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.

How did we allow this to happen? Viator founder Rod Cuthbert on the rise of Google
News / Online
How did we allow this to happen? Viator founder Rod Cuthbert on the rise of Google
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | May 23, 2024
In an interview at WiT Japan and North Asia, Cuthbert said that with Google’s increasing control and the potential for a “super app” powered by AI, the future of online travel intermediaries... Read More
CEO Spotlight: Ariane Gorin of Expedia Group
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Ariane Gorin of Expedia Group
By Mitra Sorrells | May 23, 2024
As Gorin moves into the CEO role at Expedia Group, she shares her thoughts on AI, social commerce, the B2B business, Vrbo and OneKey, as well as opinions on Airbnb and the TikTok ban. Read More
Sabre lays out offer-order strategy with release of retailing platform
News / Distribution
Sabre lays out offer-order strategy with release of retailing platform
By Linda Fox | May 22, 2024
The technology aims to help airlines make the move from the passenger-name-record world to more modern retailing via API-based solutions. Read More
Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue
News / Online
Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2024
Revenue from accommodation reservations increased 29% to $623 million while transportation ticketing revenue was up 20% to $692 million. Read More
Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment
News / Technology
Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment
By Linda Fox | May 20, 2024
The company plans to put the funds toward further growth and technology investment, “including improved digital insurance distribution solutions, deploying artificial intelligence claims handling and... Read More
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
News / Technology
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
By D.J. Catron | May 20, 2024
The travel portal for Lotte Card customers will offer flights, accommodations and car rentals powered by HTS, Hopper's B2B solution. Read More
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