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.

Expedia Group acquires Pillow and ApartmentJet

News / Technology

Expedia Group goes deeper into alternative rentals with acquisitions of Pillow and ApartmentJet

By Mitra Sorrells | October 25, 2018

Expedia Group has acquired two software companies that serve the short-term rental market, a move it says will enhance its alternative accommodations marketplace for residents, owners and managers in... Read More

News / Technology

VIDEO: The Travel Corporation on the sun shining on activities

By Kevin May | October 25, 2018

As the online end of the tours and activities sector has received a massive bump in interest over recent years, groups such as The Travel Corporation have watched on with huge interest. Read More

Opinion / Technology

Bots, bottled water and search - a varied snapshot of industry issues in 2018

By Simone Puorto | October 25, 2018

Here is a fairly unknown fact: the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International is as old as Mount Rushmore in the U.S. Read More

News / Startups

OYO launches in Indonesia, will invest $100 million and reach 35 cities

By Mitra Sorrells | October 24, 2018

Indian hospitality startup OYO has launched in Indonesia, starting with 30 properties operated under lease or franchise agreements in three cities. Read More

News / Distribution

Skyscanner becomes first travel search engine to join NDC Exchange

By Mitra Sorrells | October 24, 2018

Skyscanner has joined NDC Exchange, an industry-owned marketplace created by ATPCO and SITA to facilitate adoption of IATA’s New Distribution Capability. Read More

Opinion / Online

How hotels can manage brand protection changes on Google

By Marta Lopez - Mirai | October 23, 2018

A few days ago, Google informed users that it will change the brand-protection policy on its text adverts on Google Ads (what used to be known as AdWords). Read More

News / Online

VIDEO: The two well-funded activities brands speak out

By Kevin May & PhocusWire | October 22, 2018

It's been quite a year for Klook and GetYourGuide - both in terms of their individual strategies and the changes taking place in the tours and activities sector that they operate in. Read More

News / Online

Interactive content most effective marketing tool for travel brands

By Mitra Sorrells | October 19, 2018

Travel brands looking to maximize their search engine optimization strategy should focus on creating interactive content since it ranks higher than all other forms of content for URL ratings, social... Read More

Opinion / Technology

Three ways hoteliers are kicking silos of technology for good (finally)

By Klaus Kohlmayr - IDEAS | October 18, 2018

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: In the age of OTAs and industry disruption, effectively managing a complex channel and distribution strategy is critical to a hotelier’s bottom line. Read More

News / Startups

VIDEO: The high-profile investor view on tours and activities

By Kevin May | October 17, 2018

He's one of the prominent members of the investment community in travel (and countless other sectors), and always has lots to say about the markets and companies that he backs. Read More

Opinion / Distribution

The true cost of hotel brand participation online

By Peter O’Connor - Essec Business School | October 16, 2018

There’s a common misconception in our industry that brands are cheap and online travel agencies are expensive. And no-one knows when it started. Read More

News / Distribution

VIDEO: How digital changed it all for a Mexican boat tour operator

By Kevin May | October 15, 2018

Typically, medium to large-size brands mostly have the profile and attract coverage in developments that happen in every corner of the travel industry. Read More