Travel Inspiration

News / Online

Poor security, clunky processes driving online hotel booking abandonment

By Linda Fox | September 25, 2023

Most important to consumers when booking accommodation online is an easy and secure booking and payment experience, 53%, followed by video and images of rooms and the property, 50%. Read More

News / Online

Paramount teams up with travel startup for "Emily in Paris" trips

By Morgan Hines | September 20, 2023

In this latest example of "set-jetting" initiatives, travel startup Dharma will manage the bookings, payments and guest experience for trips hosted by lifestyle influencers, called “Emileaders.” Read More

News / Online

Booking.com dominates review market share but is losing ground to Google

By Linda Fox | September 20, 2023

The Shiji Reviewpro Guest Experience Benchmark for Q2 2023 found overall consumer satisfaction with hotels is up but still trails 2019 levels. Read More

News / Technology

AI Insights: Generative AI to enhance the guest booking and stay experience

By PhocusWire | September 19, 2023

The Ascott's Tan Bee Leng answers our questions about the areas the hotel and serviced apartment company is applying generative artificial intelligence technology to. Read More

News / Online

Kayak, Tripadvisor on growing their in-house media studios

By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2023

In the last two years both Kayak and Tripadvisor have created content studios that are becoming a growing part of their overall businesses and spurring plans for future investment. Read More

News / Distribution

Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services

By Mitra Sorrells | September 15, 2023

The office supply retailer has offered TSA PreCheck and passport services for several years and is now talking to travel industry partners about expanding its offerings. Read More

News / Online

Caravelo raises €3.5M in Series A round

By Morgan Hines | September 14, 2023

Subscription-focused travel company Caravelo is looking at expanding into new markets with its series A round. Read More

News / Technology

Klook unveils AI tool, social media focused affiliate program

By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WiT | September 11, 2023

Klook plans to integrate its K.AI trip planning tool into its Things to do activity page. The company also hopes its Kreator affiliate program will bring conversions via social media. Read More

News / Startups

Generative AI trip planning startup MindTrip raises $7M

By Morgan Hines | September 8, 2023

MindTrip, set to go public in beta before year's end, seeks to help travelers discover, book and plan travel in one place. Read More

News / Technology

Travel embraces generative AI

By Jamie Biesiada – Travel Weekly | September 6, 2023

The industry has embraced artificial intelligence as a timesaving tool with vast potential, and advisors are studying use cases and developing best practices for deploying the nascent technology. Read More

News / Technology

Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides

By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023

ArrivalGuides provides destination guides in multiple languages from tourism boards and travel experts for travel brands to integrate into their websites, mobile applications and marketing campaigns. Read More

News / Online

CosmoTrips no more one year after launch?

By Linda Fox | September 1, 2023

CosmoTrips was launched a year ago by Cosmopolitan-publisher Hearst targeting a millennial and Gen Z audience. Read More

News / Online

TikTok, Instagram, X: How travel startups use social media

By Morgan Hines | August 24, 2023

Travel startups have been using social media as a marketing tool for some time now. But with an ever-evolving social media spectrum, what remains useful? Read More

Opinion / Online

Influencers are a new class of travel agents — but lack the right tools

By Betsy Mulé – F-Prime Capital | August 7, 2023

Influencers have become a new breed of travel agent, yet they need a way to monetize their efforts, and travelers need the details to recreate their favorite influencers’ experiences for themselves. Read More