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.

How the flywheel of innovation is propelling business travel forward
Opinion / Technology
How the flywheel of innovation is propelling business travel forward
By Rob Greyber - Egencia | August 15, 2018
We are on the cusp of a new era in business travel. Advances in technology are driving us forward at breakneck speed. The industry is rife with new - but lately struggling - startups: online booking... Read More
Wegogo blockchain travel platform
News / Distribution
Wegogo aims for fair-share travel platform, alternative to web agency dominance
By Mitra Sorrells | August 14, 2018
In the midst of growth plans, Wegogo is forging ahead with the introduction of blockchain-based tech and the creation of its cryptocurrency known as WeGold. Read More
Has Airbnb booked its place at the top of the accommodation hierarchy?
Opinion / Distribution
Has Airbnb booked its place at the top of the accommodation hierarchy?
By Lucia Juliano - Harris Interactive | August 14, 2018
Airbnb celebrates its 10th birthday this year - a decade after its founders first rented out an air mattress in their living room to help pay the rent. Read More
Expedia Group pays $60M to buy out AirAsia from AirAsiaGo platform
News / Online
Expedia Group pays $60M to buy out AirAsia from AirAsiaGo platform
By Kevin May | August 14, 2018
An investment of $60 million has brought to an end a seven-year joint venture between Expedia Group and AirAsia to sell the airline's tickets alongside hotels. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Vacaryx ticks high-touch and blockchain boxes for rental platform
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
Dnata acquires German tour operator Tropo
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
Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 2: Front line tips from the founders
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
Handiscover 700K funding
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
quote of the week 33
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
The most influential names in travel are coming - will you be there?
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
As travel distribution evolves, Amadeus looks at its own approach
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
booking holdings q2 earnings
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
Why offering local tours and activities is a huge revenue opportunity for hotels
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
Terry Jones interview startups
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
didi auto services
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
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