UNWTO announces winning start-ups for ‘Awake Tourism Challenge’
UNWTO has announced the winners of its 'Awake Tourism Challenge', celebrating the start-ups that are reshaping the sector in every global region.
Spain introduces new visa for foreign start-ups & digital nomads
The Spanish Parliament has approved the new law for start-ups and digital nomads, which regulates who is eligible for this visa and anticipates reducing the Corporation Tax for these…
Airline Start-Up In Australia: What Makes It So Challenging?
Bonza, a new low-cost airline with big plans for Australia, will launch in mid-2022.
AmexGBT buys AI start-up 30SecondsToFly
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has acquired 30SecondsToFly, a technology start-up specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) and messaging for business travel
Technology Will be Game Changer for Travel Start-ups
The Additional Director General of the India Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Rupinder Brar, said that technology will be a game-changer for the travel start-up industry and government is ready to…
Travel start-up breathes life to struggling hotels
With the travel industry under threat and the off-peak season looming, the travel platform behind the ‘daycation’ trend is pioneering an innovative way to breathe life into empty hotels:…
Tech start-ups lay off thousands of employees amid COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis that no one anticipated and it devastated many industries, especially the travel sector.
UNWTO and Basque Culinary Centre launch 2nd gastronomy tourism start-up competition
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Basque Culinary Center have joined forces again for the second edition of the Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition. After the…
Uber’s former CEO Travis Kalanick finances 3D-printed hotel start-up
Travis Kalanick, the co-founder of Uber, is among the backers of a new hotel start-up Habitas that makes 3D-printed hotels.
Travel tech this week: Aussie founder dedicates start-up to support bushfire-affected businesses
For travel tech this week, speaking of making lemonade out of lemons; one start-up in Australia has transformed itself into a travel tech platform that aids businesses affected by the fire…
Tourism start-ups focus on innovation and sustainability
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in association with Globalia, a tourism group in Spain and Latin America, has selected the finalists of the 2nd Global Tourism Startup…
Travel Tech 4 Good announces winners of start-up initiative in Cairo
Halla Travel and Blue Odysea are the winners of the Travel Tech 4 Good start-up initiative for the tourism sector in Egypt. It was launched jointly by the TUI Care Foundation and…
Travel tech this week: Start-ups raised millions for expansion
For travel tech news this week, it is indeed happy holidays for some start-ups as they raised millions to fuel their expansion.
E-scooter start-up Neuron Mobility raises USD 18.5 million in Series A
Singapore-based e-scooter start-up Neuron Mobility has closed an USD 18.5 million in Series A funding round aiming to expand in international markets.
A different kind of mobility start-up receives USD 10.1 million to grow operations
Singapore-based smart mobility start-up Ministry of Movement has received a USD 10.1 million from its Series A funding round to grow and expand overseas.
Amadeus Ventures to lend a hand on travel tech start-ups in APAC
Amadeus is expanding Amadeus Ventures to help travel tech start-ups in APAC starting 2020.
“We speak the language and we love this country”: How one start-up cracked Thailand’s biggest tour guide association
Invited as a friend of the European run, Thai based global start-up iZZi guide, who were presenting their plans to evolve the world of destination management to the PGAT membership that…
World’s most disruptive sports tourism start-ups meet in Macau
The growing sports tourism sector took centre stage at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, SAR with the first 'SPORTSTECH' edition of the UN World Tourism Organisation’s Tourism…
Battle of the best: 2019 Mekong innovative start-ups in tourism finalists announced
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office has announced that 10 innovative start-ups from across the Mekong Region will compete in the Mekong Innovative Start-ups in Tourism (MIST)…
Softbank’s Masa-san has a message to start-ups after WeWork didn’t work
If you have been living under a rock and is oblivious to what happened to WeWork’s controversial IPO, let us jog the timeline of events.
UNWTO and Globalia launch second global tourism start-up competition
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has joined Globalia, a tourism group in Spain and Latin America, to launch the second edition of the UNWTO Global Tourism Start-up Competition.…
Ride-hailing start-up Bolt enters food delivery business to rival Uber
Uber rival in Europe Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, has entered the already-crowded field of food delivery.
TAT ties up with local start-ups to woo Nordic tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with 24 Thai start-ups to break into the Nordic market under a project entitled ‘Bringing New Shades of Thailand to Nordic…
UNWTO launches start-up competition in sports tourism sector
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB) and with the support of the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), has announced the launch…
Go-Jek acquires another Indian start-up
Ride-hailing giant Go-Jek turned to another Indian start-up to further its growth. The company announced that it has acquired AirCTO, a recruitment platform based in Gurgaon.
Start-up Fairbnb is Airbnb but with a heart
Fairbnb is a new start-up in the quad that allows you to rent your home to guests and will collect 15% commission on bookings. Where that commission will go sets the two start-ups apart. In…
Airbnb-like start-up for business travellers Mint House raises USD 15 million
Start-up Mint House, Airbnb-style for business travellers, raised USD 15 million in Series A funding led by Revolution Ventures.
Travel tech this week: Start-ups funding and new partnerships
This week, we saw travel start-ups getting funding to further their growth. Some companies also facilitated new partnerships to expand their services.
Travel tech this week: New start-ups and groundbreaking updates
This week, we saw new start-ups launch worldwide KIWIride, SensorFlow, and Bounce. Zudu cooked up digital strategies while Egencia updated its platform to enhance customer experiences,…
Travel tech this week: It’s raining green for start-ups
This week we saw numerous travel tech start-ups receive millions of funding from different funding rounds. Start-ups rely on investments to foster growth.
Travel tech this week: Start-ups Grab, Nezasa, AvantStay secure millions and more
It is that time of the week again. This time, we saw millions being secured by start-ups hinting the forthcoming innovations in various sectors.
TravelgateX acquires the start-up REVVA
TravelgateX, a global marketplace for the travel trade, has acquired start-up REVVA in order to strengthen its position in the business intelligence sector.
Tours and activities M&A continues as TUI Group acquires tech start-up Musement
To strengthen its position in the excursions, tours and activities business, TUI Group has acquired the Italian tech start-up, Musement.
Five new Rascals for Indonesian cruise start-up
Indonesian cruise line Rascal Voyages may have only been established in 2017, but in the few months they have been in action the new kids on the block created more than a few ripples with…
Chinese media giant Tencent to invest in Indian budget hotel start-up OYO Rooms
Tencent Holdings Ltd. is in talks to lead a financing round of between US$300 million to US$500 million in Indian budget hotel brand OYO Rooms, valuing OYO at over US$2 billion, according to…
Start-up OTA Hey! Belgium partners with Booking.com
Last month, while attending ITB in Shanghai, my boss and Travel Daily’s editor-in-chief broke the news of the brand new online travel agent HEY! Belgium, who simultaneously opened for…
Philippine start-up enables travellers to explore 7,641 islands like a local
Despite having more than 7,600 tropical islands, 300 volcanoes, 400 languages and thousands of colourful festivals, the Philippines is still yet to maximise all its of its many advantages…
Experience beyond itineraries: we talk to a ‘serial start-up founder’
We previously posted the first part of our interview with Experience Philippines founder and CEO Giancarlo 'Gian' Gallegos, who has made us want to round up a few companions for a Random…
AirAsia takes off to Silicon Valley to find best start-ups in the world
AirAsia is making its way into US Silicon Valley in search of the best start-ups in the travel industry.
Airbus BizLab signs Indian start-ups in new push for ‘Make in India’
Neewee and EFLIGHT, two start-ups accelerated at Airbus Bizlab India, have signed their first contracts with Airbus and subsidiary NAVBLUE to bring to life their unique innovative ideas in…
‘I built a travel data start-up because of a selfish desire to keep in touch’
Andres Fabris earned a finance degree from the University of Texas at Austin in the hopes of working in the finance side of the IT industry. Instead, he has spent 23 years growing, then…
Start-up led by ‘wonder twins’ keeps vacation rental managers in touch with guests
Twins & former vacation rental hosts Amiad & Koby Soto realised the need for an all-in-one technological solution to manage & automate logistics in Guesty.
Start-up carves its own niche in the alternative accommodations scene
We recently touched base with Valéry Linÿer, CEO and founder of MagicStay, to show us how a rental platform dedicated to business travellers holds its own.
“Every musician is born an entrepreneur” – how piano theory helps the founder of a messaging start-up
We got in touch with Unified Inbox CEO and founder Toby Ruckert, to figure out how seemingly disparate interests could create a platform that allows for a harmonious relationship between…
European start-up GoEuro reaches 20mn visitors per month
GoEuro, the European platform for travel by train, bus and flight, today revealed it has reached 20 million visitors per month.
The European start-up, which has built a platform for…
CBInsights reviews 2017 trends in travel tech start-ups and investments
Tech analyst company CBInsights argues that travel tech is evolving faster than Pokemon.
NYC start-up keeps customer care real on chat, social and mobile
Bad travel and hospitality services. Scripted customer care messages. Slow assistance. Mix them all together with social media, and you have a potential customer service hot spot for travel…
Packdat start-up! Disrupting the travel market with Felix Lee
Felix Lee Zheng De looks like any other Singaporean engineering student: lanky, bespectacled, wearing jeans and trainers, raring to go anywhere. What sets this twenty-something apart is that…
New tech start-up Sujester pilots with first travel agencies
London based travel technology start-up Sujester has launched its web platform with Travel Four Seasons and Mark Bratt Travel for them to use with their customers in retail stores and…
New Tech Start-Up, Criton, Introduces First Self-Build Digital Concierge for Travel Sector
Travel tech start-up, Criton, has launched a digital concierge for the UK’s thousands of property owners and small businesses offering holiday accommodation to transfer the guest information…
AirAsia acquires stake in travel planning start-up
AirAsia is acquiring a 50% stake in Touristly Travel, the Malaysian online travel planning start-up.
The deal, which will consist of an asset injection and loan valued at MYR11.5…
easyJet and Founders Factory grant funding to start-ups
easyJet and Founders Factory have announced the first two travel start-ups selected for their Travel Tech accelerator programme.
In October 2016, easyJet announced a strategic investment…
TTE Show Doubles Launchpad To Support 15 Start-ups
Travel Technology Europe has increased its investment in innovation by doubling the size of the show’s Launchpad. This means that up to 15 travel start-ups could exhibit for free at next…
Fund set up to help online travel start-ups
A new fund has been set up by Travellanda to help companies entering the online travel space.
The new Travellanda Business Support Fund was initiated to assist both start-ups and…
Investors in UK-India start-up airline offered novel incentive
Indian start-up airline POP is giving its community of supporters the opportunity to have their own names printed on POP’s aircraft.
All you have to do is make sure you’re one of the…
Irhal’s Arabic app selected for Google’s Global Travel Start-up programme
Irhal Halal Travel App was recently selected in the MENA region as the only start-up for the first global travel start-up programme.
This programme was launched by Google for…
ClickTripz acquires hotel data-analytics start-up
Travel technology firm ClickTripz has announced the acquisition of hotel data-science startup, TheSuitest.
TheSuitest gained acclaim for applying Wall Street-style data analytics to the…
Travelport helps travel start-ups
Travelport has announced the development of a new programme to accelerate the growth of start-up companies in the travel commerce sector.
The Incubation programme will accept up to…
Amadeus to support tech start-ups
Amadeus has launched a new programme intended to support new start-up companies in the travel technology sector.
The company said its new 'Amadeus for Startups' programme is "designed to…
Chinese start-up Longjiang Air to launch in December
Longjiang Air, a new start-up carrier in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province, is set to launch its first flights in December this year.
The new carrier, which will be based at…
British start-up tackles lost luggage challenge
A new British start-up firm claims to have developed a new technology that all but eliminates the chance of lost luggage from flights.
The Eviate eTrack, which has been developed by…
Boeing delivers first jet to Chinese start-up airline
Boeing has delivered the first aircraft to Ruili Airlines, the start-up carrier based in southwest China's Yunnan province.
The new Boeing 737-700 aircraft is the first of an order…
Start-up airline set for take-off
Start-up carrier Fuzhou Airlines received its first of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft on 11 October as it gears up for lift-off at the end of the month.
Following Xiamen Airlines, the…
Another start-up airline joins China’s aviation boom
China's rapidly expanding collection of airlines will see yet another new addition this week, with the launch of Yingan Airlines.
The regional start-up carrier, which is based in the…
Bangladeshi start-up airline buys planes
A new airline in Bangladesh has selected the aircraft it will use to start its operations.
