What else is going on in the world of travel tech? A round-up of other stories from across the industry...
- Gogo is getting ocean-going. The airline-WiFi provider says it will partner with AeroSat, which will provide its Ku-satellite solution, enabling Gogo to provide airline partners with wireless service outside the US, including for transoceanic routes beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012. "Ku is the here and now satellite technology and will allow us to service airline clients who want an overseas solution today," says Michael Small, Gogo CEO. "However, in many cases we see this a a bridge technology that will allow us to offer overseas service until Inmarsat's Global Xpress Ka satellite service is available." Here's a brief look at Ka-band versus Ku-band satellite technology.
- Triptrotting added a social-activities search feature, enabling members to pinpoint activities such as walking tours, parties and trips to various destinations with like-minded travelers and locals. The activities are based on users' preferences and can be viewed by location, date, time and price. The addition of the social-activities search was part of a broader redesign of the site.
- Reevoo research on 1,000 consumers shows shopping and research on Facebook has increased 40% in a year with the majority of users on the social network using it to research purchase or seek recommendations from friends. The study also shows travel and buying a car are the sectors that rely on user-generated content the most with almost a third of consumers always reading reviews when booking travel. The research also shows shopping via mobile devices has increased from 38% to 46% in a year.
- MSC Cruises is seeking to create buzz around the launch of MSC Divina with a Facebook competition. MSC Cruises' fans have to upload an image that captures what the Mediterranean is all about to win a trip for two on board the new ship.