Travel Inspiration

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
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
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
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
Expensify to launch travel platform
News / Online
Expensify to launch travel platform
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
Expensify Travel will exist as part of a partnership between Expensify and Spotnana and has been built on Spotnana’s travel-as-a-service platform. Read More
Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices
News / Online
Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices
By Morgan Hines | May 6, 2024
Some industry leaders are in favor of Airbnb's new limited-access, unconventional experiences that tie into pop culture while others are feeling underwhelmed Read More
Incoming Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin emphasizes AI, personalization
News / Online
Incoming Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin emphasizes AI, personalization
By Morgan Hines | May 2, 2024
Ariane Gorin shared her plans as the incoming CEO of Expedia Group while the company reported earnings, tempering booking expectations for 2024. Read More
Guesty acquires Rentals United
News / Distribution
Guesty acquires Rentals United
By Morgan Hines | May 2, 2024
STR property management platform Guesty has acquired cloud-based distribution platform Rentals United to create new revenue opportunities and expand offerings. Read More
Joyned releases AI planner to drive social revenue for online travel vendors
News / Technology
Joyned releases AI planner to drive social revenue for online travel vendors
By D.J. Catron | May 2, 2024
The tool enables users to discuss, decide and book together, straight from the vendor’s website. Read More
AI-powered trip planner Mindtrip officially launches
News / Technology
AI-powered trip planner Mindtrip officially launches
By Morgan Hines | May 1, 2024
Mindtrip, which had been available in beta, made its official consumer debut Wednesday. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Itair aims to help creators make their content bookable with AI
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Itair aims to help creators make their content bookable with AI
By Morgan Hines | April 30, 2024
Itair, Inc. CEO Priya Agarwal believes "Tiktok/Reels are now the new travel search engine," and she and her partner, CTO Swapnil Thombre, are hoping to help creators monetize their work. Read More
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
News / Startups
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
By D.J. Catron | April 30, 2024
An Accenture survey found consumers feel less confident about booking a hotel than buying a car, and booking a flight was nearly as nerve-wracking as getting a mortgage. Read More
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
News / Technology
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
By Morgan Hines | April 26, 2024
Travel tech leaders focused on wellness have an eye trained on the future - with predictions as to how technology may impact traveler wellness and wellness tourism. Read More
Tripped Up: Why trip planning startups stumble
Event / Startups
Tripped Up: Why trip planning startups stumble
April 25, 2024
Hear from Mike Coletta, Manager of Research and Innovation at Phocuswright and Gilad Berenstein, investor and former founder of Utrip, on their personal experiences with trip planning startups and what... On Demand
The Phocuswright Conference 2026