Dhaka-based US-Bangla Airlines has acquired two second-hand Bombardier Q400 turboprop…
B2B wholesaler Elan Experiences opens office in Delhi
In line with its conviction-driven growth plans and development of capabilities that are designed to address its expansion into yet newer markets, Elan Experiences has now opened a new…
Karnataka Tourism marks its presence at ITB Berlin 2023
Karnataka Tourism aimed to promote its inbound tourism, particularly its heritage, culture, wildlife, beaches, and adventure activities at ITB Berlin, which was held on March 7 to 9, 2023 in…
Cruise Saudi Buys HK Genting World Dream
Dream Cruises’ World Dream, the last remaining vessel from the defunct Genting Hong Kong operation, was sold in Singapore. Cruise Saudi has confirmed that it has bought the ship; while…
Calling for nominees: TD IWTA to honour inspiring women in a prestigious award ceremony
We know women in the travel industry whom we admire and feel inspired by. Perhaps it is someone who has succeeded against all odds, someone whose courage defied biases or whose…
Silversea To Deploy Silver Cloud To The Kimberley
Silversea Cruises will deploy its hybrid expedition ship Silver Cloud to Western Australia’s Kimberley region in 2024, increasing capacity for the ultra-luxury cruise company in the…
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka to open its doors on June 21
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka will open its doors on 21 June 2023, welcoming guests to the prefectural capital of Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan with the Ritz-Carlton legacy…
IATA: Airline Industry is on the March to Net Zero
by: Harry Johnson |
Sustainable propulsion partnership formed in New Zealand to assess and drive the introduction of flights powered by green hydrogen
Full article: IATA: Airline Industry…
With 500% revenue growth: wndr is democratizing the travel industry
With over 500% growth in just six months, wndr is a travel start-up that is making waves in the industry. The company is on a mission to democratize the power of mega-booking brands among…
Oscar the Grouch named Chief Trash Officer of United Airlines
by: Harry Johnson |
United has enlisted Oscar to help us educate the traveling public of all ages about SAF and rally them to the cause of fighting climate change
Full article: Oscar the…
5 reasons why Cross Hotels & Resorts is APAC’s hotel operator of choice
Cross Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering value, distinction and, most importantly, memorable experiences in all of the properties it manages. Since its rebranding, Cross…
Seeking innovation: Hotelbeds and Wayra launch TravelTech Lab
Hotelbeds and Wayra, Telefonica’s Open Innovation Hub, have formed a partnership to establish the TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds to reshape the future of travel. The companies – leaders in…
Go for your ‘Digital Nomad Visa’ in Spain
The Spanish government announced that it officially approved a new digital nomad visa dedicated to remote workers.
Spa services market is expected to grow to USD140.28 bn by 2032
The spa services market is estimated at USD 105.18 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 140.28 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period.
Expo Inn ready to welcome delegates
The all new EXPO INN, SUITES & CONVENTION is getting ready to host delegates of some of the biggest and the best in international shows.
Registration now opens for 30th edition of ATM 2023
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May.
Avalon 2023 outlook: Global aviation traffic to reach pre-pandemic levels by June
The aviation sector is set to thrive in 2023 with global traffic to reach pre-pandemic levels by June, according to a paper published today by international aircraft leasing company Avolon.
Well-being culture from Accor
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, announced the release of its highly anticipated white paper, exploring eight key pathways for navigating business, society and leadership toward a…
Arabian Travel Market opens registration for its for 30th edition
by: Harry Johnson | copyright: eTurboNews - Travel & Tourism News
Tourism and hospitality professionals from around the world can now register to attend Arabian Travel Market (ATM)…
OYO writes to NCLT to expedite MCA inquiry on FHRAI EC
Global travel technology company, OYO in a recent letter to National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) requested the tribunal to expedite the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' (MCA) investigation on…
Mahendra Singh Dhoni launches Garuda Aerospace’s first-ever digital film
Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturing company launches its first-ever digital brand film #KhetonKeKaptanwhich is aimed at encouraging youth and farmers to be captains of…
‘The Thaiger Cage’ to debut at the Conrad Bangkok on 16 Jan
Thai digital media outlet The Thaiger is launching a new start-up technology pitch event ‘The Thaiger Cage’ on 16th January 2023 at the Conrad Bangkok.
AeroBid is launching ‘The Empty Leg Marketplace’
UK-based start-up, AeroBid, is launching an exciting new add-on to its platform “The Empty Leg Marketplace”.
Amadeus powers Thai super-app Robinhood’s expansion into travel
Super-apps have grown to define the consumer experience in large parts of Asia, with the ‘one-app-fits-all’ model playing a leading role in the digitalisation of the region.
Top 20 countries for expanding a business overseas
Recent data shows that nearly half of company CFOs are currently in the process of expanding their business to overseas markets, or planning to do so soon. As well as capturing a greater…
Spain to launch digital nomad visa in January 2023
Spain is planning to launch its Digital Nomad visa for international remote workers in January 2023 as part of the new Startup Act, which is also expected to pass in January next year
Arab Health to showcase the USD5 billion healthcare metaverse
Arab Health has underscored its commitment to showcasing the latest advances in healthcare technology and innovation with the launch of the Intelligent Health Pavilion and the return of the…
IWTA speaks with Sukeerti Raikwar – Founder Soulful Safaris
Sukeerti has been working in the travel and tourism industry for almost 20 years in different roles and capacities. An explorer, product developer and travel designer, Sukeerti has also…
Transforming hospitality for all: Cross Hotels & Resorts vies to be ‘relentlessly relevant’
TD spoke to Paul Wilson, executive vice president, Cross Hotels & Resorts, who oversees both commercial and operations for hotel management company, about the changes the company are…
Akasa Air launches Agartala-Bengaluru flight via Guwahati on Oct 21
Akasa Air has launched its daily flight services in the Agartala-Bengaluru route, via Guwahati.
Will supersonic aircrafts be the ‘speed savior’ game-changers?
As American Airlines becomes the third major carrier to place an order for Boom Supersonic’s new Overture jets, Jim Scott, co-founder at aircraft component supply specialist Artemis…
EasyMile wins deal for driverless shuttles at Terhills, Belgium
EasyMile has won a project worth €4 million (approx. USD 38,81,040.00) for a fleet of autonomous shuttles at Belgian tourist site Terhills. The shuttles will run 7 days a week, for up to 10…
TakeMe raises USD1.8 million to expand its Japan’s restaurant reservation service for international tourists
Japan’s cross-border payment start-up TakeMe has announced a total of JPY260 million (USD1.8 million) funding. The round was led by New Economy Ventures and individual investors.…
Expedia Group launches new global social impact & sustainability strategy
Expedia Group has announced its new global social impact and sustainability strategy to advance a travel ecosystem that is responsible, open, and accessible to all. Combining the…
United Wagers $15 Million On Air Taxis’ Future
United Airlines has placed a $15 million wager on the electric flying taxi market by placing a conditional order for 200 electric vertical take-offs and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from…
Travel Un’chained’ with blockchain
Around 230 players from 150 leading international tourism and tech companies representing more than 30 countries came together in Mallorca to jointly lay the foundations for the further…
Air New Zealand Delays B787 Deliveries
Due to the production delays at Boeing, Air New Zealand has delayed the delivery of further B787s by a year. Richard Thomson, the airline’s CFO, revealed on a recent earnings call that…
Sabre plans large investment in India
American tech giant Sabre Corporation president has planned an incremental multimillion-dollar investment in India to tap its tourism potential in airlines and hotels.
Virtuoso launches its first-ever Travel Tech Summit
Virtuoso is hosting its first-ever Travel Tech Summit, taking place on 14 August at ARIA Resort & Casino during its Virtuoso Travel Week event.
The summit will consist of three…
Carnival Luminosa to transfer to Carnival Cruise Line fleet
Costa Luminosa cruise ship will join the Carnival fleet in September and will start guest operations as Carnival Luminosa in November 2022 from Brisbane, Australia, Carnival Cruise Line…
Ascott acquires first lyf coliving property in Sydney
CapitaLand Investment Limited’s (CLI) wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is acquiring its first lyf-branded coliving property in Sydney, Australia.
wndr is taking over GenZ and Millennial travelers with short-form videos
A new start-up company wndr is revolutionizing the travel discovery experience by focusing on short-form TikTok style videos, targeting Millennials and GenZ. wndr is focusing on bringing a…
Singapore to host largest tech event since reopening of its borders
Singapore is hosting Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG), Asia’s flagship technology event that convenes global leaders and decision-makers across the technological ecosystem.
Here’s why India’s aviation sector is something to watch out for
Here are some of the reasons why India’s aviation sector is teeming with potential in the coming years.
Vueling becomes the first airline to sell flights in the metaverse
Vueling, an airline owned by IAG, will open a new sales channel in the metaverse.
Taking Dubai’s vision of tomorrow to the skies, Emirates launches Museum of the Future A380 livery
Emirates’ Museum of the Future A380s will be deployed on routes to Europe as well as key Arab regional cities
Payment methods for post-pandemic travel and tourism success
Payment methods for post-pandemic travel and tourism success
The relationship between the travel sector and the payments industry has always been complex, never more so than during the…
Eurowings and Cologne Airport join hands to plant 6000 trees in Königsforst
The initiative is the first of its kind in which a German airline and a domestic airport are working hand in hand
46% of travel app venture financing deals involved ridesharing, rental, or hailing companies in 2021
Out of the 26 travel app venture financing deals in 2021, 46% of them involved ridesharing, rental, or hailing companies, according to GlobalData.
Corporate travel spend in Middle East to rise 32% in 2022
Business travel expenditure in the Middle East is forecast to rise by 32% this year, following a predicted 49% increase during 2021
Ascott opens first coliving property in Singapore’s research and innovation hub one-north
CapitaLand Investment Limited’s (CLI) wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has launched lyf one-north Singapore, its first coliving property in one-north,…
IATA’s new appointment to boost efficient global connectivity
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Frederic Leger as the association’s senior vice president for commercial products and services
IWTA speaks with Chitra Gurnani Daga – co-found Thrillophilia.com
Chitra started with a Bachelors in Information Technology, and turned her back on a steady well-paid career to follow her passion for travel, which she has since built into a thriving…
India gears up to announce new tourism policy
Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming out with a new tourism policy to strengthen and build capacity of tourism sector in order to provide better services and…
How G Adventures and Hostelworld are changing face of youth travel
Hostelworld and G Adventures to join forces to bring a new style of travel to 18 to 35-year-olds - Roamies
How OAG is fuelling the future of travel with product innovation
As we enter a new era post-COVID, travel companies now focus on recovery looking for tech solutions to recapture the market.
Bonza surveys thousands to pick top destinations
Bonza, Australia’s new start-up airline, set to fly in early 2022, has received thousands of entries from Australians outlining their top travel destinations.
Boeing 777X completes first international flight for Dubai Air Show
The 2021 Dubai Airshow ended last week. The biannual event was last hosted in November 2019, which was the same month when scientists discovered a new virus, which has since been named…
Hotelmize wins Front Runners Competition proving they have more to offer as the travel industry restarts
Hotelmize has proven that it is really a front runner in travel tech as the company has won the category of Hospitality for the Future at the recent Travel Forward Summit.
These countries will pay you to move there
There are numerous places around the world that have schemes in place to tempt people to move there to boost their population and stimulate their economy.
South Korea and Singapore tourism boards to co-promote both destinations
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-promote both destinations, develop tech solutions to…
Boeing 777X completes first flight for Dubai Air Show
Boeing’s 777X aircraft has completed its longest and first international flight to Dubai for the biannual air show.
Rex’s deputy chairman claims, Bonza is doomed to fail
The prospective start-up airline Bonza has lately been one of Australia’s foremost aviation stories.
Oneworld in talks with several airlines to join the alliance
The Oneworld alliance is looking to expand its membership to catch up with rivals SkyTeam and Star Alliance. As a result, several new airlines could join.
Conference programme revealed! Blue chips and startups to share Travel Forward stage at WTM London
Travel Forward, the global event for travel technology co-located with WTM London, has revealed the line-up for this year’s conference programme which features one of the travel industry’s…
India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai: Here’s what you need to know
The theme for the India Pavilion is ‘Future is in India’, reflecting upon the country’s culture, heritage and technologies
New ultra-low-cost airline Bonza to launch in Australia next year
"Bonza" will be Australia's sole independent low-cost airline specialising in regional leisure destinations, with a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets equipped with all-economy seats.
Neom and UNWTO join hands to boost Saudi tourism
UNWTO and Neom have partnered for new initiative focused on the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia with the Tourism Experiences of the Future challenge
ITA-Alitalia charters an Airbus A330 to start operations
The first aircraft of Italia Trasporto Aereo to start operations is "Il Tintoretto", the Airbus A330 of over nine years provisionally borrowed from Alitalia to be used in test flights to…
Microsoft continues to dabble in travel with its potential OYO investment
Indian hospitality start-up OYO found a new godfather as reports claimed that software giant Microsoft is in advanced talks to buy some stakes in the budget hotel chain ahead of its…
Funding shortfall for would be newest Australian airline “Brad”
Would-be Australian airline “Brad” is struggling to gain traction.
