
News / Online
AirAsia and Trip.com Group unite in digital travel services pact
By Kevin May | August 10, 2020
Flights, hotels, airport transfers and activities are included in the sharing of inventory across both platforms, with Trip.com Group's premium members getting "upgraded privileges" when they book AirAsia tickets.... Read More
Airside gets $13M to accelerate digital travel identity tech
News / Technology
Airside gets $13M to accelerate digital travel identity tech
By Kevin May | August 10, 2020
The company works with airlines, cruise lines, hotels and other sectors of the industry on a platform that stores and maintains a database of photographs and other personal information of customers.... Read More
10 ways APIs can revolutionize aviation post-coronavirus
Opinion / Technology
10 ways APIs can revolutionize aviation post-coronavirus
By Jonathan Weinberg | August 10, 2020
Here are 10 ways APIs could revolutionize how airports and airlines work together as well as with suppliers and passengers.... Read More
How the luggage experience is changing as a result of COVID-19
News / Online
How the luggage experience is changing as a result of COVID-19
By Jill Menze | August 7, 2020
To ensure safety and reduce touch points while traveling, consumers are rethinking how they transport their bags.... Read More
Sabre revenue slumps to less than a tenth from the same period in 2019
News / Distribution
Sabre revenue slumps to less than a tenth from the same period in 2019
By Kevin May | August 7, 2020
Distribution and technology giant Sabre is using the pandemic to "right-size" the business in the wake of the huge disruption to passenger and service volumes.... Read More