Tourist Organization

Tourist fees are becoming more common, but can they really help combat overtourism?
News / Online
Tourist fees are becoming more common, but can they really help combat overtourism?
By Morgan Hines | September 26, 2024
Whether these fees on their own are making even a slight difference as the world seeks to address crowding and sustainability with travel continuing to boom is a point of contention among experts. Read More
More DMOs are using AI to power visitor engagement
News / Technology
More DMOs are using AI to power visitor engagement
By Morgan Hines | August 23, 2024
Satisfi Labs, one of the providers of AI-powered chat for DMOs, said it has added several new clients as destinations seek to be more responsive to visitors. Read More
The role of DMOs in helping their partners effectively use AI
News / Technology
The role of DMOs in helping their partners effectively use AI
By Morgan Hines | August 16, 2024
As travelers begin to use AI search engines and agents for trip planning, should DMOs play a role in helping their suppliers understand how to use the technology to drive revenue?   Read More
Why the travel industry should buy into the experience economy
Opinion / Online
Why the travel industry should buy into the experience economy
By Erika De Santi - WeRoad | August 2, 2024
Co-founder and chief of experience at WeRoad, Erika De Santi, shares why the travel industry should buy into the experience economy. Read More
Weeva, sustainability tool for hospitality, to close down
News / Startups
Weeva, sustainability tool for hospitality, to close down
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | July 16, 2024
Weeva managing director Julie Cheetham said the board's decision to shutter the startup came after an "exhaustive review." And on its website it says "an orderly wind-up ... has now commenced." Read More
Wonderful Copenhagen is exchanging free experiences for sustainable actions
News / Distribution
Wonderful Copenhagen is exchanging free experiences for sustainable actions
By Linda Fox | July 9, 2024
The CopenPay initiative allows tourists to access attractions and experiences for free in exchange for sustainable actions such as cycling and local volunteering. Read More
STR platforms stay silent while others call out consequences of Barcelona’s new ban
News / Online
STR platforms stay silent while others call out consequences of Barcelona’s new ban
By Morgan Hines | June 25, 2024
Some say the hotel supply in Barcelona will not be enough to fulfill demand once STRs are gone from the city and that could have a detrimental ripple effect on tourism and local residents.   Read More
Satisfi Labs acquires omnichannel marketing automation platform Factoreal
News / Online
Satisfi Labs acquires omnichannel marketing automation platform Factoreal
By Mileva Sapic | June 18, 2024
 Satisfi said the acquisition will improve customer engagement powered by conversational AI technology for its clients that include destination marketing organizations, zoos, museums and... Read More
How sustainable travel companies are helping consumers, brands understand certification
News / Online
How sustainable travel companies are helping consumers, brands understand certification
By Morgan Hines | June 14, 2024
James Lever of Weeva and Sally Davey of Travalyst talk about sustainability sensibilities in the PhocusWire studio at Phocuswright Europe. Read More
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
News / Technology
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
By Morgan Hines | June 6, 2024
Expedia Group, Airbnb, Mindtrip and many other companies are looking to simplify group travel planning. Read More
Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers
News / Technology
Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers
By Morgan Hines | May 24, 2024
The retail ad platform, housed within Expedia Group Media Solutions, provides new capabilities and access based on its first-party data and existing partnerships. Read More
Travelsoft continues travel tech roll-up with three further acquisitions
News / Technology
Travelsoft continues travel tech roll-up with three further acquisitions
By Linda Fox | May 23, 2024
B2B accommodation connectivity provider TravelgateX joins Travelsoft alongside reservation technology specialist Atcore Technology and Travel Connection Technology.    Read More
European tourism under fire – new ETC chief steps up to face the challenges
News / Online
European tourism under fire – new ETC chief steps up to face the challenges
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | May 17, 2024
 Beyond numbers, destinations need to rethink what they really want from tourism, says Miguel Sanz Castedo, president of the European Tourism Commission.   Read More
Consortium led by Certares will invest €125M as part of agreement with FTI Group
News / Online
Consortium led by Certares will invest €125M as part of agreement with FTI Group
By Morgan Hines | April 18, 2024
FTI Group will use the new funding to bolster growth and pay for a “digital transformation.” Read More
Travel companies navigate changes to Google’s search function
News / Technology
Travel companies navigate changes to Google’s search function
By Morgan Hines | April 18, 2024
Some travel companies have seen changes in search results following Google’s latest update, which addresses in part “low quality AI-generated content that’s designed to attract clicks.”  Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026