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 CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”
News / Online
Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”
By Mitra Sorrells | May 17, 2024
Murthy and one of the company's senior vice presidents are out, and the company said it is actively searching to fill the roles. Read More
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
News / Technology
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
By Linda Fox | May 17, 2024
The company said its Sofia AI assistant now includes hotel recommendations and enables users to search by city and dates as well as budget and key amenities. Read More
The week GenAI took off for travel
Opinion / Technology
The week GenAI took off for travel
By Christian Watts – Magpie | May 17, 2024
Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie, looks back on what he calls "easily the biggest week so far for generative artificial intelligence - especially for the travel industry." Read More
Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
News / Online
Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
By Morgan Hines | May 16, 2024
Expedia Group chairman and senior executive Barry Diller said he believes the world is seeing the beginning of the company's "next evolution" with Ariane Gorin as CEO. Read More
Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering
News / Distribution
Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering
By Linda Fox | May 14, 2024
Using Rezdy’s API, the partnership will enable activities' providers in the Trip.com Group ecosystem to connect and promote their tours to consumers. Read More
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
News / Technology
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024
 At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces.   Read More
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
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