United Airlines to buy 100 19 seat electric planes
United Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will purchase 100 19-seat ES-19 electric planes from Swedish start-up Heart Aerospace, as the US carrier considers battery-powered aircraft for…
Plans for new Saudi airline to takes aim at Emirates and Qatar
Saudi Arabia plans to target international transit passenger traffic with its new national airline, going head-to-head with Gulf giants Emirates and Qatar Airways and opening a new front in…
UK ftart-up flypop’s CEO promises GBP99 flights to India
According to a report on Simply Flying, UK start-up airline flypop is eagerly planning its launch later this year.
All you need to know about India’s first subscription-based airline
Prince Air, a New Delhi-based start-up is now offering a one-of-a-kind subscription-based airline service for unlimited travel on its private jets
Oyo, Airbnb, EaseMyTrip and Yatra come together to launch CHATT
Leading players of the OTA industry in India have come together to back and enable an industry association - Confederation of Hospitality, Technology and Tourism Industry (CHATT)
OYO to cover COVID-19 vaccination costs for employees and families in India
OYO Hotels & Homes announced that it would be covering vaccination costs for all employees in India and their families, across locations and levels
This is the right time to beat the queues and start your tour business
With entrepreneurs looking to change the industry and focus on innovation, experience and sustainability, the current times provide the right opportunity to start a business in tours and…
Why a July reopening is ideal for vaccinated tourists to travel freely in Thailand
TD (virtually) sat down with Willem Niemeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures, and talked about why July is the ideal date for Thailand reopening and for vaccinated tourists to travel freely across…
Expats rejoice! Abu Dhabi unveils new long-term visa campaign
Abu Dhabi is encouraging professionals, students and investors to move to the emirate through a new campaign to develop the capital’s culture, healthcare, research and development and real…
How digital transformation and AI will lead future development of aviation in post COVID-19 era
Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as a platform to showcase the role of cutting edge technologies in bolstering the recovery of the aviation, aerospace and defence industries following the…
Greater Bay Airlines, New Low Cost Launching in Unfavourable Time
Budget airline Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) applied for the rights to fly 104 routes across Asia, according to a Hong Kong government gazette.
Grab mulls IPO this year
Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Grab is considering entering the United States stock market this year, according to Reuters citing sources familiar with the matter.
Trivago acquires weekend.com
Online travel company Trivago has acquired weekengo and weekend.com, a start-up focused on finding travellers inspirational getaway packages
Tough people last. Tough times don’t! Travel startups that survived and thrived amid the pandemic year of 2020
Bravely defying the misery of the Covid-19 calamity, some startups have managed to not just survive but literally thrive and ride the waves of 2020. We bring you a list of these startups and…
How the ingenious combination of AI and financial practices can increase profitability in travel
Travel Daily sits down to speak with the Dor Krubiner, founder and CEO of Hotlemize one of the most exciting new companies to arise in travel in the last few years.
Agents of change: How can APAC’s travel industry come together to solve the contactless conundrum?
The technology already exists to render most parts of the travel experience contactless – from voice-activated screens, biometric scanners and automated gates at airports, to robot check-in…
How to treat COVID-19? A nasal spray is 93%
A novel nasal treatment developed to boost the natural human immune system to fight common colds and flu has proved remarkably successful in reducing COVID-19 viral replication test results,…
Hong Kong Secures Multiple First-Ever MICE Events Amidst COVID-19 Challenges
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced that Hong Kong has been chosen as the host city for four international MICE events, including the city’s first-ever events of high strategic…
Phocuswright Europe beams live straight to you in 2020
One of the biggest events in the Travel Industry is coming directly to you- this year, in its European version. Phocuswright Europe 2020, which will be streaming live, will focus on finding…
4 reasons ‘flexibility’ is critical for APAC airline recovery
From tsunamis to ash clouds, travel has seen its share of setbacks over the past few years. COVID-19 is an altogether challenge. APAC airline recovery...
Holding strong: How these two European travel startups not only survived the COVID-19 crisis but raised funding
Despite of being hit hard and being brought to a complete standstill by the ongoing pandemic, there are start-ups that are holding strong and raising fresh round of investments, too
Tel Aviv-Yafo extends invitation to visitors from United Arab Emirates
Tel Aviv-Yafo extended a visually impressive invitation to potential visitors from the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, shortly after the State of Israel and the UAE announced an agreement…
8 Israeli technologies that will help us travel again
When the global Coronavirus crisis broke out, many Israelis came together to think of technological solutions to fight the virus and restore life to normal.
JetBlue for London
Talking in a webinar sponsored by the World Aviation Festival last week Joanna Geraghty, COO and President of JetBlue, was very positive regarding a London start-up in 2021 writes Malcolm…
Inspiremyholiday eyes UK growth with enhanced tech and consumer polls
Start-up holiday destination search engine inspiremyholiday.com has ramped up its commercial team in expectation of a surge of business once the COVID-19 travel restrictions ease. The…
How one travel tech startup will help prepare businesses for the “new normal”
Singapore-based travel tech start-up, iko.travel, is providing a solution to the industry during some of its darkest days in generations by offering its technology and booking platform at no…
Travel tech this week: Ride-hailing companies grow and expand worldwide
Ride-hailing companies worldwide are having a moment recently. With investments poured into companies to fuel growth and expansion as well as drivers’ fear of coronavirus.
The luxury ski chalet operator that rewards you for being sustainable
What if I tell you that there is a ski operator that will reward you for making ethical choices? Lagom is set to disrupt the luxury ski industry across Europe by giving customers the option…
Festival of the future to become focus of Southeast Asia’s sauciest tech conference
The theme for South East Asia’s largest tech conference, Techsauce Global Summit has just been announced. Techsauce Global Summit’s ‘Festival of the Future’ will take place at Centara…
Travel tech this week: Flying taxis by 2023 and more
For this week’s travel tech stories, Uber and Hyundai showed a glimpse of the future of transportation with flying taxis. Companies strive for expansion with start-up The Guild raising new…
Is it worth it for Uber to acquire Careem for USD 3.1 billion?
After a tumultuous 2019 ending with former CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick cutting ties with the company, Uber welcomed the New Year with a bang confirming the official close of the…
After numerous scandals, Mafengwo to lay off 40% of staff
Rumours are circulating that Chinese OTA Mafengwo may be laying off 40% of its employees following several scandals involving the company.
Travel tech this week: The ‘Everyday Essential’ app and more
Omio is awarded by Google as 'Everyday Essential' app. An ex-Googler created a car subscription start-up, Carasti.
More Chinese to travel overseas on Spring Festival holiday in 2020, says Trip.com
China’s online travel agency Trip.com has revealed that Chinese tourists will travel more to overseas destinations for the Spring Festival holiday in 2020.
May the best ideas win: It’s time to break down silos to create better journeys
Remember when online shopping still made us nervous? When online dating seemed outlandish at best and dangerous at worse? Or how normal it was to walk to a rental store to watch a movie?…
Travel tech this week: The first airline ticket on the blockchain and more
This week in the travel tech industry, the first airline ticket through a blockchain has been issued. TripAdvisor has launched self-service advertising and Amadeus for Developers offers…
Oyo receives USD 1.5 billion investment amid losses
Indian start-up superstar Oyo has received a nod from its board for a USD 1.5 billion investment from Softbank and RA Hospitality.
New initiative to promote Karnataka on e-bikes
B: Live, an eco-tourism start-up which has pioneered the concept of electric vehicle (EV) tourism in India has launched its services in Karnataka. It offers immersive experiential tours…
Is Uber copying Grab, Go-Jek?
Uber may have created the concept of ride-hailing, but it seems that it is trailing behind its Asian counterparts when it comes to growth. In recent months, Uber has been mirroring the…
Travelio raises USD 18 million in a Series B funding round
Travelio, an Indonesia-based start-up that aims to disrupt the real estate sector, has raised USD 18 million in a series B funding round co-led by Temasek subsidiary Pavilion Capital and…
YOTEL: “We’re planning to shake up the scene in Noord”
Innovative hospitality brand YOTEL has announced Amsterdam, as the location of its latest property to come online. As of 4 November Amsterdam Noord will fling open its doors to welcome…
MyProGuide proves tour guides is the key of every tour
The tourism industry is ever-changing and we have seen some ground-breaking innovations in the space such as the use of robots in airports and the inception of Internet of Things in hotels…
Hot hotel openings: The Fullerton arrives in Sydney and more
On this Friday’s hotel openings round-up, Singapore’s The Fullerton Hotels arrives in Sydney, The Standard opens in the Maldives and more.
Tel Aviv to host 2020 Global Wellness Summit
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the USD 4.5 trillion global wellness economy, closed its 2019 conference by announcing that next…
Travel tech this week: DiDi Japan expands in 20 cities
DiDi Japan plans to service more Japanese as it expands in more cities by the end of the year.
Cruise news: Celebrity Apex, MS Roald Amundsen’s godmother and more
On TD’s cruise radar this week, Celebrity Cruises announces its latest ship, Hurtigruten reveals MS Roald Amundsen’s godmother and more.
Put your Hahns together and say yeah: “20 years of passion and dedication”
The ticketing expert and distribution specialist, Hahn Air, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year.
Travel Daily sat down with Hahn Air’s vice president of sales & agency…
STB unveils global INSPIRE to enrich MICE experience
Singapore Tourism Board has unveiled In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (INSPIRE), an incentive programme to attract potential visitors from the global Meetings, Incentives,…
Austrian Airlines relies on innovative drone technology
Since the middle of the year, Austrian Airlines has been testing a completely new technology for the purpose of carrying out technical inspections of its aircraft fleet. The aircraft are…
‘Make it Edinburgh’ boosts business tourism
Edinburgh reinforces its status as the fastest growing tech hub in Europe as the city hosts ESOMAR Congress 2019 - The Global Data & Insights Summit at the Edinburgh International…
Building capacity for the future, the IATA way
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2019 Global Airport & Passenger Symposium (GAPS) will focus on the theme of building capacity for the future.…
IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan now in Myanmar
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in Myanmar from September this year. The introduction of BSP operations will ease…
TourDragon: Giving back the power to travellers
Every once in a while, a disruptive platform or app comes along that changes everything in travel. TourDragon gets local tour operators to bid live in a reverse auction for the first time in…
Amazon to augment SEA presence by investing in Go-Jek
Sources claimed that Amazon is reportedly in talks with Go-Jek for a plausible investment. This move could bolster the presence of the e-commerce giant in Southeast Asia.
“Ease and speed of travel will become major differentiators”: The smart future of Thailand’s travel industry
Airline and travel tech firm Amadeus, in partnership with Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), announced the release of a…
RedDoorz raises USD 70m from investors including Rakuten to battle Softbank-backed OYO
Singapore-based hotel start-up RedDoorz has raised USD 70 million from investors, including Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten.
ITE HCMC surpasses record with 350 exhibitors & 30,000 expected visitors for its 15th year
To celebrate its 15th year milestone, the International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) is introducing a bundle of new features and special highlights to make the annual event an…
Genting HK announces new Dream appointment
Genting Hong Kong (“Genting HK”) has revealed the identity of its new president of Dream Cruises as Michael Goh, today.
Goh, who will also act as the head of international sales for…
Cruise news: The ancient temple city, sailings on the Rhine and more
On our cruise radar this week, AmaWaterways celebrates its new passenger vessel, The Strand Cruise launches sailings to an ancient temple city and more.
Go-Jek adds Visa as one of its investors
Indonesian start-up superstar Go-Jek has announced that global payment technology provider Visa is the latest investor to back its ongoing Series F funding round.
Chinaboo: A deeper look at Chinese tourism in SEA
Chinese tourists are ubiquitous across the globe. Anywhere you turn, Chinese is present; even in the most remote tourist area in Africa. It could almost be said that there is no tourist spot…
Women travelling solo are truly “wanderful”
More women are heading out of their comfort zone and seek high-octane adventures that provide an opportunity to develop new skills and passions.
OYO ventures in Vietnam; allots USD 50 million to reach 20K rooms in 2020
Hospitality rockstar Oyo Hotels and Homes has launched its services in the newest darling of Southeast Asia – Vietnam. The start-up also announced that it will invest USD 50 million for its…
Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways plans to launch US flights
Vietnamese start-up carrier Bamboo Airways is aiming to launch direct flights to the US using a leased Airbus A380 superjumbo.
Trinh Van Quyet, chairman and chief executive of FLC,…
CEO Travala.com: The power of social media in the travel industry
Matt Luczynski, CEO and co-founder of Travala.com, shares insights on social media, smartphones and other trends that are shaping the way we travel.
Ex-Google employees want AI to help travellers find the perfect vacation rental
VacationRenter is a metasearch for all vacation rentals. The company brings all the rental options from the leading travel sites together in one place and showcase only the best results.
Battling Yourself: OYO Rooms CEO Ritesh Agarwal on how to succeed in China
Within a span of 18 months, OYO is now the second largest hotel chain in China boasting 450,000 rooms in 10,000 OYO hotels present in 320 cities. The fast-growing hospitality start-up is…
The future of air travel lies in Artificial Intelligence
With one of its 300 aircraft taking off from somewhere in the world every 90 seconds, British Airways runs a hugely complex global operation, 24-hours a day.
