Travel Planning

News / Startups

Vacation rental marketplace Whimstay scores $10M

By Kathryn Walson | April 11, 2023

The San Francisco-based company plans to use the funding toward “key new hires” and the development of new products and features. Read More

News / Technology

Airlines brace for summer chaos as wider tech issues remain

By Linda Fox | April 11, 2023

Schiphol Airport is capping its passenger numbers at 66,000 per day in May while Lufthansa said in February that it was reducing its 2023 summer schedule by 34,000 flights. Read More

News / Startups

Japan’s SmartRyde raises $3.4M as it expands airport transfer marketplace

By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2023

Along with the funding, SmartRyde has created an API so online travel agencies and airlines can connect directly to its global network to easily offer pre-booked airport transfers in their booking... Read More

Opinion / Technology

ChatGPT means radically improved travel sales conversion

By Terry Jones | April 7, 2023

Travelocity founder Terry Jones says his past work creating Wayblazer makes him confident ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI will permanently disrupt the user interface in travel. Read More

News / Startups

Lovetovisit.com gets £2.1M to fund expansion

By Derek Catron | April 7, 2023

Funding includes £250,000 from Zip World, which offers zip lines and other adventures across the United Kingdom. Read More

News / Online

Viator's Ben Drew on further growth, educating consumers

By Linda Fox | April 6, 2023

Viator president Ben Drew attributes its recent growth to “changing almost everything about the business” in the past three years. Read More

News / Online

6 trends for appealing to emerging Chinese travel market

By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebinTravel | April 6, 2023

The recent China Arising event makes clear the gates are wide open for Chinese travelers, who are ready to explore the world again. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Holdbar offers tech to help activities providers boost bookings

By Linda Fox | April 5, 2023

The startup offers tours, activities and providers of small accommodations with a technology solution covering sales, marketing and administration. Read More

News / Startups

Shuttlers drives off with $4M for shared mobility service

By Linda Fox | April 5, 2023

The Nigeria-based company says the investment will go towards route expansion and technology development. Read More

News / Technology

Expedia adds ChatGPT for travel planning in iOS app

By Mitra Sorrells | April 4, 2023

While the integration of ChatGPT has happened in a matter of weeks, CEO Peter Kern says it has been done very carefully, with controls in place to ensure the interactions relate only to travel and are... Read More

News / Startups

Lufthansa Innovation Hub unveils platform for booking off-site meetings

By Linda Fox | April 4, 2023

The service offers “curated team off-site packages” initially around Berlin with early customers including Eurowings Digital and ProductDock. Read More

News / Online

Google redesigns hotel browsing on mobile

By Derek Catron | April 3, 2023

Google also confirmed PhocusWire reports of a pilot program in which it is offering to give consumers a refund on flights if the airfare purchased drops before departure. Read More

News / Technology

Travelport raises $200M to fuel growth

By Linda Fox | March 31, 2023

Travelport said the funds will enable it to advance its growth strategy following a strong first quarter and its acquisition of Deem. Read More

News / Online

Expedia, Wheel the World partner for more accessible travel

By Derek Catron | March 30, 2023

Expedia Group will serve as the exclusive partner to power the lodging supply maintained by Wheel the World, a platform for people with disabilities to book accessible travel. Read More