This is a roundup of product news and announcements for devices in tourism and hospitality for March 2017.
Friday 30 March 2017:
Sabre overhauls GetThere service
- The trip management app service has been overhauled with a new booking workflow, air merchandising capability and a new design. One of Sabre/GetThere's large new customers is the workforce of Visa.
Radius Travel picks
MTrip- The mobile development shop will be tasked with creating app services for Radius Travel's corporate clients. Radius is a network of 100 agencies around the world.
Wednesday 29 March 2017:GuestToGuest creates HappyGuest app
- The home exchange platform, which has 300,000 homes in 187 countries, has built the app for guests to learn more about a property. Content will include local area tips, alarm codes, emergency numbers and videos.
T&T appy with
Propelics- Corporate agency Travel and Transport tapped Propelics as its exclusive partner to assist in the redesign of its Dash Mobile app. The 5-year-old app, now on its third version, will benefit from Propelics’ expertise in mobile user interface design. Propelics, founded in 2011, counts Holland America, Dubai Airports and Carnival among its clients.
RoomNet ad
GoFindIt create JV
- GoFindIt, a provider of mobile service for hotels, with collaborate with RoomNet to allow guests in a room to stream content to their own devices from a central hub. Content will include TV shows, movies, hotel information and news channels, and will run via an Apple TV-hosted app.
Friday 24 March 2017:Emirates begins device service
- The carrier has introduced the service following the ban on cabin devices by the US government from Dubai airport. Passengers on connecting flights DXB will be able to use laptops and other restricted electronic devices until they change aircraft for their US-bound destination, rather than checking in at the beginning of their journey. Staff will then take devices and pack them into boxes for the aircraft's hold for the final leg.
Tuesday 21 March 2017:HelloGbye out of beta
- The consumer app, which allows travellers to search and book multi-city, multi-passenger trips, first went live to beta testers in 2015 but has now hit the Apple appstore. The company has also signed a deal with American Express to use its hotel analytics platform to improve accommodation search results.
Friday 17 March 2017:AIG relaunches assistance app
- The travel insurance provider's new app, available for both Android and Apple-powered devices, includes GPS-enabled directory of heathcare providers in a destination, country reports and a one-touch help button.
Hickory gets a pass with
Gogo- Travellers on the Hickory travel management programme will get the opportunity to access discounted inflight wifi services via Gogo. The partnership works by selling the service through Sabre Red but is only available on services between airports in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Monday 13 March 2017:DFW on Apple TV
- The giant Dallas-Fort Worth facility claims to be the first airport in the world with its own app for Apple TVs. The app includes flight information (including search tools), parking information and traffic maps for those setting out to the airport.
Friday 3 March 2017:Executive Travel upgrades app
- The new version of the On The Go mobile app allows users to share itineraries with colleagues and friends, make bookings and synchronise calendars. The Mantic Point-powered service also includes flight status notifications and destination guides.
Thursday 2 March 2017:Scoot picks MatchByte for new app
- The Singapore Airlines-owned subsidiary carrier will work with MatchByte to develop and design a new passenger mobile application, to be made available in around six months. The new app will use MatchByte's White Knight 2.0 technology.
TripIt urges users to Go Now
- The trip management service has created Go Now for its Pro members, allowing them to evaluate the best time to leave for an airport based on flight status and local traffic conditions. It also includes a countdown clock and evaluates the schedule based on the user's location at the time. The service will initially be available on for US domestic flights.
NB: Devices image via Shutterstock.