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.

Key barometers of Chinese travel and its emerging behavioral and spending patterns
News / Online
Key barometers of Chinese travel and its emerging behavioral and spending patterns
By Phocuswright Research | September 8, 2023
While China's gross bookings are not anticipated to surpass 2019 totals until 2024, recovery and rebuilding are underway, thanks to nimble suppliers and intermediaries and consumers’ passion for... Read More
Booking will fight any decision to veto Etraveli acquisition in court
News / Online
Booking will fight any decision to veto Etraveli acquisition in court
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2023
Booking Holdings has responded to rumors that European regulators will veto its Etraveli acquisition, saying that decision would be "flawed on both factual and legal grounds." Read More
As robotaxis start offering airport transfers, will OTAs be left behind?
News / Online
As robotaxis start offering airport transfers, will OTAs be left behind?
By Alex Bainbridge - Autoura | September 6, 2023
Autonomous vehicles are transforming the transportation sector, potentially disrupting airport transfer services and posing challenges to OTAs. Read More
Point.me raises $10M to boost partnerships and expand concierge service
News / Startups
Point.me raises $10M to boost partnerships and expand concierge service
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
Point.me enables loyalty program members to find flights using their points via its proprietary algorithm. Read More
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
News / Technology
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
ArrivalGuides provides destination guides in multiple languages from tourism boards and travel experts for travel brands to integrate into their websites, mobile applications and marketing campaigns. Read More
Trip.com says platforms like TikTok will have difficulty challenging OTAs
News / Online
Trip.com says platforms like TikTok will have difficulty challenging OTAs
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
Trip.com Group's Q2 2023 report revealed net revenue of $1.6 billion, up 180% year over year and 22% quarter over quarter. Read More
Skiplagging isn’t likely to stop anytime soon, even if airlines fight it
News / Online
Skiplagging isn’t likely to stop anytime soon, even if airlines fight it
By Morgan Hines | September 5, 2023
While the practice is nothing new, a lawsuit by American Airlines puts skiplagging back in the headlines and raises questions about why it persists. Read More
Luxury Escapes’ Schwab on growing fast, being one of a kind and new superstore in Melbourne
News / Online
Luxury Escapes’ Schwab on growing fast, being one of a kind and new superstore in Melbourne
By Ian Jarrett - WiT | September 5, 2023
Australia-based Luxury Escapes has seven million members globally and has just opened a store in Melbourne where customers can develop travel plans while sipping champagne. Read More
Will European regulators block Booking's acquisition of Etraveli?
News / Online
Will European regulators block Booking's acquisition of Etraveli?
By Linda Fox | September 4, 2023
In June, the European Commission said the proposed acquisition may allow Booking to strengthen its dominant position in the hotel OTA marketplace. Read More
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
News / Online
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
By Linda Fox | August 30, 2023
Consistent accessibility issues such as missing alternative text and unlabeled form fields are barriers to bookings from disabled travelers. Read More
Snowfall acquires group travel app AmigoGo
News / Startups
Snowfall acquires group travel app AmigoGo
By Linda Fox | August 30, 2023
AmigoGo founders Nick Castrioty and Josh Sparkes are bringing their technology expertise to Snowfall. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Tony Fernandes of Capital A
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight - Tony Fernandes of Capital A
By Linda Fox | August 29, 2023
Capital A has been steadily developing from an airline to an online travel platform and most recently a super app offering financial services, ride hailing, food delivery and more.  Read More
Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry
From Our Partners / Online
Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry
By Avalara | August 29, 2023
Accommodation platforms, online travel agencies and short-term rental operators are facing greater scrutiny, increased regulation and new tax obligations. Read More
Ryanair's online facial recognition creating friction for business travelers
News / Technology
Ryanair's online facial recognition creating friction for business travelers
By Lauren Arena – Business Travel News Europe | August 28, 2023
Business travelers in the United Kingdom have reported ongoing "friction" and "frustrations" when booking flights with Ryanair due to the carrier's online booking verification process that requires... Read More
Axis Bank partners with Cleartrip to bring travel benefits to cardholders
News / Online
Axis Bank partners with Cleartrip to bring travel benefits to cardholders
By Morgan Hines | August 25, 2023
India-based Cleartrip and Axis Bank are linking up to provide Axis Bank cardholders with special travel perks when they book with Cleartrip. Read More