Travel Planning

Bird boosts U.S. micromobility presence with acquisition of Spin
News / Startups
Bird boosts U.S. micromobility presence with acquisition of Spin
By Linda Fox | September 20, 2023
Bird has paid $19M for Spin, which it acquired from Germany-based Tier Mobility. Read More
HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity
News / Online
HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity
By Linda Fox | September 20, 2023
Bodo Thielmann has joined HomeToGo as chief investment director after previous stints at OYO Vacation Homes and Axel Springer Group. Read More
Paramount teams up with travel startup for "Emily in Paris" trips
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
Google increases AI functionality for travel
News / Technology
Google increases AI functionality for travel
By Jamie Biesiada – Travel Weekly | September 19, 2023
Bard users will be prompted to link to other Google accounts, giving the AI product the ability to summarize and answer questions about users' personal details, like upcoming travel arrangements. Read More
AI Insights: Generative AI to enhance the guest booking and stay experience
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
Kayak, Tripadvisor on growing their in-house media studios
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
Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services
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
Go City launch taps into one of China’s largest social media platforms
News / Online
Go City launch taps into one of China’s largest social media platforms
By Web in Travel | September 14, 2023
Surpassing 2019 revenue from Mainland Chinese customers, Go City becomes first global sightseeing pass to launch a mini program.   Read More
Caravelo raises €3.5M in Series A round
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
CEO Spotlight - Johannes Thomas of Trivago
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight - Johannes Thomas of Trivago
By Linda Fox | September 14, 2023
PhocusWire talks to Trivago CEO Johannes Thomas about coming back to the metasearch platform, his first 100 days in the role and priorities going forward. Read More
First Choice relaunches with flight-free vacation options
News / Online
First Choice relaunches with flight-free vacation options
By Linda Fox | September 13, 2023
TUI brand First Choice believes traveler needs are changing, and it wants to offer them more options when it comes to booking trips. Read More
9 months into the GPT Era, what has travel learned?
Opinion / Technology
9 months into the GPT Era, what has travel learned?
By Gilad Berenstein – Brook Bay Capital | September 13, 2023
  Travel tech investor and entrepreneur Gilad Berenstein shares his three main takeaways in the first year of generative AI’s widespread use in travel and other sectors.   Read More
Wego moves into business travel with acquisition of Travelstop
News / Online
Wego moves into business travel with acquisition of Travelstop
By Linda Fox | September 12, 2023
Wego said the move will extend its reach into business travel while Travelstop will be able to take advantage of Wego's regional network. Read More
French company CDS Groupe acquires Germany-based Corporate Rates Club
News / Online
French company CDS Groupe acquires Germany-based Corporate Rates Club
By Morgan Hines | September 11, 2023
CDS Groupe is continuing its international expansion, bringing its total to nearly 300 employees across France, Poland, Italy, Croatia and Germany. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Tango targets “mass affluent” travelers with AI-based booking platform
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tango targets “mass affluent” travelers with AI-based booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 11, 2023
Tango combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and human curation to provide design, booking and servicing of hyper-personalized trips.  Read More
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