Alex Cruz, chairman and…
Travel tech this week: New travel tech launches
This week, three new players enter the travel tech field and will battle it out in the space with the old timers.
SaffronStays hits century with 100 unique homes
India’s network of private vacation homes, SaffronStays has announced its milestone of curating an exclusive club of 100 hand-picked villas across India. SaffronStays was launched in…
BookMeBus wants an ecosystem around transportations
Buses are the preferred form of inter-provincial transportation in Cambodia. The same can be said for most countries in Southeast Asia. Backed with his decade of experience in the ICT…
Travel tech this week: Bird to buy a competitor and Grab PH deactivates 8,000 drivers
This week in the travel tech sector, we see a larger company planning to eat up a smaller competitor as well as Grab Philippines clamping down on driver.
OYO, Ctrip sign strategic partnership
OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal has announced at the Skift Forum that OYO and China’s OTA juggernaut Ctrip formed a strategic partnership.
Travel tech this week: Starting a small revolution and more
This week, road transportation takes centre stage with Uber sharing speed data and Amadeus including Heycars in its system. A new app is launched that combines tech’s best products – social…
Neuron scoots in Bangkok
I first saw the orange scooters parked right outside Park Regis Singapore when I stayed there. Now, it will be seen cruising the streets of Bangkok.
Travel tech this week: DXB Entertainments new B2B platform and more
This week, travel booking sites eSky and DXB Entertainments moved forward with their businesses. Meanwhile, UDrive and Rentals United received millions of funding.
GetYourGuide bags EUR 500 million led by Softbank
Travel activity platform GetYourGuide has raised EUR 500 million from investors led by Japanese conglomerate Softbank.
Go-Jek quietly rolls out e-commerce feature Go-Mall
Indonesian unicorn Go-Jek quietly introduced Go-Mall, a new feature that allows users to browse and shop for various items from electronics to groceries through the app.
Google in travel – slowly but surely
There is no denying the relevance of Google in our travel preparations that is why the tech giant is slowly encroaching in the travel space by launching products bit by bit.
Traveloka’s secret sauce for unicorn success
There is no denying that Traveloka is one of the most successful start-ups in Southeast Asia being one of the first unicorns in the region.
5 reasons why the travel industry is always talking about China
The travel industry is obsessed with Chinese travellers trying to attract millions of travellers.
Go-Jek and Traveloka mull over going public
Indonesian unicorns Go-Jek and Traveloka are reportedly thinking of holding an IPO, which could be the first for Indonesia Stock Exchange.
WiT ME 2019: Middle East is the “golden goose” of travel
Movers and shakers of the Middle East online travel industry gathered at WiT Middle East 2019 in Dubai on 9 April to unlock the potential of a fast-changing market being driven by youths.
Oyo says konnichiwa
Fresh from receiving a significant investment from Airbnb, Indian unicorn Oyo has struck a joint venture with Softbank Corp. to launch a hotel business in Japan.
Travel tech this week: Settling in Singapore
This week, we saw a lot of activity in Southeast Asia, which has been a fertile ground for start-ups. Two companies have set up offices in Singapore, which is still the best place to manage…
US consumers spend more in Airbnb than Hilton
Airbnb has long been a threat to hotel companies as it offers cheaper accommodation. The start-up also enables hosts to earn money by opening their homes to travellers.
Shop now, pay later: Grab pushes for post-paid payment feature
Grab is the first ride-hailing platform that is giving banks a run for their money. The Singapore-based start-up has announced new fintech features focusing on SME micro-loans and insurtech…
Generator COO: “The cookie-cutter approach to hospitality is over”
In this exclusive TD interview, Generator's COO, Andre Guettouche, tells all about the group’s modern-day approach to hospitality.
Big Game: The hunt for an ‘end-to-end’ booking platform
There has been a long quest for that one name in travel that caters to the need of a traveller from beginning to end. That is the dream!
Autonomous aircraft market worth USD 23.7bn by 2030
According to new market research, the autonomous aircraft market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 3.6 billion in 2018 to 23.7 billion by 2030.
Phenomenal females: Wise words from the top women in travel
In celebration of International Women’s Day, I asked several women holding top positions in the travel industry how they managed to achieve their success and the advice they will give to…
Unstoppable: Grab receives USD 1.5 billion fund
Yes, Grab is unstoppable as it just added another USD 1.5 billion in its stash by raising USD 1.46 billion from SoftBank’s USD 100 billion Vision Fund.
Drive safe: Go-Jek partners with Doctor Anywhere
Go-Jek cares for the welfare of its drivers in Singapore as it partners with local start-up Doctor Anywhere.
The race is on: Why Uber, Lyft IPO is pure gamble
Lyft has pulled ahead of Uber after it went public before its rival. While Uber’s paperwork has yet to become public, it would eventually go public. Despite being valued for more than a…
Like Chuxing raises ‘tens of millions’ of funding
Chinese car-sharing start-up Like Chuxing reportedly has secured “tens of millions” of dollars for its series B+ round of financing from a group of investors including Ant Financial, the…
Grab teases on big partnerships this year
Grab is not yet done as the ride-hailing app Grab has plans to expand into business ranging from health care to insurance to video streaming through big partnerships and raised funding.
These OTAs put element of surprise in travel
Anywhr and ATO Tours are two companies that are continents apart, but are sending travellers on surprise trips.
Roads less travelled: Didi Chuxing expands in South America
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is reportedly expanding in Latin America based on the job postings and a company official.
Aviation round up: Full stream ahead!
This week’s aviation round up eyes up the first commercial Gulfstream G500 service, SIA's digtial innovations lab and a team up from two giants of the flying world.
Travelstop marks major expansion in Asia
Singapore-based business travel start-up Travelstop is launching in seven markets including Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
Hotel x coworking space: The future of hospitality
Coworking spaces are something you do not expect in a hotel but they are becoming more popular as more employees embrace flexible jobs and more entrepreneurs and start-ups are building their…
How TripClub values women and their need of work and life balance
For TripClub CEO and founder Menchie Dizon, women deserve to have both worlds so she created a program that will enable women to work and take care of their personal affairs. As a woman, she…
Travel tech this week: Google and Airbnb’s new acquisitions and more
This week, we saw travel tech giants acquire smaller companies to fuel their growth and industry leaders drive innovation.
20/20 Vision: Wyndham’s APAC president’s plans for 2019 and beyond
Following the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts split from parent company Wyndham Worldwide earlier this year, it was necessary to install a new head honcho for APAC. Opting to recruit internally…
A smarter way to site-see: Now offered by Vidi Guides
75% of Millennials rely on Wikipedia or Google as their source of information, but these are not designed for sightseeing. So how does one filter the information especially while in a new…
Founders and CEOs share their tips for finding the right team members
For the past year, I have spoken with founders and CEOs of various travel companies on how to find the right team members.
Here’s why the younger generation want to work in travel and why you should hire them
70% of the respondents opined they have a strong desire to travel and is a major reason why they work.
Hotelbeds: Year-end review and forecast trends for 2019
Tech provider and distributor Hotelbeds has released industry comments and insights about the year in travel and its forecasts for 2019.
Uber, Lyft IPO in 2019: The Ali-Frazier of Wall Street
Dubbed as the most-anticipated IPO filing, Uber and Lyft generated excitement among investors with their news about going public.
In travel tech this week: THAI, Babbel, Hahn Air and more
Latest technologies are continuously transforming the travel industry. This week, airlines and airports turn to technology to improve their services, a language app that dives into travel,…
Deal or no deal: eNett CEO on his once-in-a-lifetime pitch in a taxi
They say that you should know your business inside out for you will never know when an opportunity strikes. Learn from Anthony Hynes, founder and CEO of payment firm eNett, who seized his…
Taking the next step: Bidroom co-founders bring new leadership to fuel growth
One of the major challenges for start-ups is how to take the business to the next level and foster growth. The two common reasons why start-ups fail are lack of funding and lack of…
The sexiest company in travel: TD asks 5 questions for rapid industry insight
In the world of travel, the phrase ‘NDC’ is on everyone’s lips at the moment. It represents a paradigm shift in the way airline tickets are retailed globally – and yet, surprisingly few…
VLeisure’s one-stop B2B travel platform: Answer to Vietnam’s fragmented market
VLeisure CEO Phan Le saw that the booking process was a pain and inefficient and in dire need of a solution via technology.
+en Travel Envoys seeks travel agents
+en Travel Envoys is a new initiative backed by the Singapore Tourism Board that provides individuals with the digital platforms, training, expertise, network and resources to start a travel…
Pausing but not giving up: Spacebase CEO on recalibrating your business
Unproductive and uncreative are how Spacebase co-founder and CEO Julian Jost described the conventional board meeting culture. Working as a strategy consultant for years, Julian has…
Where pawns become queens: 5 underrated Asian markets
Asia and the Pacific is a massive market and a fertile ground for travel start-ups.
DayBreakHotels CEO Simon Botto on making luxury hotels “more accessible”
DayBreakHotels makes it possible for guests to enjoy lavish rooms, spas, swimming pools, and other amenities for a ‘day break’ instead of booking an overnight stay.
Primera Air bankruptcy: 5 truths why this Danish airline folded its wings
Primera Air shocked everyone last week when it halted all operations following its filing for bankruptcy, leaving thousands of angry passengers and crew stranded throughout North America,…
Ctrip x Splyt = Global mobility for Chinese travellers
Going around during your trip has never been this easier for Chinese travellers as they can now book a ride anywhere through their Ctrip app after the China’s largest travel agency partnered…
Performance-enhancing AI and data science in hospitality
One hotel provides facial recognition check-in and a chatbot that answers your questions in a couple of seconds, while the latter has only comfortable rooms to offer. What hotel would you…
PassRight: The “Airbnb” of the complex US immigration process
Liran Rosenfeld experienced the Kafkaesque immigration process in the United States. His first-hand experiences with the immigration system have inspired Rosenfeld to create a platform that…
The workforce of the future: When AI meets HR
TD spoke to Jitender Panihar on this week's podcast about how AI will affect the role of HR professionals and indeed the global workforce.
“Travelling has never been as hassle-free” says Klook COO, after highest-ever funding round
After closing USD 200 million Series D funding, Klook has become the most-funded company in the tours and activities sector. The new unicorn company now has the ammunition to expand…
The one-stop-shop for stress-free travel planning
We go on a trip to get away from stress at home and work and to take a break from the day-to-day routine, but travel planning and the travel itself can be quite stressful.
How to – and how not to – use OTAs as partners
Dan Lynn is the co-founder of ZUZU Hospitality Solutions, a distribution and revenue management company for small independent hotels.
Will we ever see a single platform for booking travel?
A number of companies claim that they provide the best single platform for travel, but it seems that there is still a void in the market that needs to be filled.
Travltalk: Changing the way we travel, chat and socialise
The newly launched location-based mobile app Travltalk is aiming to change the way millennial explorers, backpackers that roam the world seeking adventure and authentic local experiences.
KKday – a tour company of millennials for millennials
If there is Booking.com for hotels and Skyscanner for flights, there is KKday for tours and activities. KKday avoids “one-size-fits-all” tours and targets younger travellers.
CEO of Swayy on solving the injustice in hospitality
We talk to David Gabriele, founder and CEO of Swayy, on the challenges of creating a disruptive tech company and how he turned frustration into an innovative platform.
Using the cloud before it was even called ‘the cloud’
I spoke to Andrew McGregor, CEO of Guestline, about life in Asia, the early days of e-commerce, and how to expand into new markets.
Turkey has highest number of new startups registered in Europe
Through data gathered by Statista, the card processing company, Paymentsense, has revealed the countries seeing significant growth in start-ups between 2013 and 2017.
Project Deepblu dives into adventure travel
We talk to marketing professional and Bitcoin-based entrepreneur James Tsuei about his new environment project
Western companies go east: Overcoming the Great Firewall of China
China’s population of 1.4 billion has attracted companies from all over the world. Even a slice of this statistics would do wonders for a company. However, travel tech companies must first…
Travel tech companies that employ women are more likely to succeed
A tech company benefits from having women in the team because they possess skills that are crucial to growing a business, says the CEO of Booking.com
7 head-turning travel tech startups at Techsauce Global Summit 2018
Southeast Asia is a treasure trove of some of the most innovative travel tech start-ups today.
Techsauce Global Summit proves fertile ground for startups
Start-ups are the lifeblood of this year’s Techsauce Global Summit with hundreds of up and coming tech companies in the exhibitors’ area, not including the current or to-be business owners…
RideSafe offers insurance for Uber and Lyft rides
Accidents happen even during your normal Uber ride. Now, you can buy insurance simply on your smartphone when you book rides from Uber or Lyft.
Here is why we should see more women in the boardroom
Diversity is necessary for any industry, particularly the tech industry. Women are strong when it comes to project management and negotiation, both of which are very important in tech.
Evolution of urban mobility: Where does the road lead?
