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.

India’s EaseMyTrip acquires minority interest in ETrav Tech
News / Online
India’s EaseMyTrip acquires minority interest in ETrav Tech
By Mitra Sorrells | April 1, 2024
EaseMyTrip has made several investments in the last year to diversify its business beyond air travel into hotels and said this investment will help it grow its B2B efforts. Read More
Layoffs hit Travelport’s commercial organization across all regions
News / Distribution
Layoffs hit Travelport’s commercial organization across all regions
By Mitra Sorrells | March 29, 2024
A Travelport spokesperson said the reduction did not affect a "material number of employees" and was done to help the company operate with efficiency and agility. Read More
The 3 AI fintech trends shaping travel in 2024
Opinion / Technology
The 3 AI fintech trends shaping travel in 2024
By David Doctor - Outpayce from Amadeus | March 29, 2024
Outpayce CEO David Doctor looks at how machine learning and AI are impacting travel payments. Read More
More executive changes at Expedia Group as Gieselman departs
News / Online
More executive changes at Expedia Group as Gieselman departs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 28, 2024
After three years as president of Expedia Brands, Jon Gieselman is leaving and his responsibilities are being divided into two new roles - CMO and COO. Read More
Fritz Demopoulos on new frontiers in travel and beyond
News / Online
Fritz Demopoulos on new frontiers in travel and beyond
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | March 26, 2024
Fritz Demopolous co-founded Qunar, the first travel metasearch company in China, and has invested in several travel companies including GetYourGuide, TravelPerk and Tourlane. Read More
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
News / Online
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2024
Booking.com has removed its "Travel Sustainable" badge recognizing properties for sustainability efforts following discussions with the Netherlands Consumer and Markets Authority. Read More
First Spain, now Italy investigates Booking.com for anti-competitive practices
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
The evolution of marketplace tax requirements and the lodging industry
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
CEO Spotlight - Sam Gilliland of Accelya
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
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
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
Gemini, Google Travel and the threat to OTAs
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
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
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
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
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
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
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
How travel brands can leverage first-party data to activate customers
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