Travel Booking

Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue
News / Online
Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2024
Revenue from accommodation reservations increased 29% to $623 million while transportation ticketing revenue was up 20% to $692 million. Read More
Minimizing hallucinations in generative AI and large language models
News / Technology
Minimizing hallucinations in generative AI and large language models
By Cathy Walsh and Mike Coletta - Phocuswright | May 21, 2024
This is a preview of Phocuswright's full report - From Buzzword to Bottom Line: Keeping Pace with Gen AI in Travel Read More
Marriott's revenue and tech chief on travel retail ambition
News / Technology
Marriott's revenue and tech chief on travel retail ambition
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2024
Marriott International chief revenue and technology officer Drew Pinto discusses the hotel giant's strategy to replace its CRS, PMS and loyalty platform and its approach to newer technologies. Read More
Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment
News / Technology
Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment
By Linda Fox | May 20, 2024
The company plans to put the funds toward further growth and technology investment, “including improved digital insurance distribution solutions, deploying artificial intelligence claims handling and... Read More
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
News / Technology
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
By D.J. Catron | May 20, 2024
The travel portal for Lotte Card customers will offer flights, accommodations and car rentals powered by HTS, Hopper's B2B solution. Read More
Airbnb is removing 5,000 Experiences, canceling future reservations
News / Distribution
Airbnb is removing 5,000 Experiences, canceling future reservations
By Mitra Sorrells | May 18, 2024
Less than one month after its launch of Icons, Airbnb sent an email to tour and experience operators around the world that their listings are being pulled from the platform.   Read More
Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”
News / Online
Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”
By Mitra Sorrells | May 17, 2024
Murthy and one of the company's senior vice presidents are out, and the company said it is actively searching to fill the roles. Read More
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
News / Technology
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
By Linda Fox | May 17, 2024
The company said its Sofia AI assistant now includes hotel recommendations and enables users to search by city and dates as well as budget and key amenities. Read More
The week GenAI took off for travel
Opinion / Technology
The week GenAI took off for travel
By Christian Watts – Magpie | May 17, 2024
Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie, looks back on what he calls "easily the biggest week so far for generative artificial intelligence - especially for the travel industry." Read More
STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2024
Founded in 2023, StretchBill creates a pay-over-time option for short-term rentals, including an option that lets individuals traveling together each take responsibility for specific payments. Read More
Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
News / Online
Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
By Morgan Hines | May 16, 2024
Expedia Group chairman and senior executive Barry Diller said he believes the world is seeing the beginning of the company's "next evolution" with Ariane Gorin as CEO. Read More
Holidu snaps up Clubrural in latest acquisition
News / Online
Holidu snaps up Clubrural in latest acquisition
By Linda Fox | May 15, 2024
Madrid, Spain-based Clubrural, which was founded in 1997, has a portfolio of 28,000 homes and apartments. It said its website attracts 15 million visitors annually. Read More
Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering
News / Distribution
Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering
By Linda Fox | May 14, 2024
Using Rezdy’s API, the partnership will enable activities' providers in the Trip.com Group ecosystem to connect and promote their tours to consumers. Read More
Google unveils Gemini’s new trip planning capabilities
News / Technology
Google unveils Gemini’s new trip planning capabilities
By D.J. Catron | May 14, 2024
Google’s new version of Gemini uses spatial data and reasoning to prioritize and make decisions while building a personal itinerary. Read More
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
News / Technology
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024
 At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces.   Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026