We have a rich history of mobility, documented and immortalised by technologies whose sole purpose is to take us where we are going. We have come a long way, from horse-drawn carriages and…
‘Preserving something special by sharing it’ – Explora.ph founder on the challenges of bespoke travel
Last month, we featured Explora.ph, a travel platform that partners with locals to offer bespoke travel experiences in the Philippines. Here’s the inspiration behind the company, and some of…
Hospitality wars: DayBreakHotels vs home-sharing platforms
Rome-based tech start-up DayBreakHotels has introduced its day use booking service to the UK with an aim to help the traditional hotel model fight back against the rising popularity of…
Grab x Cargo to set up retail stores in cars
Ride-sharing company Grab has thought of a way to further monetise a cab ride by partnering with US start-up Cargo in creating Grab&Go, a retail service inside the vehicles of Grab…
Airbnb donates €1.25 million to Community Tourism Programme
Airbnb has released details concerning the first recipients of its €5 million Community Tourism Programme. More than €1.25 million has been awarded to 24 community projects from London to…
Livingbridge now holds major stake in Loveholidays
Private equity firm Livingbridge has invested in online travel agency Loveholidays that will enable the business to explore further growth opportunities in the UK and across the globe.
“I wanted to create the Airbnb of tourism”
Arriving in a new city, in a country you have never been to before, can be an overwhelming experience. You may have all the right plans to discover ‘the real’ Bangkok, for example, but once…
The two biggest battles in hospitality: How will Marriott compete?
Marriott International is determined to win the race by ensuring it covers all bases. The hotel giant made two important launches in the first quarter – its joint venture with Alibaba and…
airXcoin to launch new blockchain platform for the air travel industry
A new player will join the ranks of tech companies offering products and services that use digital-ledger technology. However, airXcoin aims to streamline the payment process in the air…
Go-Jek makes international debut with $500 million in its pockets
In the coming months, daily commuters in Southeast Asia will soon get the chance to join the Indonesian way of travel as Go-Jek expands into Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and the…
There are not enough women in travel tech and what can we do about it?
Hundred years after women gained the right of suffrage, there is still a lot of work needed to be done to achieve gender balance in all aspects of society like the travel tech sector.
Europcar changes name; stays positive for the future
Europcar Group is now Europcar Mobility Group that shareholders think embodies the visual identity of the company.
New Visa deal gives 522.6 million cardholders six month free access to Bidroom.com
Hotel booking platform Bidroom.com has announced a new three year contract with Visa, to give all European cardholders six months free access to the site’s exclusive range of offers and…
Lime’s ‘transit pods’ could be the newest tool for urban mobility
Lime is a start-up company that aims to provide a viable solution to traffic congestion in urban cities. The company dropped thousands of scooters in key cities allowing anyone who downloads…
Crowdvilla ushers ‘real’ sharing economy in hospitality industry, says co-founder
Darvin Kurniawan believes that the blockchain can democratise the hospitality industry. In the last part of our interview with the Indonesian-born, Singapore-based start-up co-founder, he…
Vietnamese traveltech startup Triip raises new funding round, readies itself for ICO
Ho Chi Minh City-based travel tech startup Triip has announced that it has raised an undisclosed funding round from Japanese strategic investor Gaiax and Vietnamese angel investor Nguyen…
Building connections through Random Road Trips
We sat down with EXPH founder and CEO Giancarlo 'Gian' Gallegos, who explained how taking friends and strangers off the tourist grid goes beyond business:
App wars: Klook vs. Viator vs. Airbnb – who offers the best tour-booking experience?
With Klook, the new kid on the tour-booking block, raising 60 million USD in funding at the end of 2017 , the popular Hong Kong based company has started making waves beyond Asia, and into…
Booking.com’s battle to claim OTA market share in India
The fight for market share in India is heating up as the Amsterdam-headquartered OTA lists more non-hotel options. This is in light of Booking.com’s recent announcement that it offers five…
The rebirth of the timeshare – for the cryptocurrency generation: we talk to the CEO of Crowdvilla
Darvin Kurniawan, the Indonesian co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based start-up Crowdvilla, entered the alternative accommodations industry by way of blockchain-powered cryptocurrency. …
NASA’s X-Plane to revive air travel faster than speed of sound
NASA just awarded Lockheed Martin a $247.5 million contract to build the X-Plane, an aircraft faster than the speed of sound. The contract states that LM will refine, build and test the…
SimpliFlying launches airline crisis command centre as subscription service
The 21st century and the rise of the internet and social media has made the world more connected, and, on many occasions, a lot more judgemental. Whereas it once took a natural disaster to…
UK travellers set to go loco as Skyscanner launches train bookings
To diversify the travel search engine’s offering to UK travellers, the Skyscanner app has launched the train bookings feature, now available on iOS and soon to follow on Android systems.
TD Executive Summit: 3 August 2018
50 Five-Star Hotel GMs, 6 Start-up Executives
No promotion, no panels, no corporate pontification. Just executive-level education, on the six most important categories for hotel GMs in…
Conversocial adds WeChat support
WeChat represents an audience of over 1 bilion users in China, many of whom use it as their sole access to news, information and social networking.
However, for many international…
Airbnb empowers disabled guests with new accessibility features
To help guests with disabilities, Airbnb has launched 21 new accessibility features and filters to find homes which better fit their needs.
Why India needs US$255 billion of aircraft by 2036
The demand placed on Indian aviation, for both passenger and freight traffic, seems unable to stop growing. So, it should come as no great surprise that the industry needs to seriously…
Startup brings the heat to Vietnam’s hospitality, tech industries
BedLinker is a Vietnamese joint stock company providing technology solutions that allow hotels, travel agents and tour operators to work together. The start-up founded by Thuan Dao, whose…
MakeMyTrip Ltd renews OYO partnership
India’s largest online travel services provider, MakeMyTrip Ltd, formally announced that it entered an agreement with award-winning budget hospitality company OYO. The agreement entails…
‘Opaque booking format works for both hoteliers and guests’ – Travelspice co-founder
We sat down with Travelspice co-founder and CFO Ankit Manglik for a short chat on the success of its opaque booking format, its future plans, and why its team chose “Kitney Mein Chahiye?” as…
Startup that lets multiple travel groups meet halfway hailed in 2018 Business Travel Show
Group trip organisers and business travellers in multinational organisations can now breathe easier thanks to a new platform where they can plan multi-origin group travel for face-to-face…
Online auction system empowers hotel guests to trade up
Hotel ICON is the first in Hong Kong to partner with UpsellGuru to offer online bidding for upgrades and ancillary provisions to its direct booking guests.
Swayy wins 2018 Travel Technology Disrupt Award
Swayy, a new service that allows hotels and travel companies to connect with digital influencers, has won the 2018 Travel Technology Disrupt Award.
Reclaim adventure by going Anywhr
Anywhr, an opaque bespoke tour booking start-up under the National University of Singapore’s NUS Enterprise programme, operates on the belief that “travel is more than just recycling…
New revenue stream dawns for luxury hotels with DayBreakHotels
DayBreakHotels, a Rome-based travel tech start-up launched by Simon Botto, Flavio Del Greco, Lorenzo Stabile and Michele Spadone in 2013, recently caught the attention of Hotel Jumpstart,…
Book, bid and win: UpsellGuru enhances up-selling strategy for hoteliers
UpsellGuru, based in Germany with a satellite office in Malaysia, has become a favourite of boutique chains and independent brands in the luxury side of hospitality for this reason. Launched…
Young travel tech rock star seeks to connect traveller and hotelier needs
We sat down with Tink Labs founder and CEO Terence Kwok to learn why this sharp-eyed Hong Kong native and his product have both reached rock-star status in the hospitality and tourism scene.
Filipino startup bares tech updates, celebrates gains
Tripkada, the Philippine curated trip-joining start-up platform, launched its joiner app for iOS, gave stakeholder updates and revealed its expansion plans.
‘Talk less, listen more:’ Harnessing data out of customer sentiment with Twistar
Twistar, a mobile device that harnesses feedback into actionable data, provides engagement that businesses can customise & customers can enjoy.
Demystifying air travel with Mystifly
Mystifly has become the definitive anywhere-to-anywhere B2B global airfare marketplace.
SEAsians #GoLoka for Traveloka
Traveloka appears to be crushing Expedia in core SE Asian markets despite their late entry. Will it continue to do so in 2018?
Do as the locals in Asia do with the Be app
Ryan shared that the Be app’s secret lies in keeping the balance between what visitors want and what locals recommend. ‘It’s important that the Be app stays authentic in terms of locations…
Travel tech innovation race at full speed with ‘Hotel Jumpstart’
Five companies recently pitched for Hotel Jumpstart, a mentorship-driven accelerator programme to support the most innovative travel tech startups.
Opening Asia to branded budget stays, one RedDoorz at a time
RedDoorz aims to be the Uber of budget accommodation: its ecosystem allows owners of unbranded spaces to showcase their properties & reach out to travellers who want to avail of quality…
Hospitality technology trend predictions for 2018
As technology evolves, hospitality accommodation providers are continuing to invest in cloud-based solutions, platforms and apps, and increasingly expanding on the installation of intuitive…
Buddy up on budget adventures with Tripkada
Friendly, generous, caring, adventurous. These make us Filipinos the best chums or ‘barkada’ in virtually everything, particularly when travelling. Now, a local start-up weaponises these…
Plan your group adventure with Packdat
_linkedin_data_partner_id = "167515";
(function(){var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script");
var b = document.createElement("script");
b.type = "text/javascript";b.async = true;…
ITB Asia 2017: bigger, better and bolder
Asia's leading travel trade show, ITB Asia 2017, organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd, has completed its milestone anniversary event with record-breaking numbers. The tenth edition…
Adapt to digital or perish, airline leaders warn
Attendees at this week’s Aviation Festival in London received strong advice from fellow business leaders to sharpen up not only their digital platforms but also their data management…
Brain Waves: the travel industry’s latest innovations
Shanghai airports offer check-in by QR code
Domestic passengers in Shanghai who only have carry-on luggage can now check in for their flight using a QR code on their mobile phone.…
The latest appointments from Jet Airways, Sabre, Rosewood and more
VINAY DUBE has been announced as the new chief executive officer of Jet Airways. An experienced aviation professional with almost three decades of experience, Dube has held roles with…
Leadership: Mindy Hall, Leading with Intention
Leading with Intention challenges you to make a profound, deliberate mark on both your organization and the world around you. Informed by over 25 years of experience with leaders in…
Face to Face: Paul Fakley, ABTOT
Travel Daily sits down with Paul Fakley, Development Director, ABTOT
What differentiates you from your competitors?
ABTOT is a unique association in the UK travel market. We work primarily…
Ascott breathes new Lyf into Singapore and China
Ascott has unveiled plans for the first three properties under its new brand, Lyf, which is designed for the millennial market.
Having unveiled the new concept last November, and set…
Sabre challenges developers to reinvent travel at Hackathon:TTX, the biggest travel innovation game in Las Vegas
Coders will have first access to Sabre’s newest developer toolkit and APIs to create new capabilities for frictionless travel experiences, unified e-commerce and personalized offers…
Travel app Tineri acquired by Open Destinations
Open Destinations, the travel technology company, has acquired a majority stake in Tineri, a mobile itinerary app designed for tour operators.
Founded by Tim Russell in Bangkok in 2016,…
Face-to-Face: Bruno Laranjeiro
Q) How was 2016 for Travellanda? Have you seen an increase in the number of travel agencies and tour operators using your online hotel booking services?
2016 has been…
Cambodia’s newest airline spreads wings across Asia
JC International Airlines, the Chinese-backed Cambodian carrier that launched earlier this year, has started adding a series of new routes across Asia.
Previously the only overseas route…
CWT targets India’s SMEs with new business travel tool
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has launched a new business travel solution designed especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India.
The travel management company's new…
Brain Waves: NASA-inspired bedding, remote baggage drops, and more…
AccorHotels enables mood-based searching
AccorHotels has started enabling guests to search for stays based on what kind of mood they are in. Whether they are feeling romantic, chilled out…
Virgin Trains refreshes onboard retail offering
Virgin Trains has revealed more than 25 new products will be available from its onboard Foodbar, located in Standard Class, on the east coast route.
The move is in response to customer…
Travel Counsellors makes key appointments to drive company growth
Maggie Bootsman has been appointed to lead the growth in the UAE of Travel Counsellors, the provider of bespoke leisure and corporate travel.
Maggie has many years’ experience in the…
Amadeus invests in airfare locking tool
Amadeus has invested in a tool that allows bookers to lock in the price of their flight prior to purchase.
A common complaint of travellers is that the price of their desired flight…
Record-breaking year for TTE Europe as organisers report 7% visitor hike
Travel Technology Europe has reported a record-breaking year with initial figures showing a 7% increase in visitor numbers: 6,392 attendees compared to 5,900 in 2016.
Taking place at…
Business Travel Show 2017 attracts bumper turn-out
Visitor numbers have risen again for the Business Travel Show, which took place at Olympia London last week amid two busy days of networking for buyers and suppliers across the European…
Qantas forms Asian connections with Israel
Qantas and El Al have formed a new partnership aimed at improving flight connectivity between Australia and Israel.
