Online Travel Agency

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of online travel agencies, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on the brands and their strategies, executives and positions in the market.

Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
News / Distribution
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
By Kevin May | February 16, 2021
The company says its metrics were negatively impacted by the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic but a number of cost-cutting measures put in place during the year partially offset the impact. Read More
Record levels for rental bookings but current revenues way down
News / Online
Record levels for rental bookings but current revenues way down
By Kevin May | February 16, 2021
Bookings are largely following the trend of avoiding properties in large cities, AirDNA says, as travelers opt for coastal and mountain destinations for their trips. Read More
U.K. regulator puts pressure on Lastminute.com Group over refunds
News / Online
U.K. regulator puts pressure on Lastminute.com Group over refunds
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2021
The online travel group has apologized to customers still awaiting a refund and has detailed an action plan to the U.K. regulator. Read More
Luxury Escapes acquires Porter & Sail mobile concierge technology
News / Technology
Luxury Escapes acquires Porter & Sail mobile concierge technology
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2021
Caitlin Zaino, co-founder and CEO of Porter & Sail, joins Luxury Escapes as part of the acquisition of the mobile concierge technology. Read More
expedia-q4-2020-earnings
News / Online
Expedia Group pulls Vrbo from Google’s vacation rental metasearch product
By Mitra Sorrells | February 11, 2021
Expedia Group's revenue and gross bookings were both down 67% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Read More
G Adventures gets financial backing from Certares
News / Online
G Adventures gets financial backing from Certares
By Kevin May | February 11, 2021
It is only the second time in the brand's history that it has disclosed external funding, although both occasions were via private equity agreements. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Imagine Experiences wants to bring unique tours to locals and tourists
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Imagine Experiences wants to bring unique tours to locals and tourists
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2021
The company has put together a network of expert tour guides to help design fresh ideas to attract locals as well as travelers, once restrictions lift. Read More
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
By Kevin May | February 10, 2021
The online travel agency business brought in €128.9 million in core revenues over the 12-month, pandemic-hit period. Read More
Trivago sees revenue slump 70% in 2020, bets on local travel to fuel recovery
News / Online
Trivago sees revenue slump 70% in 2020, bets on local travel to fuel recovery
By Jill Menze | February 9, 2021
Although revenue for Trivago dropped 70% for the full year and nearly 80% for the fourth quarter of 2020, the company believes it's at a turning point in the pandemic. Read More
Fastpayhotels acquires accommodation business assets of North America Destinations
News / Distribution
Fastpayhotels acquires accommodation business assets of North America Destinations
By Kevin May | February 9, 2021
Some 300 clients of North America Destinations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Colombia will also get last-minute availability and access to thousands of vacation rental... Read More
How payments technology will fuel travel rebound
From Our Partners / Technology
How payments technology will fuel travel rebound
By Yuval Ziv – Nuvei | February 8, 2021
Here are six best practices from a recent white paper that travel operators can - and are – implementing to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. Read More
Airbnb creates tool for hosts to confirm guests’ COVID status
News / Technology
Airbnb creates tool for hosts to confirm guests’ COVID status
By Kevin May | February 5, 2021
The Health Safety Assertion tool allows hosts to request guests declare their status in relation to COVID-19 symptoms. Guests will also be asked to disclose if they have recently been exposed to... Read More
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
News / Online
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
On the Beach says consumer demand is very weak currently with traffic, bookings and online marketing spend for four months ended January 31, 2021, down more than 70%. Read More
yatra-q3-2021
News / Online
Yatra sees improving India domestic market, international remains slow
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
Yatra says new corporate travel signings are boosting its growth and that it also has a growing pipeline of potential customers. Read More
Tripadvisor's Bokun creates activities service with JTB online giant in Japan
News / Distribution
Tripadvisor's Bokun creates activities service with JTB online giant in Japan
By Kevin May | February 5, 2021
JTB Bokun is the first partnership by the Bokun tours and activities tech platform with a domestic OTA. Read More