Travel Planning

Amex GBT to go private in $6.3B acquisition by Long Lake
News / Finance
Amex GBT to go private in $6.3B acquisition by Long Lake
By Morgan Hines | May 4, 2026
The all-cash transaction, which is backed by General Catalyst, is expected to close in the second half of the year. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2026: Navigating the new era
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2026: Navigating the new era
By PhocusWire | May 4, 2026
The Barcelona conference will examine how artificial intelligence, distribution shifts and changing traveler expectations are reshaping travel strategy. Read More
DMOs shift toward destination-as-a-service model in AI era
News / Technology
DMOs shift toward destination-as-a-service model in AI era
By Morgan Hines | May 4, 2026
As travelers lean into AI travel planning, how can DMOs maintain and gain visibility? Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Kayak, Roomex, Fareportal and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Kayak, Roomex, Fareportal and more...
By PhocusWire | May 1, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app
News / Distribution
DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2026
DirectBooker, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2026, has also launched an app in ChatGPT and a connector in Claude. Read More
Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps
News / Technology
Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps
By Cathy Walsh | April 30, 2026
The India-based online travel company has added ChatGPT apps across ixigo, AbhiBus and ConfirmTkt, allowing users to search and compare travel options in a conversational interface. Read More
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
News / Technology
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
By Morgan Hines | April 29, 2026
Uber is pushing to become a super app as it expands to offer hotels, voice booking and more. Read More
Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms
News / Distribution
Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2026
Hilton unveiled an Anthropic-powered AI trip planner in March. Read More
Booking Holdings’ play to keep travelers in ecosystem with AI
News / Finance
Booking Holdings’ play to keep travelers in ecosystem with AI
By Morgan Hines | April 28, 2026
The company shared strong Q1 results, AI updates and its outlook on the conflict in the Middle East. Read More
Clarasight lands $11.5M for corporate travel data play
News / Technology
Clarasight lands $11.5M for corporate travel data play
By Linda Fox | April 28, 2026
The company said its platform has expanded in the past year to manage data from programs representing more than $5 billion in enterprise travel and expense spend.  Read More
AirAsia MOVE CEO on Gen Z travelers, trust and super apps
News / Online
AirAsia MOVE CEO on Gen Z travelers, trust and super apps
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | April 28, 2026
AirAsia Move CEO Nadia Omer discusses Gen Z travelers, AI and trust and OTAs in the future. Read More
The short-term rental platforms rolling out alternative business models
News / Distribution
The short-term rental platforms rolling out alternative business models
By Matthew Parsons | April 28, 2026
Short-term rental platforms are reviving subscription models as hosts seek lower distribution costs and more control over bookings.  Read More
Non-negotiables for indulgent travelers and what makes premium worth it
News / Online
Non-negotiables for indulgent travelers and what makes premium worth it
By Phocuswright Research | April 27, 2026
What defines a truly premium trip today? For indulgent travelers, it starts with the basics but quickly moves beyond them. Read More
Startup Stage: Travel Smarter uses agentic AI to optimize airline loyalty for travelers
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Travel Smarter uses agentic AI to optimize airline loyalty for travelers
By Cathy Walsh | April 27, 2026
The startup analyzes fragmented airline loyalty data to help frequent travelers optimize status, rewards and program choices in real time. Read More
Lyft adds Gett's UK business to portfolio
News / Online
Lyft adds Gett's UK business to portfolio
By Linda Fox | April 24, 2026
The acquisition enables Lyft to offer a range of ground transport options from black cabs to bikes and chauffeur services in London. Read More