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.

Booking.com prepares to launch credit card in U.S.
News / Online
Booking.com prepares to launch credit card in U.S.
By Mitra Sorrells | September 19, 2023
The online travel agency has brought in a former JPMorgan Chase executive to lead the effort and is also hiring for a manager of "co-branded credit card growth and strategy.”   Read More
Optimizing profits and customer experience for online travel purchases
From Our Partners / Online
Optimizing profits and customer experience for online travel purchases
By Cristina Polo | September 19, 2023
Travel suppliers can drive more revenue and provide a better experience for their customers if they understand what those customers want. Read More
Kayak, Tripadvisor on growing their in-house media studios
News / Online
Kayak, Tripadvisor on growing their in-house media studios
By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2023
In the last two years both Kayak and Tripadvisor have created content studios that are becoming a growing part of their overall businesses and spurring plans for future investment.   Read More
How booking sites and travel agencies can maximize e-commerce profitability
From Our Partners / Online
How booking sites and travel agencies can maximize e-commerce profitability
By Carl Bleich - Bloomreach | September 18, 2023
Discover effective strategies for booking sites and agencies to maximize e-commerce profitability. Learn how to boost revenue through upsell campaigns, building customer loyalty and minimizing... Read More
Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services
News / Distribution
Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services
By Mitra Sorrells | September 15, 2023
The office supply retailer has offered TSA PreCheck and passport services for several years and is now talking to travel industry partners about expanding its offerings. Read More
First Choice relaunches with flight-free vacation options
News / Online
First Choice relaunches with flight-free vacation options
By Linda Fox | September 13, 2023
TUI brand First Choice believes traveler needs are changing, and it wants to offer them more options when it comes to booking trips. Read More
9 months into the GPT Era, what has travel learned?
Opinion / Technology
9 months into the GPT Era, what has travel learned?
By Gilad Berenstein – Brook Bay Capital | September 13, 2023
  Travel tech investor and entrepreneur Gilad Berenstein shares his three main takeaways in the first year of generative AI’s widespread use in travel and other sectors.   Read More
Wego moves into business travel with acquisition of Travelstop
News / Online
Wego moves into business travel with acquisition of Travelstop
By Linda Fox | September 12, 2023
Wego said the move will extend its reach into business travel while Travelstop will be able to take advantage of Wego's regional network. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Tango targets “mass affluent” travelers with AI-based booking platform
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tango targets “mass affluent” travelers with AI-based booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 11, 2023
Tango combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and human curation to provide design, booking and servicing of hyper-personalized trips.  Read More
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
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