Travel Booking

How AI is enabling self-service round-the-world trip planning
News / Technology
How AI is enabling self-service round-the-world trip planning
By Derek Catron | June 29, 2023
A partnership between the Oneworld airline alliance and Elemental Cognition for around-the-world bookings relies on a generative AI chatbot.   Read More
Priceline’s new AI chatbot will mix ChatGPT and Google tech
News / Technology
Priceline’s new AI chatbot will mix ChatGPT and Google tech
By Mitra Sorrells | June 28, 2023
Priceline's new chatbot, Penny, is equipped with security features so users can complete an accommodation booking right within the chat. Read More
How tours and activities can build on travel momentum
News / Online
How tours and activities can build on travel momentum
By Derek Catron | June 28, 2023
A panel discussion at Phocuswright Europe brought together leaders from Viator, TUI Musement and Civitatis to discuss opportunities for tours and activities growth. Read More
Booking.com adds conversational trip planning with ChatGPT
News / Technology
Booking.com adds conversational trip planning with ChatGPT
By Mitra Sorrells | June 27, 2023
For now the chat platform is integrated only with Booking.com’s accommodation booking experience, but the company plans to add flights, ground transportation and other trip components in the future. Read More
Utu to accelerate growth through $33M funding and acquisition deal
News / Technology
Utu to accelerate growth through $33M funding and acquisition deal
By Linda Fox | June 27, 2023
Utu already counts Accor, Air France-KLM, Emirates and Etihad among its partners for its tax-free shopping solution. Read More
Chargebacks in travel increasing as consumers find them easier than refunds
News / Technology
Chargebacks in travel increasing as consumers find them easier than refunds
By Linda Fox | June 27, 2023
Outpayce, the payments business of Amadeus, surveyed travel executives to uncover that 71% of companies have seen an increase with disputes growing 30% year over year. Read More
Seizing the digital payment opportunity in travel
News / Technology
Seizing the digital payment opportunity in travel
By Linda Fox | June 26, 2023
Stripe's global travel lead James Lemon discusses payments evolution and trends in travel in the PhocusWire Studio at Phocuswright Europe 2023. Read More
Airbnb talks strategy on marketing, travel dispersal, more
News / Online
Airbnb talks strategy on marketing, travel dispersal, more
By Derek Catron | June 26, 2023
Airbnb’s Amir Segall shares insights on redistributing tourism and other strategies during a center stage interview at Phocuswright Europe.   Read More
CWT partners with Spotnana for travel management platform
News / Technology
CWT partners with Spotnana for travel management platform
By Jay Boehmer & Michael B. Baker | June 26, 2023
Spotnana CEO Sarosh Waghmar said the partnership combines Spotnana’s tech with CWT’s "global servicing capabilities and the full breadth of its TMC services." Read More
Fora adds payment storage facility for travel advisors
News / Technology
Fora adds payment storage facility for travel advisors
By Linda Fox | June 23, 2023
Part of the company’s client management tool, the Vault removes the need to collect and store clients’ payment information at the time of booking. Read More
Early adopters of AI for travel on the power of new models
News / Technology
Early adopters of AI for travel on the power of new models
By Mitra Sorrells | June 23, 2023
The founders of 30SecondstoFly and Sam - two AI-powered chatbots that have been acquired by Amex GBT and Flight Centre Travel Group, respectively, discuss the potential of new large language models. Read More
Personalization + ChatGPT = Holy grail in customer intent
Opinion / Technology
Personalization + ChatGPT = Holy grail in customer intent
By Terry Jones | June 23, 2023
ChatGPT is going to change travel search for the better, and adding personalization will make it wonderful. Read More
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
News / Startups
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2023
Following our recent piece on top investors in travel tech, PhocusWire collected insights from startups on what they look for in investors. Read More
Squake raises €3.5M to meet rising demand for more sustainable choices
News / Startups
Squake raises €3.5M to meet rising demand for more sustainable choices
By Derek Catron | June 22, 2023
The Berlin-based climate tech startup intends to use the funding for technology research and development and new hires to meet customer demand.   Read More
New apps aim to help Black travelers find safe, seamless journeys
News / Technology
New apps aim to help Black travelers find safe, seamless journeys
By Nicole Edenedo – Travel Weekly | June 21, 2023
Technology is at the center of an expanding global safety net for Black travelers, as more entrepreneurs create apps that connect them with Black communities abroad.   Read More
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