Under the new agreement, the national carriers will connect with…
Nine reasons not to miss Travel Technology Europe
Travel Technology Europe kicks off today in London. Here are nine reasons why this year’s show in an unmissable event:
Keynotes from Google, easyJet, Contiki, Decode, Button and…
RME on Travel Technology Europe Disrupt Award Finalists Announced
Five of the most exciting and disruptive travel technology start-ups have been unveiled as finalists in this year’s Travel Technology Europe Disrupt Award. The final will take place at…
ENTREPRENEURIALISM: Stephanie Breedlove – ALL IN
Stephanie Breedlove-All In: How Women Entrepreneurs Can Think Bigger, Build Sustainable Businesses, and Change the World
Listen to this 52-minute interview with Stephanie to learn how to …
2017 Business Travel Disrupt Award finalists revealed
Five business travel start-ups have been unveiled as finalists in this year’s Business Travel Disrupt Award. The final will take place at the Business Travel Show at 4pm, Wednesday 22 …
Travel Technology Europe 2017: Media Guide
Travel Technology Europe will bring together more than 6,000 professionals February 22-23. This year marks the 14th annual conference and will be held in Olympia London. Deciding if you…
Brain Waves: Room service robots, airport jackets, and more…
Singapore hotel employs room service robot
The M Social Singapore hotel has started employing a robot to deliver room service to its guests. Developed by Savioke, the robot can navigate…
Eight reasons not to miss Business Travel Show 2017
Keynote presentations from travel and technology visionaries Travis Bogard, Global Head of Uber Enterprise, and Wade Jones, Interim President, Sabre Travel Network, who will…
TRAVEL AGENT PROFILE: YOUR TRAVEL’S SUCCESS STORY
Travel Daily finds out how offering a bespoke service has paid dividends for Your Travel, part of The Global Travel Group
Name: John Stephenson
Title: Director
Agency: Your Travel…
Emirates to launch daily service to Croatia
Emirates will introduce a daily flight from Dubai to Zagreb (ZAG), the capital of Croatia from June 1, 2017.
The new southeast European destination will be served by an Emirates Boeing…
INNOVATION: Freya Williams – Green Giants
Freya Williams - Green Giants, How Smart Companies Turn
Sustainability into Billion-Dollar Businesses
Invest 48-minutes in yourself by listening to this interview on innovation and…
Brain Waves: EVA’s robots, smart audio guides, free in-flight chat and more…
EVA employs robots to help passengers
EVA Air has employed two robots to greet and serve to passengers at Taipei’s two airports, Taoyuan and Songshan. The robots, named Pepper, will be on…
MENA business aviation sector flies high at MEBAA
The biggest MEBAA Show to date finished on a high note with the week characterised by bigger jets, bigger deals and bigger visitor numbers.
Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Founding Chairman of the…
P&O Cruises backs new beer to help conserve Great Barrier Reef
P&O Cruises (Australia) has raised its glass to a new social venture, becoming the first national partner for a new beer which supports the conservation of one of the natural wonders of…
What’s new at Travel Technology Europe 2017
This year at Travel Technology Europe we’re so excited to be bringing back Launchpad and the Disrupt Award for a second year, both of which really drive the industry forward by supporting…
Marriott previews the future of hotels
A voice activated personal assistant and a mobile professional networking platform have been championed by Marriott Hotels in Europe to lead the way in the future of travel technology. …
Ascott gets a Lyf to target millennials
Ascott, the Singapore-based serviced apartment operator, has unveiled a radical new brand aimed at attracting the millennial market.
Lyf (pronounced ‘life’) is a new serviced apartment…
Business Travel Show 2017 invests in innovation
The Business Travel Show has increased its investment in innovation by doubling the size of the show’s Launchpad. This means that up to 15 business travel start-ups could exhibit for free at…
Travel money platform raises £2.4m in crowdfunding
London-based travel money exchange platform WeSwap has raised £2.4 million in its latest crowdfunding round.
The UK-based fintech company has set a record for the most investors in a…
ENTREPRENEURS: Howard Love – The Startup J-Curve
The Start-Up J Curve: The Six Steps to Entrepreneurial Success
Entrepreneurs who have read early drafts of The Start-Up J Curve responded, ”I wish I had this book years ago.” At the Game…
Snow-sports ‘match-making’ service launches
Ongosa, a match-making website that connects snow sports enthusiasts with a friendly face in-resort, has launched for winter 2016/2017.
Set to be the next big thing in ski, the ‘uber for…
Webjet launches FIT Ruums for Asian travel trade
Australia's Webjet has launched FIT Ruums, a new B2B travel distributor in Asia.
Operating under its B2B division, WebBeds FZ, FIT Ruums will offer an array of travel services to the…
Hurtigruten appoints William Harper to head up new Hong Kong office
Hurtigruten have today announced they are opening an office in Hong Kong, headed up by newly appointed president, China and Asia-Pacific, William Harber.
The newly appointed President…
dnata announces senior management appointments
Global air services provider, dnata, has announced two new appointments to its senior management team.
Steve Allen will take over as Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport…
Face to face: David Chapple, event director, Business Travel Show
What's new for Business Travel Show 2017?
We are big believers of the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ at the Business Travel Show. This year, we smashed records again with…
WTM 2016 to showcase new trends reports
World Travel Market London 2016 will unveil an array of research in to a variety of sectors within the global travel industry when it opens its doors between Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 November.…
WTM London announces 2016 social media line-up
World Travel Market London 2016 has lined up Facebook’s head of travel as well as instigators of successful campaigns for its 2016 social media programme.
Following on from previous…
Major backing for Star Ticket – “Myanmar’s Redbus”
Star Ticket, the online bus ticket company which was been called the "Redbus of Myanmar", has secured major new funding.
Local internet company BOD Tech has chosen to invest…
BLTM garners strong support from the industry
The Business and Luxury Travel Mart (BLTM), which takes place in India next month, is receiving strong support from a wide variety of trade bodies.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Gurgaon…
India lures tourism investors with new summit
This month, the Indian government will host a new event aimed at attracting foreign investment into its tourism sector.
The inaugural ‘Incredible India Tourism Investment Summit’ is…
Heathrow reiterates commitment to SMEs
Heathrow has launched a series of commitments to guarantee SME involvement in future work at the airport as well as a competition for a business to win a £5,000 development grant. …
New Belgian airline plans China flights
A start-up airline in Belgium is planning to launch flights to China next summer.
The country's Le Soir newspaper reported this week that Air Belgium is planning to launch its first…
New travel site compares global ski resorts
A new travel search website has been launched that allows skiers and snowboarders to compare the world's ski resorts.
Snowcomparison.com has been created by Australian former professional…
Report claims Gatwick expansion would create 28,000 jobs
Construction and operation of a second runway at Gatwick would deliver a transformative jobs boost across the South East and generate 28,000 additional jobs, a new report published today has…
Uber to merge with Chinese rival
Uber will merge its Chinese business with its main domestic competitor, Didi.
Xinhua reported Didi as announcing this week that it has agreed to acquire Uber's Chinese business in a…
Team FlyBot wins flydubai’s first Air Travel Hackathon
Dubai-based flydubai's Air Travel Hackathon held on 9 and 10 July in Hyderabad saw participation from 100 developers.
The hackathon, which was organised in partnership with…
OYO launches platform for corporates in India
OYO Rooms has launched an app-based hotel booking platform for business travellers, called OYO for Business.
The service will offer accommodation in more than 6,000 hotels across 180…
Northern development relies on Heathrow expansion: Airport CEO
The Government’s ambitions to transform the North of England into a high productivity, high growth powerhouse are at risk unless the Government takes action on airport expansion, Heathrow…
flydubai partners with HackMania
flydubai recently announced its partnership with Hyderabad-based tech startup, HackMania, to promote its Application Programming Interface (API) App Store.
As part of this initiative,…
Business Travel Summit Amsterdam launches
The team behind the Business Travel Show has launched Business Travel Summit Amsterdam, the first two-day conference and exhibition created specifically for travel buyers and managers from…
Skyscanner to help incubate winning entrepreneurial ideas
Skyscanner has launched a competition calling on developers to build a game-changing new travel tech product using its APIs.
The Build with Skyscanner competition offers the best new…
China’s Hongtu Airlines launches first flight
A start-up airline in China will launch its first flight on Saturday (21 May).
Hongtu Airlines, which is based in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, received its Air Operator’s…
Airportr signs luggage deal with Gatwick Express
Portr, the London based travel-tech start-up has announced that AirPortr, its same day luggage delivery service, has partnered with Gatwick Express.
Passengers travelling through…
Al Tayyar Travel Group launches ‘Tajawal’
Tajawal, the online travel platform of Saudi Arabia’s Al Tayyar Travel Group has exceeded its projected sales target by 30% in the first four months of its operation.
The company has…
India’s 5/20 rule to be revised – minister
India's controversial '5/20' rule for airlines is likely to be changed, the country's Civil Aviation Minister has revealed.
The Economic Times reported Dr Mahesh Sharma has saying…
Vistara’s expansion continues with Kochi flights
Vistara, the Indian start-up airline, has continued its rapid recent growth with the launch of flights to Kochi, in the southern state of Kerala.
The new route took off for the first…
Malaysia’s new shariah airline grounded
Rayani Air, the start-up Malaysian airline that conforms to Islamic shariah standards, has been grounded by aviation authorities.
Malaysia's Bernama news agency reports that the country's…
AccorHotels acquires luxury home rental company onefinestay
AccorHotels has continued to expand its presence in the alternative accommodation space with the acquisition of onefinestay, a company specialising in luxury home rentals.
The deal is…
Rezidor enters budget sector with Prizeotel stake
The Rezidor Hotel Group has made its first move into the budget sector with the acquisition of stake of Prizeotel, the German start-up.
The deal will initially see Rezidor take a 49%…
Chinese OTA Qunar to launch airline
Qunar, one of China's largest online travel sites, is planning to launch a low-cost airline based in Shenzhen.
The company confirmed this week that it will initially invest CNY600…
AccorHotels invests in alternative accommodations
AccorHotels has made a move into the alternative accommodation sector, with the acquisition of equity stakes in two companies.
The European hotel giant has taken a 30% stake in Oasis…
Blow for IATA as NDC investor pulls out
The implementation of IATA's New Distribution Capability (NDC) project has suffered a blow after the venture's ‘Innovation Fund’ investor pulled out.
IATA confirmed this week that…
COMMENT: The path to personalisation
Personalisation has become more than just a buzzword that’s bandied around within the travel and hospitality industry, there is no more one-size-fits-all.
Businesses are fast realising…
Face-to-face: David Chapple, event director, Travel Technology Europe
What’s new for this year’s TTE?
2016 is the thirteenth year of Travel Technology Europe (TTE) and the event is packed with new features. As well as the showcase of products and…
Voting opens for Business Travel Show Disrupt Awards
The first wave of voting for the inaugural Business Travel Show Disrupt Awards has now opened with eight innovative start-ups vying for the top prize.
The eight nominees are all under…
BTS reveals 2016 conference programme details
The Business Travel Show has announced the speakers and sessions for its 2016 Fundamentals conference programme, which is free to attend for qualifying PAs and EAs.
The 10-track…
Indian load factor hits 10-year high
The recent surge in Indian air traffic has led to the country's India airlines reporting soaring load factors.
According to data from the country's Directorate General of Civil…
What we learned in the ‘Age of Traveller Power’ that will mean success in 2016
In 2015 we saw the dawn of the ‘Age of Traveller Power’, where the connected traveller sits squarely at the top of the travel food chain, wielding abundant influence and with access to a…
Traveldoo appoints new CEO
Egencia, the business travel company of the Expedia group, has announced the appointment of Stephane Donders as chief executive officer for Traveldoo.
“I am thrilled to join Traveldoo.…
Chinese aviation bites, including three new airlines
Sichuan Airlines to link Chengdu with Prague
Sichuan Airlines has revealed plans to launch the first direct flights between Chengdu and Prague. Scheduled to commence as early as…
Taj opens close to Bengaluru Airport
Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has opened a new luxury property in Bengaluru.
Located close to the city's Kempegowda International Airport, Taj Bangalore offers 154 rooms and…
Face-to-Face: Simon Akeroyd
This week Simon Akeroyd, Amadeus Asia Pacific’s Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, chats about the Amadeus NEXT initiative, which aims to help Asian technology…
TCA Abu Dhabi launches platform for Emirati entrepreneurs
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will launch a new initiative - Rowad Al Seyaha - set to roll out this month.
The new campaign has been designed to offer…
Travelport takes majority stake in Locomote
Travelport has increased its investment in Australian corporate travel technology start-up, Locomote, to 55%, becoming its majority shareholder.
