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Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software
News / Technology
Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software
By Derek Catron | May 16, 2023
The private equity giant invested $170 million for a minority stake in IBS Software in 2015. It’s agreed to sell its interests to Apax Partners for about $450 million.   Read More
Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2023
The judging criteria applied to the startups throughout the competition include viability, customer appeal, technical innovation, sustainability, team and the X factor.  Read More
Today’s demand won’t define tomorrow’s travelers
News / Online
Today’s demand won’t define tomorrow’s travelers
By Derek Catron | May 11, 2023
A panel at Hotelbeds’ MarketHub Americas conference discussed why strong consumer appetite for travel doesn’t relieve industry leaders from preparing for a more sustainable future.   Read More
STARTUP STAGE: CalmGetaways helps users book wellness travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: CalmGetaways helps users book wellness travel
By Mitra Sorrells | May 9, 2023
Along with self-service search, users can fill out a form with their interests to receive customized recommendations from CalmGetaways. Read More
How ChatGPT levels the playing field for travel companies
News / Technology
How ChatGPT levels the playing field for travel companies
By Derek Catron | May 4, 2023
ChatGPT’s relative simplicity has benefited travel companies ranging in size from Expedia to Sailsquare, an Italy-based sailing cruise marketplace that used the tool to monitor communications on its... Read More
Viatu lands $1M for sustainable multi-day tours platform
News / Startups
Viatu lands $1M for sustainable multi-day tours platform
By Linda Fox | May 3, 2023
The investment was led by Ndoto with ASI Reisen and a number of angel investors also participating. Read More
Expedia Group to power new SoFi Travel site
News / Online
Expedia Group to power new SoFi Travel site
By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2023
Expedia Group also provides travel content and services for financial institutions including Revolut, Scotiabank, American Express, Royal Bank of Canada and more. Read More
How more travel companies make “magic” with ChatGPT
News / Technology
How more travel companies make “magic” with ChatGPT
By Derek Catron | May 1, 2023
We've gathered information from more companies that are integrating ChatGPT, including Hospitable which is using it to respond to guest messages.   Read More
Big Red Group, Ecotourism Australia partner for sustainable tourism
News / Online
Big Red Group, Ecotourism Australia partner for sustainable tourism
By Derek Catron | April 28, 2023
Experience operators on Big Red Group’s platform will be able to demonstrate their sustainable credentials by showcasing certifications from Ecotourism Australia, a not-for-profit that promotes... Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2023: Airbnb on growth and challenges
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2023: Airbnb on growth and challenges
By PhocusWire | April 26, 2023
Airbnb was bullish about 2023 in its recent earnings despite ongoing issues facing the short-term rental segment such as rising inflation and the war in Ukraine. Read More
Paxflow lands $2.2M to bring automation to tour operators
News / Startups
Paxflow lands $2.2M to bring automation to tour operators
By Linda Fox | April 24, 2023
The investment in the Iceland-based company has come from local venture capital firm Brunnur Ventures.   Read More
Tablecross raises $2M to boost food tourism in Japan
News / Online
Tablecross raises $2M to boost food tourism in Japan
By Mitra Sorrells | April 24, 2023
Tablecross operates ByFood.com, a platform to help English-speaking visitors to Japan find food experiences such as tours and cooking classes. Read More
Yonder raises £62.5 million, eyes expansion beyond London
News / Startups
Yonder raises £62.5 million, eyes expansion beyond London
By Derek Catron | April 19, 2023
The credit card company is geared toward young users and those who want to redeem points they earn through purchases for experiences like dinners out or event tickets.   Read More
chatgpt laptop
News / Technology
ChatGPT: A chatty dozen of travel tools and services
By Derek Catron | April 18, 2023
Travel companies are using ChatGPT for everything from personalized itinerary recommendations to social media marketing and 24/7 customer support.   Read More
Airbnb Experiences
News / Online
Airbnb pauses new Experiences after predicting growth
By Kathryn Walson | April 17, 2023
The pause comes a year after CEO Brian Chesky called Airbnb Experiences a “massive, massive opportunity” and a “big area of investment in the coming years.”  Read More
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