Travel Planning

How sustainable travel companies are helping consumers, brands understand certification
News / Online
How sustainable travel companies are helping consumers, brands understand certification
By Morgan Hines | June 14, 2024
James Lever of Weeva and Sally Davey of Travalyst talk about sustainability sensibilities in the PhocusWire studio at Phocuswright Europe. Read More
Viator's origin story - a tale of a prince and a girl from Tasmania
News / Startups
Viator's origin story - a tale of a prince and a girl from Tasmania
By Linda Fox | June 14, 2024
Viator founder Rod Cuthbert shared the Phocuswright Europe 2024 Center Stage with Thayer Ventures' Chris Hemmeter to discuss how the tours and activities company came to be, selling it to Tripadvisor... Read More
Why niche can be nice in the massive world of online travel
News / Online
Why niche can be nice in the massive world of online travel
By Morgan Hines | June 13, 2024
The wide-ranging conversation on the environment for smaller online travel sites touched on the challenges and rewards of working in a smaller, specialized space.   Read More
Majority of LGBTQ+ travelers experience discrimination traveling, Booking.com finds
News / Online
Majority of LGBTQ+ travelers experience discrimination traveling, Booking.com finds
By Morgan Hines | June 12, 2024
 The research comes as part of Booking.com’s mission to “make it easier for everyone to experience the world.” Read More
As Phocuswright Europe kicks off, travel experts weigh in on the AI buzz
News / Technology
As Phocuswright Europe kicks off, travel experts weigh in on the AI buzz
By PhocusWire | June 11, 2024
When 500 travel insiders gather, you don’t need a chatbot to predict lots of conversation about generative AI.   Read More
Holibob adds funding for experiences technology push
News / Startups
Holibob adds funding for experiences technology push
By Linda Fox | June 10, 2024
Holibob, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2023, said it plans to use the funds to further develop its technology, including its experiences marketing platform, to help travel brands and destinations sell... Read More
Online travel platforms tapping into business travel rebound
News / Online
Online travel platforms tapping into business travel rebound
By Linda Fox | June 10, 2024
While Booking.com for Business has struck up some new partnerships, other OTAs are building out their business travel offerings with additional products and services. Read More
Gen Z, millennials less interested in loyalty travel, OAG survey finds
News / Online
Gen Z, millennials less interested in loyalty travel, OAG survey finds
By Morgan Hines | June 7, 2024
OAG’s North American survey included 2,000 travelers with intent to analyze services including rewards programs and ticket inclusions and how those might be driving purchasing habits. Read More
How generative AI can tackle “information overload” and empower travelers
Opinion / Technology
How generative AI can tackle “information overload” and empower travelers
By Emily Weiss - Accenture | June 7, 2024
The future of travel is bright, and as travelers are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information on planning their trips, GenAI is the key to unlocking the sector's full potential. Read More
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
News / Technology
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
By Morgan Hines | June 6, 2024
Expedia Group, Airbnb, Mindtrip and many other companies are looking to simplify group travel planning. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Trustr is a private marketplace for vacation rental discovery
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Trustr is a private marketplace for vacation rental discovery
By Mileva Sapic | June 5, 2024
Launching publicly Wednesday, Trustr is a vacation rental marketplace that enables its members to make properties they own available to people they know and capitalize on recommendations for places to... Read More
U.K. regulator investigating Amex GBT acquisition of CWT
News / Distribution
U.K. regulator investigating Amex GBT acquisition of CWT
By Linda Fox | June 5, 2024
A statement from Amex GBT said the company had “voluntarily notified the CMA of the transaction for antitrust approval in the U.K.” Read More
Google’s algorithm leak and what it means for travel SEO
Opinion / Technology
Google’s algorithm leak and what it means for travel SEO
By Brennen Bliss - Propellic | June 5, 2024
The Google API documentation leak offers valuable insights for travel industry executives, highlighting the importance of strategic, comprehensive SEO practices. Read More
How access to OTA data is democratizing short-term rental tech
Opinion / Technology
How access to OTA data is democratizing short-term rental tech
By Pierre-Camille Hamana - Hospitable | June 4, 2024
The future of the STR industry is clear: It's time for a host-centric approach that prioritizes access, innovation and fairness. Read More
With “innovationism” as its new philosophy, Trip.com Group comes roaring back
News / Online
With “innovationism” as its new philosophy, Trip.com Group comes roaring back
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | June 3, 2024
At its event last week, Trip.com Group leadership outlined the company's goal to be the number one OTA for flights in five years, powered by growth driven by higher-tier members and younger generations. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026