The deal will now see Travelport's…
Representasia brings mobile check-in and keyless entry to Southeast Asia
Representasia, the Thailand-based hotel and travel technology company, has formed a new partnership aimed at delivering mobile check-in and keyless entry solutions to hotels in Southeast…
Airbus opens innovation centre in Bengaluru
Airbus has launched a new aviation innovation centre in Bengaluru.
The new Indian "BizLab" becomes only the third in the world, following existing facilities in Toulouse and Hamburg.…
JLL expands hotel division with Avenue9 acquisition
JLL, the hotel consultancy company formerly known as Jones Lang LaSalle, has announced the acquisition of Avenue9, recent start-up business providing IT consulting services for the…
On the Go Tours launches Japan itineraries
UK-based tour operator On the Go Tours has launched a selection of tours in Japan.
Following a surge in demand from travellers and Japan’s position as a ‘bucket list’ destination, On The…
OPINION: It’s time to embrace innovation, not be suspicious of it
Two years ago, the Business Travel Show celebrated its 20th anniversary. As part of our anniversary celebrations we surveyed buyers on how life had changed for them – and the industry – over…
Business Travel Show 2016 focuses on innovation
A new Launchpad area and the Travel Technology Disrupt Awards will be introduced to Business Travel Show 2016, as the event aims to highlight industry innovation and support new…
Business Travel Show reveals new initiatives for 2016
A new Launchpad area and the Travel Technology Disrupt Awards will be introduced to Business Travel Show 2016 to help buyers source the very latest in industry innovation and to support and…
Power retailing for empowered travellers
Disruption in the travel industry is the new normal. Technology is leapfrogging itself daily as start-ups and innovators clamber to deliver the slickest, fastest, newest, cheapest ‘app…
Would-be luxury hotel operators turning to crowdfunding
Luxury hotels are turning to crowdsourcing and crowdfunding to get their properties financed, rather than banks and traditional investment routes, the WTM Global Trends Report 2015 has…
WTM 2015 welcomes almost 250 new exhibitors
Close to 250 new exhibitors have made their show debut on the first day of World Travel Market 2015 in London.
The newcomers hail from all four corners of the globe and…
Indian air traffic jumps 15% in September
The Indian passenger aviation sector continues to boom, with double-digit growth recorded in September 2015.
According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Civil…
Tata SIA calls on Indian government to liberalise aviation
Tata SIA Airlines, the joint venture behind Delhi-based start-up airline Vistara, has called on the Indian government to ease restrictions on airlines.
A press conference in Delhi…
Guilin Airlines to take-off in January 2016
Guilin Airlines, a new carrier in southern China, has been given the green light to launch its first flights in January 2016.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has now…
BA to launch first service to San Jose
California’s tech heartland, Silicon Valley, will receive its first direct service to London Heathrow when British Airways launches non-stop flights to San José on 4 May 2016.
Fares to…
India to revise foreign policy for airlines
The Indian government is planning to revise its controversial '5/20' policy for international aviation, following complaints from start-up airlines.
The ruling requires airlines to…
In Search of a Perfect Pairing
Pairing a good wine with my meal is a personal passion. As such, I am always on the lookout for new and upcoming wines in the region to add a new dimension and flavour to a meal. I recently…
RJ partners with Oasis 500
Royal Jordanian has recently partnered with Oasis 500. As per the agreement, the airline will generate innovative business ideas across its entire value chain and Oasis 500 will invest…
Cambodia’s AIC plans to boost hotel portfolio
Asia Initiative Corporation (AIC), a Cambodian hotel management company, is aiming to expand its portfolio and enter new markets.
The Siem Reap-based company currently operates a…
Accor acquires Fastbooking
Accor has confirmed the acquisition of Fastbooking, a digital services provider for the hotel industry.
Founded in 2000, Fastbooking offers website development, channel management,…
Hotelbeds Group named lead partner of travel tech incubator
TUI Group division Hotelbeds Group has been named the lead partner of the Traveltech Lab, a recently launched incubator for travel tech companies based in London.
Under the…
Face-to-Face: Andrew Cooke, chief operating officer of London & Partners
Why has London decided to become a global ‘travel tech hub’?
London’s position as a tourism and tech hub means the city is a natural home for the developing travel tech industry. The…
Co-Op Consortium welcomes three new agent members
The Midcounties Co-operative Travel has welcomed three new members to the Co-op Consortium, taking the total number of businesses in the UK’s only independent travel consortium to 35. …
China’s GX Airlines to launch multiple new routes
GX Airlines, a start-up carrier in southern China's Guangxi region, will launch a host of new routes in the coming weeks.
The Nanning-based airline launched its first ever flight to…
Heathrow reiterates commitment to expansion
Heathrow has announced a new package of commitments deliverable with expansion, designed to connect the UK’s nations and regions to growth markets around the world.
Taken together, the…
AirAsia CEO takes swipe at Indian airline rules
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes has once again criticised the Indian government's rules for overseas flights.
The so-called "5/20 rule" means that India-based airlines have to have…
Travel tech incubator launches in London
The UK’s first-ever travel technology incubator has launched in an official ceremony in London.
Traveltech Lab offers high-specification workspace for 30 people co-located within the…
QTA, QDB establish Tourism Incubation Zone
The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) recently signed a contract with Qatar Development Bank (QDB).
As per the agreement, QTA is to establish the first corporate incubation zone at Qatar…
Nepal’s Bishwo Airways buys Russian jets
Nepalese start-up airline, Bishwo Airways has agreed to purchase five Russian-made Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) passenger aircraft.
The order was placed at the recent Aero India…
Triptease raises $2m investment
Travel SaaS start-up Triptease has closed a seed investment round worth $2m, with joint participation from two leading venture capital firms, Episode 1 Ventures and Notion Capital. …
HNA launches another new Chinese airline
China's HNA Group has continued to expand its airline portfolio, with the official launch of GX Airlines - a new carrier based in southern China's scenic Guangxi region.
The start-up…
Accor targets Asian guests with localised websites
Accor has rolled out a series of localised websites in the Asia Pacific region, as part of its major new digital strategy.
Having unveiled a EUR225 million (US$258m) investment in digital…
Advances in data, analytics and technology are creating exciting opportunities for growth in APAC’s travel industry
Asia is a complex and fragmented market with vastly different types of consumer behaviour, languages and cultures. With rapidly changing technological development, the increase of low cost…
Indian airlines unhappy about overseas flight rule changes
A group of Indian airlines has expressed its opposition to planned changes to the rules governing when airlines can launch international flights.
The Economic Times reports that the…
The Amazing Mr Anderson aims to tackle travel’s “biggest problem”
In the travel industry we hear certain buzzwords bandied about quite regularly; sustainability, responsibility, environmental awareness. And while many well-intentioned companies are doing…
Europcar invests in car-sharing platform
Europcar has announced an acquisition in French car-sharing platform Ubeeqo.
The car hire has taken a majority stake in the start-up and agreed to a capital increase of EUR4 million…
TUI Group buys Europa 2 ship
TUI Group has invested EUR278 million to take ownership of the Europa 2 cruise ship.
The buy-out replaces a previous charter agreement for the ship, which was built in 2013 for…
Chinese aviation briefs
Chinese airlines to carry 47.5m pax over New Year
Chinese airlines are expected to carry 47.52 million passengers over the Lunar New Year holiday period. The forecast, which was made…
Guangxi’s new airline cleared for launch
A new airline has been given permission to commence operations in the Guangxi region of southern China.
According to a statement by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC),…
Travel members recognised in New Year’s Honours
Former Virgin Holidays managing director Amanda Wills and ex-VisitBritain chief Sandie Dawe have been named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Wills has been awarded a CBE for…
Qingdao Airlines to spread wings in 2015
Chinese start-up carrier, Qingdao Airlines, is planning to significantly expand its operations in 2015, with the addition of 15 more routes.
The airline, which began operating in…
Boeing to break China delivery record
Boeing expects to deliver a record number of commercial aircraft to China this year.
The US planemaker expects Chinese airlines to receive 150-160 Boeing jets in 2014, up from 143…
Careem to expand Middle East presence
Al Tayyar Travel Group, STC ventures and other regional investors recently raised up to US$10 million in investment for Careem’s expansion plans. The web -based chauffeur-driven car…
Qatar to get more tourism projects
Qatar is gearing up to cater for a boost in tourism numbers. The country will soon receive four new start-up tourism projects funded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB).
One of the four…
Hangzhou’s new airline spread wings
Chinese start-up carrier, Loong Air, has launched a series of new routes across the country.
From its home base at Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan International Airport, Loong Air has commenced…
China’s latest airline takes off
Another new airline has taken to the skies in China.
Fuzhou Airlines, which is based at southeast China's Fujian province, commenced commercial operations on 30 October 2014, flying…
Accor devises five-year digital plan
French hotel chain Accor has announced a new five-year digital strategy while also acquiring app start-up firm Wipolo.
Around EUR225 million will be invested into eight new programmes…
China’s Fuzhou Airlines cleared for launch
HNA Group has been given permission to launch another new airline in China.
Fuzhou Airlines, based in southeast China's Fujian province, has received its Air Operator's Certificate…
QTA looks to boost e-business activity
Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is encouraging individuals who sell products over Instagram or have their own start-up projects or businesses to promote themselves through an online…
AirAsia traffic climbs 13% in Q2
AirAsia continued to experience rising passenger traffic in the second quarter of the year.
The low-cost carrier group boarded 11.3 million passengers in the three-month period, up…
Urumqi Airlines cleared for launch
A new airline based in northwest Chinese's Xinjiang region has been cleared for take-off.
Urumqi Airlines is the latest regional carrier from China's HNA Group, which also operates…
Asian carriers start spending at Farnborough
Asia's fast-growing airlines have been among the big spenders at this week’s Farnborough Air Show.
AirAsia X, the Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier, yesterday became the first…
Chinese carriers spend big at Farnborough
China's fast-growing airlines were among the big spenders on the first day of the Farnborough Air Show.
Okay Airways, which is based in Beijing, placed an order on Monday for six…
Singapore Tourism Board to host India tech forum
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will join forces with Web In Travel (WIT) to organise the first India Travel Executive Forum this month.
Taking place on 10 July at the Taj West End in…
New airline to launch in Harbin
The city of Harbin, in northeast China's Heilongjiang province, will soon have another local airline after the country’s aviation authorities cleared the launch of new start-up carrier.…
Ruili Airlines to launch on Sunday
Another new Chinese airline will take to the skies on Sunday (18 May 2014).
Ruili Airlines will launch flights from Kunming’s Changshui International Airport on 18 May 2014, flying…
No foreign carrier to control domestic airline – DGCA
In a move which would affect the Jet-Etihad deal, or start-up carriers like Tata-SIA and AirAsia India, the
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has passed a new directive…
Qingdao Airlines receives first aircraft
Qingdao Airlines has taken delivery of its first ever aircraft.
The Chinese start-up airline welcomed the new Airbus A320 aircraft this week, as part of a leasing arrangement with…
WIT’s speaker line-up announced
WIT Middle East recently announced the list of its finalised speakers. The event will witness participation from speakers across Europe, US, Africa, India, China, Japan and Singapore.…
London puts money into travel tech industry
The Mayor of London’s promotional body London & Partners has hopes the city will become the go-to city for travel technology start-ups with a new ‘incubator hub’.
The body will…
European activities market reaches €38m
European travellers spent 13% more on travel activities in 2013 than the previous year, accumulating US$52 billion (EUR38 bn, GBP31bn) in sales.
A new report from PhoCusWright also…
AirAsia X places largest aircraft order
AirAsia X has placed its largest-ever order for a single aircraft type, buying 25 A330-300s from Airbus.
The deal, which is valued at almost US$6 billion at current list prices, adds…
Turkish Airlines launch ‘Invest On Board’ platform
In an effort to encourage business development, Turkish Airlines has launched a unique program catering to entrepreneurs – Invest on Board. The worldwide program offers investors a…
WIT forays into the Middle East
The ‘Web In Travel’ (WIT) online travel conference will soon have a new destination call. The Asia Pacific regional event will conduct their first Middle East edition in Dubai from 26-27…
The latest industry appointments
AMIT ARORA has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO) at SKAI Holdings. In his current role, Arora will oversee operational requirements for the US$1bn Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah.…
New Chinese airlines take off with A320
Two new Chinese airlines have taken a major step forward in their development, with the signing of major aircraft deals with Airbus.
Qingdao Airlines, based in Shandong province, and…
“Business travel drives economic growth” – GTMC
Business travel is driving the economic growth with a correlation between the amount of air tickets booked and the UK GDP, according to the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC)…
Travelocity to be powered by Expedia in new deal
US travel giants Travelocity and Expedia have inked a new partnership whereby Expedia will run the technology behind the current Travelocity platforms in North America.
The deal will also…
Face To Face: Ivan Walter
Travel Daily UK talks to the chief executive of GTA to discuss market trends, geographical strongholds and to talk about why Kuoni's purchase of Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA) was…
TUI’s cruise division losses deepen
TUI AG’s cruise division has posted a deeper loss with its operating result EUR10m (GBP8.5m) lower than the same nine months last year.
