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.

AI check-in: MakeMyTrip sees conversion boost from AI implementations
News / Technology
AI check-in: MakeMyTrip sees conversion boost from AI implementations
By Morgan Hines | February 22, 2024
MakeMyTrip group chief technology officer Sanjay Mohan discusses what the company is learning - and the business impacts - from its artificial intelligence strategy. Read More
Expedia Group creates two new divisions to be led by Paredes, Schulze
News / Online
Expedia Group creates two new divisions to be led by Paredes, Schulze
By Mitra Sorrells | February 21, 2024
The two new divisions replace Expedia for Business, which has been led by Ariane Gorin, who becomes CEO in May.   Read More
Study: How AI boosts digital advertising and direct bookings
News / Technology
Study: How AI boosts digital advertising and direct bookings
By Derek Catron | February 21, 2024
Recent advances in AI’s handling of digital advertising have increased the possibilities for hotels to grow direct bookings, a study from D-Edge found.   Read More
Ixigo prepares for fresh IPO
News / Online
Ixigo prepares for fresh IPO
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2024
Online travel platform Ixigo has filed a draft prospectus with the Security and Exchange Body of India detailing its plans for a public listing. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Damian Scokin of Despegar
News / Online
CEO Spotlight - Damian Scokin of Despegar
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2024
In a discussion with PhocusWire, Despegar CEO Damian Scokin talks about carrying momentum from 2023 into the year ahead, the role of artificial intelligence and growth opportunities for the Latin... Read More
Q&A: Conor Grennan on how travel companies can use generative AI as a strategic advantage
News / Technology
Q&A: Conor Grennan on how travel companies can use generative AI as a strategic advantage
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2024
The NYU Stern dean and consultant on generative AI explains why it is a change management issue and so much more than a simple tool - and why training employees how to use it is like "giving them an... Read More
Deal with Ryanair furthers TUI’s plans for global booking platform
News / Online
Deal with Ryanair furthers TUI’s plans for global booking platform
By Derek Catron | February 15, 2024
All Ryanair flights will soon be bookable directly with TUI and can be combined with the German-based travel company’s full offerings.   Read More
Sabre notes 2023 improvements, cloud migration and tech cost savings on track
News / Distribution
Sabre notes 2023 improvements, cloud migration and tech cost savings on track
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2024
Adjusted EBITDA for the technology and distribution company was $96 million for the quarter and $337 for the full year, up from $65 million in 2022. The gains were attributed to increases in travel... Read More
Tripadvisor considers potential sale that would take it private
News / Online
Tripadvisor considers potential sale that would take it private
By Derek Catron | February 12, 2024
Tripadvisor has formed a special committee and retained an advisor to consider potential deal proposals. Read More
Peter Kern stepping down, Ariane Gorin to take over as Expedia Group CEO in May
News / Online
Peter Kern stepping down, Ariane Gorin to take over as Expedia Group CEO in May
By Mitra Sorrells and Derek Catron | February 8, 2024
Kern has been Expedia Group's CEO since April 2020. The announcement came during an earnings call in which the company reported its highest ever full-year and fourth quarter revenue. Read More
Let’s not love our favorite destinations to death!
Opinion / Online
Let’s not love our favorite destinations to death!
By Gaurav Bhatnagar - TBO.com | February 8, 2024
TBO.com co-founder Gaurav Bhatnagar says the travel industry needs to stop pointing fingers at governments and tourism boards and instead take responsibility - and action - to reduce overtourism. Read More
Trip.com Group creates travel app for Apple Vision Pro
News / Technology
Trip.com Group creates travel app for Apple Vision Pro
By Morgan Hines | February 5, 2024
Trip.com Group's Trip.Vision app is intended to bring realistic destination experiences to users at home - enabling them to to virtually explore places including Antarctica, the Maldives, Mount Everest... Read More
Buy now, pay later powers revenue for travel and airline merchants
From Our Partners / Online
Buy now, pay later powers revenue for travel and airline merchants
By Suzanne Hirt | February 5, 2024
Buy now, pay later solutions can propel profits for airline and travel merchants and aid them in attracting new customers and locking in loyalty at no additional cost or risk.  Read More
CEO Spotlight - Peter Kern of Expedia Group
News / Online
CEO Spotlight - Peter Kern of Expedia Group
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2024
In a discussion last week at the ALIS event, Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern covers a range of topics including generative AI, next steps for One Key, customer acquisition strategies, global growth and... Read More
Digitally reconstructing the travel industry
Opinion / Technology
Digitally reconstructing the travel industry
By Anish Kapoor – Teleperformance India | January 26, 2024
Anish Kapoor of Teleperformance India discusses the role of technology in securing top-tier customer experience and business services. Read More