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.

5 reasons OTAs are becoming merchants of record
From Our Partners / Technology
5 reasons OTAs are becoming merchants of record
By ConnexPay | September 23, 2024
 How online travel agencies choose to accept payments can have a significant impact on each customer’s experience with them.   Read More
The travel industry payment gap
News / Online
The travel industry payment gap
By Phocuswright Research | September 20, 2024
The travel industry historically struggles with emerging trends and technologies, and the topic of payments is no exception.  Read More
Chesky on Airbnb's future in travel and beyond
News / Online
Chesky on Airbnb's future in travel and beyond
By Morgan Hines | September 20, 2024
Chesky referenced Apple and Amazon’s trajectory - what if Apple never launched the iPod, or Amazon never sold more than books? - to explain why he believes Airbnb should offer much more than a place to... Read More
Agoda’s co-founder Rosenstein: AI will widen the gap between haves and have-nots in travel
News / Technology
Agoda’s co-founder Rosenstein: AI will widen the gap between haves and have-nots in travel
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | September 19, 2024
Robert Rosenstein said that while smaller companies can be faster and more nimble, the fact is the biggest benefit of AI right now to increase productivity and cut staff plays to the big companies. Read More
“Founder mode” or "manager mode"? Travel execs weigh in on leadership styles
News / Startups
“Founder mode” or "manager mode"? Travel execs weigh in on leadership styles
By Morgan Hines | September 18, 2024
Travel leaders share their take on recent comments from Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky about the management style he believes is most effective.   Read More
Expedia Group expands Travel Shops to brand, celebrity, media partners
News / Technology
Expedia Group expands Travel Shops to brand, celebrity, media partners
By Morgan Hines | September 16, 2024
The shoppable storefronts, built for creators, launched in May at Expedia Explore in Las Vegas. At the time, the launch included a select few influencers. Soon, every traveler will be able to join. Read More
Peter Kern exits Expedia Group board after 19 year tenure
News / Online
Peter Kern exits Expedia Group board after 19 year tenure
By Morgan Hines | September 13, 2024
The decision came as a result of “the speed and success of the Company’s recent management transition,” the SEC filing reads, referencing Kern’s exit as CEO in May when he was replaced by Ariane Gorin. Read More
Booking Holdings' new CFO expects connected trip "is really there" in 3 to 5 years
News / Online
Booking Holdings' new CFO expects connected trip "is really there" in 3 to 5 years
By Morgan Hines | September 10, 2024
Ewout Steenbergen, chief financial officer at Bookings Holdings since March, called out the company's work in alternative accommodations and artificial intelligence and strong demand in Asia as key... Read More
Five things travel marketers get wrong
From Our Partners / Online
Five things travel marketers get wrong
By Cathy Walsh | September 9, 2024
Marketing teams should review channel performance monthly and ensure that tactics are in service to an overarching strategy. And that strategy should be evaluated regularly to ensure it includes best... Read More
Women comprise 15.6% of B2B travel tech leadership: What the statistic means
News / Online
Women comprise 15.6% of B2B travel tech leadership: What the statistic means
By Morgan Hines | September 9, 2024
The analysis is based on a recent study of more than 400 B2B travel tech players at travel management companies and technology providers for accommodation distribution, airlines, car rentals,... Read More
Skyscanner joins with Travala.com to offer crypto bookings
News / Technology
Skyscanner joins with Travala.com to offer crypto bookings
By Morgan Hines | September 6, 2024
Travala.com has an inventory of more than 2.2 million hotels that can be booked with more than 100 forms of cryptocurrency, which Skyscanner users will now be able to access. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Trip.Biz, Hospitable, Outpayce and more
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Trip.Biz, Hospitable, Outpayce and more
By PhocusWire | September 6, 2024
Keep up with all the latest people, product and partner news from around the global travel industry in PhocusWire's weekly roundup. Read More
Airbnb takes aim at NYC a year after “failed” STR regulations
News / Online
Airbnb takes aim at NYC a year after “failed” STR regulations
By D.J. Catron | September 6, 2024
Hotel prices and rents in New York are both up a year after the city cracked down on short-term rentals, prompting Airbnb to call for changes to the law.   Read More
Thomas Cook finds new home with Poland's eSky Group
News / Online
Thomas Cook finds new home with Poland's eSky Group
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2024
The Poland-based travel company that operates the eSky and eDestino brands has acquired Thomas Cook from Fosun Tourism Group. Read More
Agoda’s human approach to learning and growing with AI
News / Technology
Agoda’s human approach to learning and growing with AI
By D.J. Catron | September 5, 2024
Idan Zalzberg, Agoda’s chief technology officer, details how the company uses technology and especially generative AI in its pursuit to become a virtual “travel companion.” Read More