News

Hostfully unveils AI messaging function
News / Technology
Hostfully unveils AI messaging function
By Morgan Hines | August 21, 2024
The tool, announced Wednesday, is meant to cut down the time property managers use to address guest inquiries.... Read More
Why the CrowdStrike crash hit Delta harder
News / Online
Why the CrowdStrike crash hit Delta harder
By Robert Silk – Travel Weekly | August 19, 2024
All of the major U.S. airlines were forced to halt operations when Microsoft Windows' operating systems crashed, yet each airline's experience was different.... Read More
Sonder writes new chapter with Marriott licensing deal, new funding
News / Distribution
Sonder writes new chapter with Marriott licensing deal, new funding
By Linda Fox | August 19, 2024
Sonder, which has faced challenges recently including a delisting from the Nasdaq and job cuts, will have access to $146 million to drive growth as well as help with the integration of its properties into the Marriott system.... Read More
The top 15 global travel markets: North America, APAC and Western Europe lead the way
News / Online
The top 15 global travel markets: North America, APAC and Western Europe lead the way
By Phocuswright Research | August 19, 2024
The global travel industry is back on track, surging by 24% in 2023 to hit $1.5 trillion, with the top 15 markets closely resembling those at the top of the list in 2019.... Read More
Blackstone acquires hotel accounting tech specialist M3
News / Technology
Blackstone acquires hotel accounting tech specialist M3
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2024
M3, which was founded in 1998, provides a back-office accounting software platform as well as labor management and business intelligence tech to more than 8,000 properties in North America.... Read More
Despegar sells destination management company, boosts AI agent
News / Online
Despegar sells destination management company, boosts AI agent
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2024
Despegar has made a number of updates to its AI agent Sofia and has further plans to integrate the technology into its B2B platforms.... Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Holibob, RedAwning, Cloudbeds, AirDNA and more
News / Online
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Holibob, RedAwning, Cloudbeds, AirDNA and more
By PhocusWire | August 16, 2024
Keep up with all the latest people, product and partner news from around the global travel industry in PhocusWire's weekly roundup.... Read More
The role of DMOs in helping their partners effectively use AI
News / Technology
The role of DMOs in helping their partners effectively use AI
By Morgan Hines | August 16, 2024
As travelers begin to use AI search engines and agents for trip planning, should DMOs play a role in helping their suppliers understand how to use the technology to drive revenue?  ... Read More
Grab revenue up 17% YoY, focused on AI for future growth
News / Online
Grab revenue up 17% YoY, focused on AI for future growth
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2024
In the company's Q2 earnings report, CEO Anthony Tan shared examples of how it is using AI and specifically generative AI to drive growth.... Read More
Meet the 10 winners of the 2024 Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Meet the 10 winners of the 2024 Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | August 15, 2024
The next round of the competition will take place at WiT Singapore, October 14-16, where the audience will select the People's Choice winners in the Seedup and Scaleup cateogories.... Read More
Earnings roundup: TUI Group, TBO Tek, Yatra, Mondee
News / Online
Earnings roundup: TUI Group, TBO Tek, Yatra, Mondee
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2024
As publicly traded travel companies continue to report their earnings quarter that ended June 30, we round up the latest reports.... Read More
Short-term rentals feeling pinch of overtourism backlash
News / Online
Short-term rentals feeling pinch of overtourism backlash
By D.J. Catron | August 15, 2024
While strict new regulations in New York, Barcelona and others pose threats, the STR industry sees hope in more balanced approaches in Valencia and the European Union.  ... Read More
India-based all-electric Fresh Bus raises $10.5M for expansion
News / Startups
India-based all-electric Fresh Bus raises $10.5M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2024
Founded in 2023, Fresh Bus operates on intercity routes in India along with a digital-first customer experience that offers real-time bus tracking and a loyalty program.... Read More
Inspirato receives $10M, makes employee cuts, names new CEO
News / Online
Inspirato receives $10M, makes employee cuts, names new CEO
By Morgan Hines | August 13, 2024
The luxury travel subscription company received $10 million in equity financing, cut its workforce by 15% and named Payam Zamani as its new chairman and CEO. ... Read More
HomeToGo reports Q2 booking revenues high
News / Technology
HomeToGo reports Q2 booking revenues high
By Linda Fox | August 13, 2024
The vacation rental marketplace and software subscription business believes its short breaks offering and recurring revenues are helping growth.... Read More