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.

Travel execs plan payment tech investment amid challenges
News / Technology
Travel execs plan payment tech investment amid challenges
By Linda Fox | May 14, 2024
A study from Outpayce, the payments company set up by Amadeus, revealed that travel companies are planning to increase investment in payment capabilities by 12% on average this year. Read More
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
Opinion / Online
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
By Javier Delgado - Mirai | May 14, 2024
One day after the European Union added Booking.com to its list of "digital gatekeepers," Mirai's Javier Delgado analyzes the effect of Google's Hotel Ads changes on hotels. Read More
Booking made gatekeeper by European regulator
News / Online
Booking made gatekeeper by European regulator
By Linda Fox | May 13, 2024
Booking now meets the “relevant thresholds” as a digital gatekeeper after it submitted a self-assessment on March 1, according to a release from the commission. Read More
Innovating beyond insurance to holistic, peace-of-mind services for travelers
From Our Partners / Online
Innovating beyond insurance to holistic, peace-of-mind services for travelers
By PhocusWire | May 13, 2024
Allianz Partners' Joe Mason discusses the company's newest innovation, Allyz, and how it can serve as a "constant companion" to each tension for travelers. Read More
Airbnb's Chesky says homes will be just one of “many categories” in its future “solar system”
News / Online
Airbnb's Chesky says homes will be just one of “many categories” in its future “solar system”
By Mitra Sorrells | May 8, 2024
Along with details about longer term growth plans, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shared details of the company's Q1 growth, including a 60% increase year over year in app downloads in the United States. Read More
India-based travel distribution platform TBO to open IPO
News / Online
India-based travel distribution platform TBO to open IPO
By Mitra Sorrells | May 6, 2024
The company said it will use the proceeds to invest in its technology and data solutions, to add new buyers and suppliers and to pursue acquisitions. Read More
U.S. OTAs pass $100B revenue mark for first time
News / Distribution
U.S. OTAs pass $100B revenue mark for first time
By Phocuswright Research | May 6, 2024
As the digital landscape evolves, U.S. OTAs continue growing, with 2023 witnessing a solid yet decelerated 14% expansion in response to a stabilizing consumer demand post-pandemic. Read More
Incoming Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin emphasizes AI, personalization
News / Online
Incoming Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin emphasizes AI, personalization
By Morgan Hines | May 2, 2024
Ariane Gorin shared her plans as the incoming CEO of Expedia Group while the company reported earnings, tempering booking expectations for 2024. Read More
Booking Holdings beats earnings expectations, talks up AI potential
News / Online
Booking Holdings beats earnings expectations, talks up AI potential
By D.J. Catron | May 2, 2024
First quarter revenues of $4.4 billion represented a 17% increase over the same period last year, and net income of $776 million was nearly three times higher than Q1 in 2023.   Read More
AI-powered trip planner Mindtrip officially launches
News / Technology
AI-powered trip planner Mindtrip officially launches
By Morgan Hines | May 1, 2024
Mindtrip, which had been available in beta, made its official consumer debut Wednesday. Read More
Spotnana to provide booking platform for JTB Business Travel
News / Technology
Spotnana to provide booking platform for JTB Business Travel
By Linda Fox | May 1, 2024
JTB Business Travel is looking to modernize business travel booking and management by using Spotnana’s cloud-based travel platform. Read More
How visual content is reshaping flight shopping for travelers, airlines and resellers
News / Technology
How visual content is reshaping flight shopping for travelers, airlines and resellers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2024
One of the pillars of customer-centricity in the airline industry is rich content – giving flight shoppers a clear and visually compelling booking experience similar to what they see... Read More
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
News / Startups
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
By D.J. Catron | April 30, 2024
An Accenture survey found consumers feel less confident about booking a hotel than buying a car, and booking a flight was nearly as nerve-wracking as getting a mortgage. Read More
How travel brands can turn 2024’s challenges into marketing opportunities
From Our Partners / Online
How travel brands can turn 2024’s challenges into marketing opportunities
By Wunderkind | April 29, 2024
Identity resolution can be a valuable performance marketing tool to help brands learn what travelers are looking for and how to give it to them. Read More
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
News / Technology
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
By Morgan Hines | April 26, 2024
Travel tech leaders focused on wellness have an eye trained on the future - with predictions as to how technology may impact traveler wellness and wellness tourism. Read More