Here's our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week.
SITA
Aviation technology provider SITA has integrated IPS Intelligent Passenger Solutions into its SITA Airports portfolio.
Under its new name, "IPS a SITA company" delivers a range of passenger solutions like self-service bag drop systems, kiosks, touchless scanners and printers and associated technologies.
In addition, SITA has partnered with Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to transform its passenger processing solutions.
This partnership sees TPE install SITA’s check-in kiosk solutions, allowing passengers to get through the airport and to their destination faster.
Sabre announces Sabre Red Launchpad
Technology and distribution specialist Sabre is launching Sabre Red Launchpad to simplify booking travel.
Sabre Red Launchpad supports air, hotel and car content. The new feature intends to eliminate the complexity of creating and managing travel reservations while introducing consumer grade shopping experiences. In addition, by minimizing training time, Sabre Red Launchpad aims to empower travel consultants earn commissions faster by unlocking multi-source content available in Sabre’s marketplace,
“We needed a solution for advisors who were not using a GDS but wanted to enhance client service and unlock new revenue opportunities,” Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, said. “By collaborating closely with our extensive distribution team, Sabre developed this intuitive booking tool, empowering our agents to not only thrive in modern airline retailing but also make more money."
Travelport, All Nippon Airways
Technology and distribution company Travelport and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have signed a multi-source content distribution agreement that includes New Distribution Capability (NDC) content and servicing.
"Travelport has been a valued partner of ANA for many years as a result of our productive collaboration that enhances our modern retailing approach so we can provide exceptional experiences for our travelers,” said Keiji Omae, executive vice president of customer experience at ANA. “As we advance our NDC strategy, I am confident that Travelport can play a crucial role in helping us expand our reach and simplify the booking and servicing process as agents and travelers shop for our best offers.”
“This pivotal agreement confirms that agencies using Travelport+ will be able to access relevant, personalized, and enriched multi-source content from ANA, which means travelers are presented with more choice among ANA’s best offers and fares,” said Damian Hickey, global head of air partners at Travelport. “As ANA’s friendly partner, we are dedicated to delivering ANA’s content to our agency customers in a retail-ready way so that selling and servicing NDC bookings is effortless for agents.”
Accelya appoints new CTO
Airline technology provider Accelya has appointed of Guarav Roy as chief technology officer.
Roy succeeds Gianni Cataldo, who has transitioned to chief product officer, with both reporting to Tim Reiz, chief product and technology officer. In his new role, Roy plans to lead Accelya’s technology and AI initiatives, driving innovation within the FLX ONE Airline Retailing Platform and accelerating airlines' digital transformation.
“I’m honored to join Accelya at such a pivotal time for the aviation industry,” Roy said. I’m passionate to advance Accelya’s modern, open, AI Driven FLX ONE platform to and working closely with our customers to help them achieve their strategic goals.
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Jerne launches rating system
Jerne, a platform connecting travel curators with experience providers, has reached 10,000 registered curators and launched a rating system to help experience providers manage sales and marketing strategies through online communities.
"From content creators to travel advisors, millions of individuals are using social media to produce inspirational travel content, build product awareness, and influence how people book," said Tim Morgan, CEO of Jerne. "Experience providers that are not taking full control of this important distribution channel are not only missing future opportunities but are already missing them today."
"With millions of individuals influencing travel buying decisions across digital platforms, it has been understandably daunting for experience providers to know where to begin," said Jeff Sirota, CCO of Jerne. "Until now, there has been no travel industry-centric rating system that helps experience providers to understand which of these individuals they should focus their sales and marketing efforts on."
Klarna, Finnair
Payments specialist Klarna has announced a partnership with Finnair.
This collaboration enables travelers in Finland and Sweden to use Klarna's flexible payment methods when booking their flights with Finnair, both online at Finnair.com and in the Finnair app. Customers will now have access to interest-free buy now pay later and instalment options, helping to spread the cost of travel.
“We are happy to support Finnair's venture into the Swedish market and make travelling easier and more flexible for their customers,” said Björn Bryngelson, head of Klarna Sweden. "With our flexible payment methods, travelers can choose the payment option that best suits their specific trip and financial situation.”
Rentals United launches Screen & Protect
Vacation rental channel manager Rentals United has launched Screen & Protect, a property damage protection service designed to remove guests from the incidents process.
Screen & Protect introduces an alternative to security deposits, removing guest involvement and potentially boosting bookings.
