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.

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
Vervotech acquired as Constellation continues acquisition spree
News / Technology
Vervotech acquired as Constellation continues acquisition spree
By Linda Fox | August 18, 2023
Founded in India in 2018, Vervotech will continue to operate independently but be able to further develop its products through Juniper’s resources and industry experience. Read More
Wego CEO on the Middle East’s travel boom, generative AI and more
News / Online
Wego CEO on the Middle East’s travel boom, generative AI and more
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2023
Wego CEO Ross Veitch explains why he's bullish on the future of tourism in the Middle East and how generative AI-powered chat interfaces could become the new "gatekeepers" for e-commerce. Read More
U.S. online channel share expected to remain unchanged through 2026
News / Online
U.S. online channel share expected to remain unchanged through 2026
By Phocuswright Research | August 18, 2023
Changing traveler behavior from 2020-2022 has brought about several noteworthy shifts, some of which are expected to endure for a considerable period, particularly related to travel distribution. Read More
Despegar reports record quarter for revenue
News / Online
Despegar reports record quarter for revenue
By Linda Fox | August 17, 2023
The Latin America OTA reported its first positive quarter since 2019 with net income of $28 million. Read More
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
News / Online
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2023
Make plans to attend The Phocuswright Conference in November for Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young Leaders and... Read More
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
News / Distribution
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2023
Skypass is the fourth acquisition for Texas-based Mondee this year, as the company looks to expand both geographically and into new content and distribution channels. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026