In a recent financial statement, TUI said the…
HotelQuickly adds multi-night bookings
Last-minute hotel booking app, HotelQuickly, has added a new feature enabling users to book multiple room nights in the same transaction.
While bookings still have to be made on the…
The latest industry appointments – Asia
MITTU CHANDILYA has become the first CEO of AirAsia India. Assuming the role on 1 June 2013, Chandilya has experience in a range of companies, including an entrepreneurial start-up…
KAPICO partners with Sabre
Sabre Travel Network Middle East signed an agreement with KAPICO Travel in Kuwait to exclusively use the Sabre Red Workspace.
The software provides travel agents with faster start-up…
Face-to-Face: Peter Ward, WAYN
Today, Travel Daily speaks to Peter Ward, co-founder and co-CEO of WAYN about its re-launch and the next step in the social media sphere...
WAYN recently relaunched, what has the…
Online travel platforms need to adopt competitive strategies
The recently concluded round-table on the online travel market organized by Amadeus focused on the burgeoning US$8.6 billion online travel market and how online travel agencies must put in…
MMT offers car bookings
MakeMyTrip.com (MMT) will offer taxi bookings on its portal.
The online travel agent has entered into a partnership with Bengaluru-based online taxi aggregator TaxiForSure.com to push…
Holiday Extras rolls out laptop use
Holiday Extras is rolling out a laptop use scheme for its team in case they are unable to get to its office.
The company is issuing a laptop to one member of each of its teams so…
The latest industry appointments – Asia
KATHLEEN TAN has become the new Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Expedia, overseeing the Expedia brand, AirAsiaGo and Backick online travel agency (OTA). Ms Tan was previously AirAsia’s…
Qatar Airways flies into Poland
Qatar Airways recently launched scheduled flights to Poland.
The airline operated an Airbus A320 flight on the route to Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport. In Europe alone, the carrier now…
Signs of weakening in Singapore hotel market
There are early signs that Singapore’s booming hotel market which stands shoulder to shoulder with Hong Kong offering the most expensive hotel rates anywhere in the world, is beginning to…
India reviews fog preparedness
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has asked the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps in advance to meet eventualities arising out of fog during the winter season…
Secret Escapes secures £8m funding
Luxury travel club Secret Escapes has secured GBP8 million of new funding to fuel its UK growth and an international launch.
The flash sale website has received additional funding from…
Air Kerala likely to get FDI
State explores possible alliance if FDI helps Air Kerala to overcome regulatory hurdles...
Foreign carriers have shown interest to invest in state-owned Air Kerala. The airline expected to…
No new licence for Greenfield airline – MoCA
The Minister of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has decided not to give fresh licences to set up a Greenfield airline for the time being. “We are not giving licences for Greenfield airlines. As of…
Aviation growth outpaces skills development
Boeing predicts that South West Asia will need 31,000 pilots and 33,100 technicians over the next 20 years.
In fact, with rapid growth in the aviation sector in South Asia and across Asia…
Jetstar Japan leases 24 aircraft
Jetstar Japan has finalised arrangements to lease 24 new Airbus A320 aircraft.
The deals, which have been agreed with five aircraft leasing companies, will see the new single-aisle jets…
Virgin Galactic unveils satellite launcher
Virgin Galactic has unveiled 'LauncherOne', a new air-launched rocket specifically designed to deliver small satellites into orbit.
According to the company, 'LauncherOne', which was…
Etihad launches global TV ad
Etihad Airways has launched a new television commercial and digital media campaign.
The new commercial, which was released on 1 June, is entitled ‘Why’ and asks why more than 40 million…
Qatar Airways gears up for Middle East expansion
Qatar Airways is gearing up for its 2012 Middle East route expansion this week with the addition of Iraq, followed by Baghdad, which will join the airline's international routes over a…
Most Brits happy to go long-haul low-cost
Nearly three-quarters of British travellers would be prepared to fly long-haul on a budget airline, a new poll has revealed.
A survey conducted by travel search site Skyscanner found that…
Latest staff appointments
New team members at Dertour, Pitchup.com and more.
Ian Cutts has been appointed key account manager at Dertour. Reporting to head of sales Lawrence Peachey, Cutts will be on the…
Narita plans budget terminal
The operator of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport is planning to create a new budget terminal to cater for Japan’s new generation of low-cost carriers.Japanese news agency Kyodo has…
In-destination booking capability more vital, says PhoCusWright
Travel agents need to work harder to provide in-destination bookings and respond to the increasingly ‘always on’ traveller, according to analysts PhoCusWright.
Speaking to Travel Daily…
First A320 aircraft adorned in Peach livery
Start-up carrier, Peach Aviation has announced that the paint design on its first aircraft, an Airbus A320, has been completed at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. In time for its…
Peach gets green light for domestic flights
Peach Aviation, the new Japanese low-cost carrier, has been given the green light to operate flights on two domestic routes next year. The ANA-backed start-up airline has been awarded slots…
flydubai takes delivery of eighth aircraft this year
flydubai has received its eighth aircraft of 2011, bringing its total to 19 overall.The latest Boeing 737-800 NG fleet addition arrived on schedule from the Boeing factory in Seattle and has…
flydubai doubles fleet size in 12 months
flydubai has doubled the size of its fleet in just one year following the arrival of its 18th aircraft last week. Marking yet another milestone for the Dubai-based low-cost carrier, the new…
LAN’s net income drops 73% in Q2
LAN has announced a significant yoy drop in profitability for the second quarter. The Chilean carrier reported net income of US$15.9 million for the period ending 30 June, a decrease of…
Ash cloud hits LAN’s profitability
LAN Airlines has announced a significant drop in profitability for the second quarter. The Chilean carrier reported net income of US$15.9 million for the period ending 30 June, a decrease of…
WTM boosts technology and online focus for 2011
World Travel Market is to increase its focus on technology and the online travel market at this year's exhibition. The events' organisers expects the section to grow by 20% and will include…
AirAsia places world’s largest aircraft order
AirAsia has placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show today, is the largest order ever placed for a single commercial aircraft…
ADTA delegation heads to the US
A seven-strong meetings industry delegation from Abu Dhabi - led by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) - is heading to Baltimore in the USA next week for the destination's debut showing at…
Qatar Airways launches flights to Shiraz
Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to the southern Iranian city of Shiraz, marking the first of three route start-ups this month.The airline yesterday began twice-weekly services…
flydubai launches ‘aggressive’ pilot recruitment drive
flydubai will need to recruit 600 pilots over the next four years to meet the needs of its growing fleet and serve its rapidly expanding route network, the airline has revealed.The low-cost…
Global Cruising changes name to Cruise Holidays under alliance deal
UK retailer and franchisee owner Global Cruising has signed an agreement to become the major franchisor of US company Cruise Holidays. Global Cruising has now taken the Cruise Holidays name…
Skyscanner acquires online travel start up
Europe's top flight search site Skyscanner has acquired Zoombu, one of the UK's most exciting online travel start-ups. Launched in 2010, Zoombu pioneered a new door to door…
TTI powers new Bangladeshi airline
Regent Airways, a start-up airline in Bangladesh, has commenced operations with Travel Technology Interactive's (TTI) Aeropack NG airline management system. The web-based solution…
Amadeus launches new business intelligence tool
Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, has partnered with innovative start-up Forward Data to launch…
Kuoni signs managed services deal with Advantage Travel Centres
Kuoni has become the first agency chain to sign up to Advantage Travel Centres managed services scheme. The luxury holiday provider, which has 12 travel outlets in the UK, will…
Hotel Okura set to gain control over rival JAL Hotels
Hotel Okura has been confirmed as the new owner of JAL Hotels, following the financial difficulties facing former majority shareholder and parent company Japan Airlines Corporation…
Sabre launches Sabre Red tool for agents
Sabre Travel Network has launched Sabre Red - a total travel solution designed to help travel agencies drive customer loyalty and power business performance, resulting in increased…
Sabre Red launched
Sabre Travel Network has launched Sabre Red, a new travel solution with a personalised workspace. The system is said to enable agents to cope with airline ancillary fees, the…
Mercator acquires tikAERO passenger services system
Mercator, the IT solutions provider of the Emirates Group has acquired the tikAERO passenger services system solution through TIK Systems. With this acquisition, Mercator…
flydubai marks 12-month milestone
flydubai has celebrated its first birthday having taken almost one million passenger bookings and carrying more than three quarters of a million passengers to date.The low-cost carrier's…
flydubai celebrates first birthday
Dubai, UAE, June 2, 2010 - After an exciting twelve months, flydubai has reached one year in operation with almost one million passenger bookings and a staggering…
Qatar Airways celebrates Copenhagen launch
Qatar Airways celebrated its recent launch of flights to Copenhagen with a festive gala dinner and a press conference in the Danish capital, where the airline reinforced its commitment…
flydubai to launch Kabul flights
DUBAI, UAE, May 3, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, will make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little…
American forced to delay Chicago-Beijing launch
CHICAGO, April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines today issued the following statement:"We regret that we are unable to launch our new, daily, nonstop service from…
Qatar Airways enhances Indian routes
Qatar Airways yesterday spelled out its continued commitment to India, helping strengthen commercial and economic ties thanks to the launch of its latest flights to the country…
Qantas posts six-month profit
HIGHLIGHTS. Statutory Net Profit Before Tax of $90 million. Underlying Profit Before Tax (PBT)1 of $267 million. Revenue of $6.9 billion. Operating cashflow of $483 million. Cash balance of…
Tiger Airways launches IPO
Singapore, 13 January 2010 - Tiger Airways Holdings Limited ("Tiger Airways" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") today announced the launch of the initial public…
TTA Worldchoice launches new corporate solutions
TTA Worldchoice has today launched a new business travel group for its members - called Corporate Solutions By Worldchoice. It will be managed by Corporate Solutions Director, Tim…
flydubai announces logistics partnership
Dubai, U.A.E., 18 November, 2009 - flydubai, Dubai's first low cost carrier, has signed a deal with Danzas AEI Emirates, a joint venture between Al Tayer…
flydubai launches flights to Bahrain
Dubai, UAE, November 18, 2009 - flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, has continued to expand its route network with the announcement of its second GCC…
flydubai launches flights to Bahrain
Dubai, UAE, November 18, 2009 - flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, has continued to expand its route network with the announcement of its second GCC…
flydubai selects Goodrich for B737 wheels
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 16, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Goodrich Corporation's (NYSE:GR) Aircraft Wheels and Brakes business has been selected by flydubai to supply wheels…
flydubai’s fleet continues to grow
Dubai, U.A.E., 16th October, 2009 - flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, has become one of the worlds' fastest growing start-up airlines,…
flydubai announces routes
The UAE's new low-cost carrier, flydubai, has announced that Amman and Beirut will be its first destinations when it takes to the skies on 1 June. The National newspaper reported…
Indochina Airlines set for debut
New privately owned Vietnamese carrier, Indochina Airlines, will launch operations today, Thanh Nien News has reported. The airline will serve the Ho Chi Minh City…
BA expands low-cost unit
When the first OpenSkies jet took off in June from Paris for New York, the new airline was doing more than taking advantage of recently relaxed rules for flying across the Atlantic. Its…
Jetstar chief confident
Jetstar's Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Buchanan, has sounded a confident note in the face of the current global economic crisis. In an interview with PATA's Compass…
Jin Air determined to fly high
Recently launched South Korean low-cost carrier, Jin Air, is on course to make its first international foray in September next year, the Bangkok Post has reported. Jin aims to…
It’s Jin Air
Amid trouble at other airlines and start-ups, Korean Air is going ahead with the launch of its budget affiliate on July 17, giving it the name "Jin Air''.Korea Times said Jin Air…
Krabi Airline delays launch
Krabi Airline is holding back its launch plans amid an uncertain economic outlook. Bangkok Post reported that the airline had told the Thai Department of Civil Aviation about changes in…
Boeing’s profits fly
Boeing said its first-quarter profit rose 38% from a year ago to US$1.2 billion as commercial airplanes and defence operations helped the bottomline. Boeing's quarterly revenue rose four…
Dreamliner delayed again
Boeing said it was again delaying its 787 Dreamliner launch for "unanticipated rework" of the aircraft and further problems with suppliers.The first flight will now be in the fourth quarter…
More delays hit Dreamliner
Boeing has confirmed that first flight of the 787 Dreamliner has been moved from the end of the first quarter of this year to around the end of the second quarter. It said this provides more…
Japanese airlines orders business jets
Embraer has signed a contract with its second Japanese customer, Suzuyo & Co. Ltd., to deliver two Embraer 170 E-Jets, with purchase rights to acquire one additional…
UAE’s RAK Airways starts flying next week
It will be operating Boeing 757s for its start-up operations, said Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer.The airline also has ambitious plans, with flights planned to cities…
V for Virgin
The service begins late next year and will compete with Qantas and United on the lucrative route. With approvals, Virgin will fly 10 times weekly, reports from Australia…