"Property damage is a reality in vacation rentals - even the best guests break things,” James Burrows, CEO of Rental United, said. “But the real stress is rarely the cost; it’s losing bookings if you ask for security deposits or wasting time negotiating compensation with guests and insurance companies if you don’t. And when you involve guests in the process, friction or bad reviews often follow. Screen & Protect gives property managers complete peace of mind by proactively pre-screening their guests, so they can get to know them in advance. And if damages do occur, they’re easy to report without involving the guest at all."
HSMAI appoints new president and CEO
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has announced the appointment of Brian Hicks as president and CEO.
With experience spanning operations, commercial strategy and revenue management, Hicks’ plans to strengthen HSMAI’s commitment to advancing the sales, marketing and revenue management disciplines across the industry. He assumes leadership of the HSMAI Americas, Foundation and Global entities.
"I'm honored to lead this remarkable association, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of so many hospitality professionals,” Hicks said. “As I step into this role, I’m both humbled and inspired by the strong foundation Bob Gilbert established. Together, we share a deep passion for this industry, and I look forward to continuing the mission of supporting our members and making a lasting impact on their careers."
Daytrip, Travel Compositor
Transfer and sightseeing specialist Daytrip has partnered with technology platform Travel Compositor.
This new partnership strengthens Daytrip’s position in the Latin American market, Spain and Portugal, given Travel Compositor’s presence in these countries. In addition. Daytrip’s offerings now have the potential to reach a broader segment of travelers through a wide network of travel advisors who use the technology platform to customize travel arrangements for clients worldwide.
“We are excited to have entered into the partnership with Travel Compositor, as they are leaders in the industry,” said Laura Salinas, B2B partnership manager at Daytrip. “Daytrip has long-standing operations in Spanish-speaking markets, and the collaboration with Travel Compositor is a strategic move to further solidify our position in these countries by offering customizable private transfers at a competitive price.”
Wigwam Holidays, eviivo
Wigwam Holidays, a glamping provider, has partnered with property management system provider eviivo.
The partnership provides franchisees with access to eviivo’s suite and mobile app, enabling them to automate and simplify operations across bookings, guest communications and payments.
“Eviivo is a key driver for Wigwam’s continued evolution, which is quickly transforming into a business model more akin to ‘outdoor hotels’,” said Morgan Gulland, general manager of Wigwam Holidays. “Our previous system was outdated, and by switching to eviivo, we’ve equipped ourselves with the tools we need to manage pricing and bookings more efficiently. Dynamic pricing allows us to better adapt to supply and demand, which helps us move towards our goal of achieving 70% occupancy year-round.”
Speakspots.com launches flight packages
AI travel planner Speakspots.com has launched real-time flights packages for users.
Travelers visiting the Speakspots.com platform will now be offered the option to receive fully personalized flight packages tailored to their individual preferences and requirements as part of Speakspots.com’s bespoke itinerary planning services.
“At Speakspots.com, our ambition is to create the most intelligent and efficient trip planning assistant," said Speakspots.com founder, Andres Martinez Artal. "Since 2019, we have been laser focused on building a fit for purpose AI and collaborating with the best in travel for access to industry leading APIs to help us deliver against that vision. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to offering travelers truly smart trip planning, via a single platform that can connect travelers to personalized recommendations from across the travel ecosystem - not just discovering what to do and where to eat in a destination, but also how to get there and where to stay.”
Cover-More Group appoints new CEO
Cover-More Group, a travel insurance and assistance provider, has announced the appointment of Will Nihan as CEO of its North American business Travelex Insurance Services.
Nihan had been serving as interim CEO for the company since February 2024 and brings experience in sales, marketing and distribution to the role.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Travelex into our next level of growth and innovation, working with our partners to deliver personalized solutions that grow their business and meet the evolving needs of today’s traveler,” Nihan said.
Passport Online rebrands to VacationPort
Passport Online, a provider of travel technology solutions, has announced its rebrand to VacationPort.
This transformation is a strategic move to enhance VacationPort’s product offerings and expand its market presence. Customers can look forward to a suite of new features and improvements designed to simplify and enrich the travel planning experience.
“Rebranding to VacationPort marks a significant milestone in our journey,” said Sudhir Bhagwan, chairman and CEO of VacationPort. “Our new name and logo symbolize our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions and exceptional service to our clients. We are thrilled about the future and the myriad opportunities this change will bring."