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.

RatePunk main
Interview / Online
STARTUP STAGE: RatePunk is a browser extension that finds the cheapest hotel price
By Kathryn Walson | September 6, 2022
Launched in February, RatePunk scans major booking websites’ algorithms and compares hotel prices.  Read More
Looking ahead into the Middle East travel market
News / Online
Looking ahead into the Middle East travel market
By PhocusWire | September 6, 2022
According to Phocuswright’s Middle East Travel Market Report 2021-2025, the region is poised for a bright future. Read More
phocuswright-europe-2022-ssi
News / Technology
Why the travel industry should care about SSI and DID
By PhocusWire | September 2, 2022
Nick Price explains how technology to enable self-sovereign, digital identity will be commonplace in the next decade.    Read More
Google to phase out Book on Google for flights
News / Distribution
Google to phase out Book on Google for flights
By Jill Menze | September 1, 2022
The decision comes after Google shuttered its Book on Google option for hotels earlier this year. Read More
travala-ndc-connection
News / Distribution
Blockchain-based OTA Travala enables direct connection for airline content
By Mitra Sorrells | September 1, 2022
Travala is now accessing airline content directly through the NDC standard. Read More
eDreams Odigeo reports "all-time records" in bookings and revenue
News / Online
eDreams Odigeo reports "all-time records" in bookings and revenue
By Linda Fox | August 31, 2022
Spain-based eDreams Odigeo says its performance is predominantly driven by its Prime subscription service. Read More
q2-2022-marketing-analysis
News / Online
OTAs see marketing efficiency improvement in Q2
By Mitra Sorrells | August 31, 2022
Booking Holdings, Expedia Group and Airbnb all increased their marketing spend in Q2 of this year compared to 2021, but it decreased as a percentage of revenue. Read More
Hopper Homes signs Evolve as the app seeks out direct partnerships
News / Online
Hopper Homes signs Evolve as the app seeks out direct partnerships
By Linda Fox | August 29, 2022
With Evolve, Hopper Homes adds about 24,000 properties to its supply. Read More
Celitech raises $1.2M to expand eSIM service coverage areas
News / Online
Celitech raises $1.2M to expand eSIM service coverage areas
By Kathryn Walson | August 29, 2022
Founded in 2018, Celitech’s proprietary API enables travel businesses to offer co-branded eSIM service that can be bundled with other products. Read More
Chain4Travel blockchain
Interview / Technology
STARTUP STAGE: Chain4Travel prepares to launch blockchain run by travel industry
By Kathryn Walson | August 26, 2022
Founded by Peakwork CEO Ralf Usbeck, Chain4Travel is the facilitator of the Camino consortium blockchain and has more than 50 supporters from the travel industry. Read More
Google accused of “airbrushing” carbon emissions from flights
News / Online
Google accused of “airbrushing” carbon emissions from flights
By Linda Fox | August 26, 2022
Google has drawn criticism for changing how it calculates the environmental impact of flights. Read More
Earnings roundup: Grab, Flight Centre, Swvl
News / Online
Earnings roundup: Grab, Flight Centre, Swvl
By Linda Fox | August 25, 2022
Grab, Flight Centre and Swvl are reporting strong results amid travel industry recovery. Read More
rob-greyber-vacasa-ceo
News / Online
Vacasa appoints ex-Egencia’s Rob Greyber as CEO
By Jill Menze | August 24, 2022
Rob Greyber, who previously served as president of Egencia, replaces current Vacasa chief executive Matt Roberts. Read More
Travel signals cautious optimism despite economic instability
News / Online
Travel signals cautious optimism despite economic instability
By Linda Fox | August 24, 2022
The travel industry remains positive despite investor warnings, rising inflation and a looming recession. Read More
recession-proof-hotel-websites
Opinion / Online
Five steps for hotels to recession-proof their websites
By Michael J. Goldrich - The Hotels Network | August 23, 2022
Despite a strong summer, a recession is looming, and hoteliers should prepare their direct channels now. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026