Travel Planning

Despegar debuts GenAI travel assistant for trip inspiration and booking
News / Technology
Despegar debuts GenAI travel assistant for trip inspiration and booking
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Customers can use the "Sofia" tool through text or voice or by clicking on visual options and can return to chats even days later with the interaction saved in the system. Read More
Airbnb removes 100,000 listings, expands listing verification
News / Online
Airbnb removes 100,000 listings, expands listing verification
By Morgan Hines | March 4, 2024
 As part of its “spring update,” Airbnb shared news of de-listings, verification, highlights and more. Read More
TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals
News / Online
TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals
By D.J. Catron | March 1, 2024
After acquiring the domain name of the Latin American short-term rental startup, TravelAI will use the site to target travelers interested primarily in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.   Read More
Tripadvisor Plus is shutting down after three years
News / Online
Tripadvisor Plus is shutting down after three years
By Morgan Hines | March 1, 2024
In remarks at the Phocuswright Conference in November, Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg said the company would focus on the benefits of free membership versus trying to build the paid subscription program. Read More
Sabre, Mastercard join Travalyst mission to drive sustainable travel choices
News / Distribution
Sabre, Mastercard join Travalyst mission to drive sustainable travel choices
By Linda Fox | March 1, 2024
The coalition, which also counts Booking.com, Expedia Group and Trip.com Group as partners, aims to help inform consumer travel choices by making sustainability information mainstream. Read More
Amex GBT looks to drive AI across organization and beyond
News / Technology
Amex GBT looks to drive AI across organization and beyond
By Linda Fox | February 29, 2024
The AI initiative is seeking to adopt AI technologies and will work across four areas of the company: traveler care, finance, engineering and enabling a modern workplace. Read More
STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change
News / Online
STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change
By Morgan Hines | February 29, 2024
The short-term rental industry will have 24 months to comply with new industry regulations to be implemented across Europe. Read More
AI check-in: Trip.com seeks to create “perfect trip for a better world” with TripGenie
News / Technology
AI check-in: Trip.com seeks to create “perfect trip for a better world” with TripGenie
By Morgan Hines | February 29, 2024
In the past year, users engaging with TripGenie used the Trip.com app for a "remarkable" 20 minutes or more - double the length of app users not engaging with the tool. Read More
Amadeus 2023 revenue hits €5.4B, expects growth from Vision-Box acquisition
News / Distribution
Amadeus 2023 revenue hits €5.4B, expects growth from Vision-Box acquisition
By Linda Fox | February 28, 2024
Amadeus revenue in Q4 increased 18% to almost €1.4 billion with EBITDA up 18% to €469 million and a 47% increase in profit to €210 million. Read More
Spotlight on 3 technology trends in corporate travel
News / Technology
Spotlight on 3 technology trends in corporate travel
By Linda Fox | February 27, 2024
Recent reports and business travel execs highlight advances in AI, personalization and expense management as the trends to watch. Read More
Culture Trip website sold to U.S. media company
News / Online
Culture Trip website sold to U.S. media company
By Linda Fox | February 26, 2024
U.S. media company U.S. News & World Report has boosted its existing travel content services with the acquisition of theculturetrip.com website. Read More
Expedia Group to reduce headcount by up to 1,500
News / Online
Expedia Group to reduce headcount by up to 1,500
By Linda Fox | February 26, 2024
With its technology transformation completed, Expedia is looking to reduce overheads with job cuts underway. Read More
How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis
Opinion / Technology
How technology can help travelers in a time of crisis
By Adam St. John – Sitata | February 26, 2024
The technology needed to keep travelers informed and safe during unexpected crises already exists today. Travel insurance is the sector that holds the key to democratizing the benefits of duty of care... Read More
Who’s using generative AI in travel - and for what?
News / Technology
Who’s using generative AI in travel - and for what?
By Phocuswright Research | February 26, 2024
Phocuswright's consumer travel surveys provide insights into travelers' awareness of and attitudes toward generative artificial intelligence. Read More
What happens when travelers find tours too authentic?
News / Online
What happens when travelers find tours too authentic?
By Morgan Hines | February 26, 2024
An “authentic” experience that included a fried dog in a local market set off a lively discussion of what responsibilities tour operators — and travelers — bear when encountering unfamiliar cultures. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026