Travel Booking

How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis
Opinion / Technology
How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis
By Adam St. John – Sitata | February 26, 2024
The technology needed to keep travelers informed and safe during unexpected crises already exists today. Travel insurance is the sector that holds the key to democratizing the benefits of duty of care... Read More
Who’s using generative AI in travel - and for what?
News / Technology
Who’s using generative AI in travel - and for what?
By Phocuswright Research | February 26, 2024
Phocuswright's consumer travel surveys provide insights into travelers' awareness of and attitudes toward generative artificial intelligence. Read More
What happens when travelers find tours too authentic?
News / Online
What happens when travelers find tours too authentic?
By Morgan Hines | February 26, 2024
An “authentic” experience that included a fried dog in a local market set off a lively discussion of what responsibilities tour operators — and travelers — bear when encountering unfamiliar cultures. Read More
What hotels can learn from Amazon, Netflix and the OTAs
Opinion / Online
What hotels can learn from Amazon, Netflix and the OTAs
By Frank Reeves - SHR Group | February 23, 2024
The hotel industry finds itself at a crossroads: Change its strategy or lose guests. It’s not about mimicking the OTAs, but learning from their approach to build direct, meaningful relationships with... Read More
Booking Holdings will appeal $530M fine by Spanish competition authority
News / Online
Booking Holdings will appeal $530M fine by Spanish competition authority
By Mitra Sorrells | February 22, 2024
Booking Holdings reported its fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings late Thursday, with records across multiple financial metrics including revenue that soared 40% higher than 2019. Read More
Holidu takes over Germany-based home rental portal
News / Online
Holidu takes over Germany-based home rental portal
By Derek Catron | February 22, 2024
The acquisition means properties on Ferienwohnungen.de can be booked directly online and those hosts will have access to Holidu's software solutions and local personal service.   Read More
AI check-in: MakeMyTrip sees conversion boost from AI implementations
News / Technology
AI check-in: MakeMyTrip sees conversion boost from AI implementations
By Morgan Hines | February 22, 2024
MakeMyTrip group chief technology officer Sanjay Mohan discusses what the company is learning - and the business impacts - from its artificial intelligence strategy. Read More
Expedia Group creates two new divisions to be led by Paredes, Schulze
News / Online
Expedia Group creates two new divisions to be led by Paredes, Schulze
By Mitra Sorrells | February 21, 2024
The two new divisions replace Expedia for Business, which has been led by Ariane Gorin, who becomes CEO in May.   Read More
Sonder sheds 17% of corporate workforce
News / Online
Sonder sheds 17% of corporate workforce
By Linda Fox | February 21, 2024
The company said it hoped to achieve about $11 million in annualized cost savings as a result of the cuts, which it expects will be completed by the end of the first quarter. Read More
Study: How AI boosts digital advertising and direct bookings
News / Technology
Study: How AI boosts digital advertising and direct bookings
By Derek Catron | February 21, 2024
Recent advances in AI’s handling of digital advertising have increased the possibilities for hotels to grow direct bookings, a study from D-Edge found.   Read More
American tightens mileage earning rules to motivate NDC, direct bookings
News / Technology
American tightens mileage earning rules to motivate NDC, direct bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | February 20, 2024
American's new rules for earning miles and points, which go into effect for tickets issued May 1, are part of the carrier's strategy to get 100% of its bookings through internet-based channels.  ... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Becoming rentABLE is a platform for accessible short term rentals
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Becoming rentABLE is a platform for accessible short term rentals
By Morgan Hines | February 20, 2024
Becoming rentABLE aims to build inventory by certifying properties for accessibility beyond just a wheelchair to include all mobility, cognitive, hearing, sight and the fast-growing aging population. Read More
Ixigo prepares for fresh IPO
News / Online
Ixigo prepares for fresh IPO
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2024
Online travel platform Ixigo has filed a draft prospectus with the Security and Exchange Body of India detailing its plans for a public listing. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Damian Scokin of Despegar
News / Online
CEO Spotlight - Damian Scokin of Despegar
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2024
In a discussion with PhocusWire, Despegar CEO Damian Scokin talks about carrying momentum from 2023 into the year ahead, the role of artificial intelligence and growth opportunities for the Latin... Read More
Q&A: Conor Grennan on how travel companies can use generative AI as a strategic advantage
News / Technology
Q&A: Conor Grennan on how travel companies can use generative AI as a strategic advantage
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2024
The NYU Stern dean and consultant on generative AI explains why it is a change management issue and so much more than a simple tool - and why training employees how to use it is like "giving them an... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026