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.

News / Online

First Spain, now Italy investigates Booking.com for anti-competitive practices

By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2024

The Italian Competition Authority is investigating whether Booking.com's practices hinder competition and adversely affect other online travel agencies and consumers. Read More

Event / Online

The evolution of marketplace tax requirements and the lodging industry

March 21, 2024

Join us for this free webinar produced in partnership with Avalara to gain valuable insights to help guide both existing online travel agencies and aspiring OTAs as they navigate their way through... On Demand

Interview / Technology

CEO Spotlight - Sam Gilliland of Accelya

By Linda Fox | March 18, 2024

Gilliland spent more than 20 years at Sabre, starting as a software engineer and ending up as CEO, a position he held for 10 years until he left in 2013. He spent some time in private equity before... Read More

News / Technology

Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter

By Linda Fox | March 15, 2024

During its Q4 and full-year 2023 results, the company said it had achieved its highest gross bookings since its IPO in 2017 and shared further details of its AI trip assistant Sofia. Read More

Opinion / Online

Gemini, Google Travel and the threat to OTAs

By Christian Watts - Magpie | March 15, 2024

Google Gemini, combined with Google Travel, could completely change the way consumers do their searching and planning for trips. Read More

News / Technology

Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024

By Linda Fox | March 14, 2024

New research identified machine learning, data analytics and digital payments as the tecnology priorities for travel companies this year. Read More

News / Online

What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry

By D.J. Catron | March 14, 2024

While the legislation faces an uncertain future in the U.S. Senate and likely legal challenges if it becomes law, a ban could have far-reaching ramifications for travel companies. Read More

News / Online

Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23

By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2024

Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb and Trip.com Group collectively spent $16.8 billion on sales and marketing in 2023 as they compete with one another and with suppliers enticing travelers to book... Read More

From Our Partners / Online

How travel brands can leverage first-party data to activate customers

By PhocusWire | March 11, 2024

Founded in 2010, performance marketing solution Wunderkind works with brands in a variety of verticals, including travel, to strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue. Read More

News / Technology

WTTC partners with Oliver Wyman to drive sustainability in travel

By Linda Fox | March 7, 2024

WTTC and Oliver Wyman are helping the industry navigate the regulatory landscape when it comes to sustainability, while startups BeCause and Weeva are helping hotels with data collection and insights. Read More

News / Online

Evaneos invests in Planeterra as part of partnership to foster community tourism

By Mitra Sorrells | March 6, 2024

Evaneos is an online marketplace connecting travelers with local tourism agencies around the world, and Planeterra is a nonprofit founded by G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip. Read More

News / Online

Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe

By Linda Fox | March 6, 2024

The company has had decisions from European lawmakers go against it in recent months, from its blocked acquisition of Etraveli to the threat of being tagged a digital gatekeeper under the looming... Read More

News / Technology

Despegar debuts GenAI travel assistant for trip inspiration and booking

By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024

Customers can use the "Sofia" tool through text or voice or by clicking on visual options and can return to chats even days later with the interaction saved in the system. Read More

News / Online

TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals

By D.J. Catron | March 1, 2024

After acquiring the domain name of the Latin American short-term rental startup, TravelAI will use the site to target travelers interested primarily in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Read More

News / Distribution

Sabre, Mastercard join Travalyst mission to drive sustainable travel choices

By Linda Fox | March 1, 2024

The coalition, which also counts Booking.com, Expedia Group and Trip.com Group as partners, aims to help inform consumer travel choices by making sustainability information mainstream. Read More

Most Popular
Latest Stories