Travel Planning

Airbnb counts half a billion guest arrivals, host earnings at $65B
News / Online
Airbnb counts half a billion guest arrivals, host earnings at $65B
By Jill Menze | March 27, 2019
More than 500,000 guests have stayed at Airbnb properties around the globe, the company reports, with three guests checking into listings every half-second. Read More
Lola 37 million Series C
News / Online
Lola nearly doubles funding with $37M capital injection
By Mitra Sorrells | March 26, 2019
The corporate travel management platform will use the Series C funding to double its headcount and further develop its technology. Read More
Mobile technology, customer acquisition among top challenges for ground transit operators
News / Technology
Mobile technology, customer acquisition among top challenges for ground transit operators
By Jill Menze | March 26, 2019
According to a survey from CellPoint Mobile, ground transit operators in the United States are struggling to keep up with consumer demand for a seamless, mobile-first transportation experience. Read More
Ground innovation, part 4: Getting onboard the rail (r)evolution
News / Distribution
Ground innovation, part 4: Getting onboard the rail (r)evolution
By Linda Fox | March 25, 2019
In the final part of our series on ground transportation, we look at the development of rail technology and distribution. Read More
Welcome Pickups speeds off with €3.3M to grow "holistic" in-destination service
News / Online
Welcome Pickups speeds off with €3.3M to grow "holistic" in-destination service
By Jill Menze | March 22, 2019
The Athens, Greece-based company will use the funds to build a traveler app and grow its team and partnerships. Read More
plum guide funding
News / Startups
The Plum Guide nabs £14M to expand curated vacation rentals platform to more cities
By Jill Menze | March 21, 2019
The "Michelin Guide for vacation rentals" plans to have 12,000 verified homes across its network by the end of 2019. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with ... Henrik Kjellberg
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with ... Henrik Kjellberg
By PhocusWire | March 19, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Awaze CEO Henrik Kjellberg. Read More
In the Big Chair - Nicolas Brusson of BlaBlaCar
Interview / Online
In the Big Chair - Nicolas Brusson of BlaBlaCar
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2019
BlaBlaCar is an online marketplace for carpooling. Founded in France is 2006, it has since grown to cover additional markets and has widened its offerings to other transport modes. Read More
Flight Centre chatbot investments
News / Technology
Flight Centre steps up investments in AI-powered chatbot solutions
By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2019
Flight Centre Travel Group has acquired travel chatbot Sam and has increased its investment in 30SecondsToFly. Read More
Google Flights and Hotel search updates
News / Online
Google enables flight destination search by price
By Mitra Sorrells | March 11, 2019
Google has made updates to its Flights and Hotel search, enabling new filters and options. Read More
Skyscanner Trello integration
News / Technology
Skyscanner enables flight search through Trello platform
By Mitra Sorrells | March 7, 2019
Skyscanner has created an integration with Trello, a visual organization and collaboration tool. Read More
Amex GBT launches cross-industry benchmarking tool to measure travel manager performance
News / Technology
Amex GBT launches cross-industry benchmarking tool to measure travel manager performance
By Jill Menze | March 6, 2019
American Express Global Business Travel's new Peer Travel Insights service will rank companies within their peer group. Read More
business-travel-airport-woman-innovation-3
Opinion / Technology
Why travel management companies have a responsibility to drive innovation
By David Thompson - American Express Global Business Travel | March 5, 2019
Business travel should be the most fertile ground for innovation in the traveler experience. However, the industry must first be willing to drive change rather than passively react to it. Read More
Ground transportation part 1 investors
News / Startups
Ground innovation, part 1: The investment path
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2019
In part one in our ground transportation theme series, we talk to investors about startups in the category. Read More
Q&A: Airbnb China president on growing the business, regulators, targeting millennials
Interview / Online
Q&A: Airbnb China president on growing the business, regulators, targeting millennials
By Jill Menze | March 1, 2019
In one of his first interviews since he was appointed president in July, Tao Peng lays out his vision for Airbnb China in this extensive conversation. Read More
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