News

News / Technology

FCM to relaunch AI assistant Sam with expanded features, guardrails

By Michael B. Baker - BTN | May 15, 2026

The updated tool combines conversational trip management, corporate travel policy controls and live agent handoff.... Read More

News / Technology

Ixigo launches travel app with conversational booking and agentic AI

By Cathy Walsh | May 14, 2026

The app includes natural language trip planning through Ixigo’s AI assistant TARA and AI-powered tools for flight alerts, boarding passes and post-booking support.... Read More

News / Technology

Reframing travel plumbing: NDC, MCP as tech stack allies

By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2026

MCP has the potential to bolster NDC’s impact, enhancing access to content and streamlining integration, according to industry stakeholders.... Read More

News / Technology

HBX builds out experiences offering with Bridgify acquisition

By Linda Fox | May 13, 2026

Bridgify, which was founded in 2019, offers an AI-powered platform providing access to more than a million experiences from global suppliers.... Read More

News / Technology

Trip.com plans digital ID pilot using Google and Apple wallets

By Mark Frary | May 13, 2026

Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, as well as digital identity infrastructure platform Hopae, are expected to be involved in the pilot. ... Read More

News / Technology

Direct Ferries launches ChatGPT app for search, discovery

By Morgan Hines | May 13, 2026

Bringing Direct Ferries into ChatGPT marks the next step in addressing the ferry segment’s fragmentation, according to CEO Niall Walsh.... Read More

News / Technology

Airline retailing realities in 2026

By Linda Fox | May 13, 2026

Interaction between systems and seamless integration with passenger service systems are top challenges for airlines trying to become better retailers.... Read More

News / Technology

TikTok formalizes in-app travel bookings with Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com among partners

By Morgan Hines | May 12, 2026

TikTok GO brings in-app travel booking to 200 million U.S. users, compressing the path from video discovery to reservation.... Read More

News / Online

Spain’s surge signals a structural shift in global travel demand

By Phocuswright Research | May 12, 2026

Spain once again surpassed its previous tourism records in 2025, reaching 96.8 million international visitors, a 3.2% increase over 2024.... Read More

News / Online

Expedia Group combines B2B and supply organizations under Alfonso Paredes

By Cathy Walsh | May 11, 2026

The move brings Expedia Group’s supply and partner distribution teams together as the company pushes further into platform and B2B growth.... Read More

News / Technology

Hotel groups mull app versus AI-ready strategies

By Linda Fox | May 11, 2026

In the past week Wyndham unveiled a ChatGPT app while Choice Hotels unveiled a series of internal AI tools.... Read More

News / Distribution

Amadeus reports Q1 revenue, operating profit increases

By Linda Fox | May 8, 2026

The company said its growth slowed in March because of the conflict in the Middle East adding that the short-term future is hard to call. ... Read More