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.

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Vacaryx ticks high-touch and blockchain boxes for rental platform

By Mitra Sorrells | August 14, 2018

Vacaryx is a vacation rental platform that aims to add transparency to the booking process by facilitating communication between hosts and guests. Read More

News / Distribution

Dnata acquires German tour operator Tropo

By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2018

Dnata, a Dubai-based provider of ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services for 300 airline customers in six continents, has acquired German tour operator Tropo. Read More

News / Startups

Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 2: Front line tips from the founders

By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2018

For the second piece in our series on startups, we go to the front lines to gather insights from three startup founders. Read More

News / Startups

Handiscover raises $700,000 to expand accessible accommodations platform

By Mitra Sorrells | August 10, 2018

Handiscover, a startup to help people find and book accessible hotel rooms and rental properties, has raised $700,000 in new funding. Read More

News / Distribution

QOTW: Something about doing business like - and with - locals

By PhocusWire | August 10, 2018

Quote from Max Starkov, president and CEO of HEBS Digital, in an article on PhocusWire this week. Read More

News / Technology

The most influential names in travel are coming - will you be there?

By PhocusWire | August 9, 2018

Join nearly 2,000 decision makers and C-level executives from global travel, tourism and hospitality companies at this year’s Phocuswright Conference, Nov. 13 to 15 in Los Angeles. Register now to save... Read More

News / Distribution

As travel distribution evolves, Amadeus looks at its own approach

By Linda Fox | August 9, 2018

Amadeus is building out its Live Travel Space platform to keep itself and its customers at pace with the evolving consumer landscape. Read More

News / Online

Booking Holdings closely monitoring paid channels as it builds direct strategy

By Linda Fox | August 9, 2018

Following the release of its Q2 financials, Booking Holdings says it's continuing its strategy of building its direct business as well as a wider travel offering. Read More

Opinion / Distribution

Why offering local tours and activities is a huge revenue opportunity for hotels

By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | August 9, 2018

Local tours and activities are a multibillion-dollar business, and hoteliers are uniquely positioned to offer experiences and work closely with fellow local business operators. Read More

News / Startups

Q&A: Terry Jones on the challenges of creating a successful travel startup

By Mitra Sorrells | August 8, 2018

Terry Jones has had a long history in travel, including working as a travel agent, 24 years at American Airlines, launching and serving as CEO of Travelocity, helping to found Kayak and - most recently... Read More

Notated News / Online

Didi funnels $1B into its auto services business

By Jon Russell - TechCrunch | August 7, 2018

In just five years, Didi Chuxing has attracted $20.6 billion in funding - including a $500 million injection from Booking Holdings last month. As the Chinese ride-hail app gauges its next move,... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: MüvTravel uses AI to customize itineraries for independent travelers

By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2018

MüvTravel is an AI-powered platform to help independent travelers customize their entire trip, including transportation, accommodations and activities. Read More

News / Online

Research Spotlight: Changing attitudes of travelers with families

By Jill Menze | August 6, 2018

The travel industry has invested hefty resources into understanding millennial traveler behavior, including where they go, who they go on trips with and how much they’re willing to spend. Read More

News / Distribution

VIDEO: CitizenM on the unhappy marriage of tech and hotel companies

By PhocusWire | August 6, 2018

Lauded for its fiercely independent style, both aesthetically and strategically, CitizenM was considered one of the go-to hotel brands for how things can be done differently. Read More