Travel Planning

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
What hotels can learn from Amazon, Netflix and the OTAs
Opinion / Online
What hotels can learn from Amazon, Netflix and the OTAs
By Frank Reeves - SHR Group | February 23, 2024
The hotel industry finds itself at a crossroads: Change its strategy or lose guests. It’s not about mimicking the OTAs, but learning from their approach to build direct, meaningful relationships with... Read More
Booking Holdings will appeal $530M fine by Spanish competition authority
News / Online
Booking Holdings will appeal $530M fine by Spanish competition authority
By Mitra Sorrells | February 22, 2024
Booking Holdings reported its fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings late Thursday, with records across multiple financial metrics including revenue that soared 40% higher than 2019. Read More
Chooose gets investment from BP, partners to help airlines decarbonize
News / Startups
Chooose gets investment from BP, partners to help airlines decarbonize
By Linda Fox | February 22, 2024
Chooose and BP will help airlines with digital solutions to scale sustainable aviation fuel programs. Read More
AI check-in: MakeMyTrip sees conversion boost from AI implementations
News / Technology
AI check-in: MakeMyTrip sees conversion boost from AI implementations
By Morgan Hines | February 22, 2024
MakeMyTrip group chief technology officer Sanjay Mohan discusses what the company is learning - and the business impacts - from its artificial intelligence strategy. Read More
Sonder sheds 17% of corporate workforce
News / Online
Sonder sheds 17% of corporate workforce
By Linda Fox | February 21, 2024
The company said it hoped to achieve about $11 million in annualized cost savings as a result of the cuts, which it expects will be completed by the end of the first quarter. Read More
Ixigo prepares for fresh IPO
News / Online
Ixigo prepares for fresh IPO
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2024
Online travel platform Ixigo has filed a draft prospectus with the Security and Exchange Body of India detailing its plans for a public listing. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Damian Scokin of Despegar
News / Online
CEO Spotlight - Damian Scokin of Despegar
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2024
In a discussion with PhocusWire, Despegar CEO Damian Scokin talks about carrying momentum from 2023 into the year ahead, the role of artificial intelligence and growth opportunities for the Latin... Read More
Next-gen customer service for hospitality: Balance high-touch, high-tech
Opinion / Online
Next-gen customer service for hospitality: Balance high-touch, high-tech
By Dr. Ori Faran - Callvu | February 16, 2024
Great personal service still matters in hospitality, but as consumers – especially younger ones – demand more self-service options, hotels also need outstanding digital options.  Read More
Q&A: Conor Grennan on how travel companies can use generative AI as a strategic advantage
News / Technology
Q&A: Conor Grennan on how travel companies can use generative AI as a strategic advantage
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2024
The NYU Stern dean and consultant on generative AI explains why it is a change management issue and so much more than a simple tool - and why training employees how to use it is like "giving them an... Read More
Sabre notes 2023 improvements, cloud migration and tech cost savings on track
News / Distribution
Sabre notes 2023 improvements, cloud migration and tech cost savings on track
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2024
Adjusted EBITDA for the technology and distribution company was $96 million for the quarter and $337 for the full year, up from $65 million in 2022. The gains were attributed to increases in travel... Read More
HomeToGo 2023 results driven by subscriptions and services business
News / Technology
HomeToGo 2023 results driven by subscriptions and services business
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2024
HomeToGo said it had achieved its main priority of adjusted EBITDA break-even for the year with the financial metric at €2 million, ahead of full-year guidance. Read More
With speculation of a sale in the air, Tripadvisor reports record revenue driven – again – by Viator
News / Online
With speculation of a sale in the air, Tripadvisor reports record revenue driven – again – by Viator
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2024
Two days after announcing it has created a special committee and retained a mergers and acquisition advisory firm, Tripadvisor reported an all-time high for revenue in 2023 led by a 49% growth in... Read More