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.

When travel isn’t first: How economic strains are changing consumer behavior
News / Online
When travel isn’t first: How economic strains are changing consumer behavior
By Phocuswright Research | October 22, 2025
While major trip components continue to be booked at similar rates, the way travelers research, plan and choose is shifting beneath the surface. Read More
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
News / Startups
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
By Morgan Hines | October 22, 2025
As the Middle East sees rapid travel growth, its startup environment is characterized by ambition and innovation with government support, according to travel stakeholders. Read More
AI’s new gatekeepers: How Booking.com and Expedia are hijacking the future of travel
Opinion / Technology
AI’s new gatekeepers: How Booking.com and Expedia are hijacking the future of travel
By Brad Brewer - Agentic Hospitality | October 21, 2025
The EU’s Digital Markets Act forces the biggest online “gatekeepers” to play fair, but it doesn’t yet cover standalone AI assistants—like ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity. Read More
Google launches Google Maps in Gemini API
News / Technology
Google launches Google Maps in Gemini API
By Morgan Hines | October 20, 2025
Google said the mechanism will be similar to grounding with Google Search, which provides increased accuracy, real-time information and citations. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Muzzammil Ahussain of Almosafer
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Muzzammil Ahussain of Almosafer
By Abby Crotty | October 14, 2025
Almosafer CEO Muzzammil Ahussain sat down for an interview to discuss ongoing goals for the OTA and changing customer behaviors. Read More
The five developments driving the evolution of U.S. OTAs
News / Online
The five developments driving the evolution of U.S. OTAs
By Phocuswright Research | October 13, 2025
Amid cooling domestic demand, U.S. OTAs are adapting to a more competitive and uncertain landscape. Read More
The next generation of travel in Asia: Trust, experience and the coming AI wave
News / Online
The next generation of travel in Asia: Trust, experience and the coming AI wave
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | October 13, 2025
Four voices from across Asia’s travel ecosystem examined how the new travel landscape is being reshaped by AI, authenticity and the fight for trust. Read More
Ixigo lands $146 million from Prosus
News
Ixigo lands $146 million from Prosus
By Linda Fox | October 10, 2025
The company said it plans to put the investment towards organic and inorganic growth opportunities and general corporate purposes. Read More
Startup Stage: SplitStay wants to help solo travelers split accommodations
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: SplitStay wants to help solo travelers split accommodations
By Morgan Hines | October 9, 2025
SplitStay is a travel-tech marketplace that helps solo travelers share accommodations in a secure, transparent and cost-effective way. Read More
How should travel companies measure AI success?
News / Technology
How should travel companies measure AI success?
By Mark Frary | October 9, 2025
Travel industry players weigh the value of AI-generated code and the potential pitfalls of revealing associated metrics. Read More
How gen AI will reshape travel and why the industry needs a data-first approach
From Our Partners / Technology
How gen AI will reshape travel and why the industry needs a data-first approach
By PhocusWire | October 8, 2025
DataArt's Greg Abbott explains why the industry still lags behind peers like finance and retail on data readiness and what it will take to close the gap. Read More
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
News / Technology
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
By Morgan Hines | October 7, 2025
OpenAI said the system is using Model Context Protocol (MCP) to enable ChatGPT to connect to external tools and data. Read More
DerbySoft sees new airline distribution path with Global Data Network launch
News / Distribution
DerbySoft sees new airline distribution path with Global Data Network launch
By Linda Fox | October 7, 2025
DerbySoft said the GDN for flights will give airlines more control of their inventory and open up content to travel sellers. Read More
How AGI is building the tech for AI agents to book travel
From Our Partners / Technology
How AGI is building the tech for AI agents to book travel
By PhocusWire | October 7, 2025
The San Francisco-based startup has partners and investors including Visa, Point 72, Menlo Ventures and Anthropic. Read More
Reconciling airline retailing and channel innovation: The offer distribution platform
Opinion / Distribution
Reconciling airline retailing and channel innovation: The offer distribution platform
By Sebastien Gibergues | October 7, 2025
Sebastien Gibergues argues that the “offer distribution platform” concept could be the solution to address the limitations of current API-based distribution models. Read More
More 
The Phocuswright Conference 2026
Phocuswright Research
Phocuswright Events
Northstar Travel Group
Other Northstar Travel Group Products
Events by WIT
About Us
Advertise
Privacy
Contact Us
Do Not Sell or Share My Data
Copyright © 2026 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. Phocuswright 301 Route 17 N., Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: +1 860 350-4084
Phocuswright • The Phocuswright Conference • Phocuswright Europe • Global Startup Pitch • Web In Travel • Retail Travel
Register Now