TripAdvisor highlights its Experiences business in new TV ads
TripAdvisor has launched a new TV ad campaign across the US, starring the platform’s spokes-owl Little Wiser.
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Technology
Sparefare: “Designed for travel without the ticket touts”
Have you ever lost money because you could not travel and had a non-refundable flight or a hotel reservation? Millions of people lose money on their unused travel bookings every year because…
HOTECH 2020: “The guest of the future won’t search for a room or a hotel”
As travel increasingly becomes a popular lifestyle choice among the growing middle and upper classes in Asia, gross travel bookings are projected to register strong growth from 2017 to 2020.…
Tiqets and QYER launch WeChat mini-program for museums and attractions
Ticketing platform Tiqets has announced its exclusive partnership with QYER, making it possible to book tickets within the mini-programs using WeChat Pay.
Lebanon’s Kurban Travel inks agreement with Sabre
Leading travel agency in Lebanon Kurban Travel signs agreement with Sabre Corporation to create an intuitive and personalised experience for its travellers.
Binance, TravelbyBit to push POS payment system using crypto in major airports
Global cryptocurrency exchange Binance invested USD 2.5 million in Australian blockchain payments provider TravelbyBit to introduce a point-of-sale (POS) payment system, incorporating…
Southwest signs ten year commitment to Amadeus Sky Suite by Optym
American domestic airline Southwest Airlines has announced it has entered into a long term agreement to bring the Amadeus Sky Suite by Optym to its operations, in order to upgrade its…
Time for a Bath: Hospitality startup hits Somerset
Tourists are drawn to the striking grandeur of the town’s architecture, the iconic public baths, built by the aforementioned Romans, as well as its fascinating history and the beauty of the…
Sabre’s new DACP: “Less stressful, more seamless and more personalised”
Travel tech firm Sabre Corporation launched its new Digital Airline Commercial Platform (DACP), supported by launch partners Aeroflot, Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, at the T2RL PSS…
eDreams ODIGEO AR app lets you check luggage size
Europe’s largest online travel company eDreams ODIGEO has launched a new augmented reality function across its mobile apps which allows travellers to quickly scan their hand luggage to…
TrustYou and Frontdesk Anywhere enable direct messaging for hotels
TrustYou has announced a collaboration with Frontdesk Anywhere, allowing responses to guests’ needs in real time and increasing efficiency for hotel staff.
Rovia’s new partnership to ‘exponentially increase’ DreamTrips membership value
Travel industry and service provider Rovia has announced it will be working with SOR Technology, LLC to build a new loyalty solution which the companies describe as a “robust rewards…
Alternative Airlines signs with travel audience to connect with tourism boards and DMOs
Flight search website Alternative Airlines has signed with travel advertising platform travel audience to introduce the Destination Advertising Ecosystem.
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…
NordVPN’s tips for online security while travelling
While Wi-Fi has become an indispensable part of our lives these days, it is necessary to ensure your online security standards are met while travelling. NordVPN sheds light on cyber security…
Transforming tourism with Portier: How does that work then?
Back at the beginning of September I reported news that Vietnamese telecom giant Vinaphone had entered the world of hospitality through a partnership with hotel tech firm Portier…
KeyoCoin lets you book travel tours and activities with cryptocurrency
Travel tech company KeyoCoin has launched the beta version of its online marketplace that enables users to book tours, activities and other travel experiences using cryptocurrency.
Money matters: OYO raises USD 1 billion aimed at global expansion
OYO has raised a total of USD 800 million in the latest financing round led by SoftBank Investment Advisers (SBIA) through SoftBank Vision Fund, with participation from existing investors…
Amadeus and Malaysia Airlines launch Facebook chat bot for bookings
Malaysia Airlines, together with Amadeus, has launched MHchat, a new feature which helps travellers’ book flights and pay through the popular social media app, Facebook Messenger.
Radius Travel taps dcs plus to provide intelligent travel solutions
Global travel management company, Radius Travel, and travel tech provider, dcs plus, have partnered to better serve and support travel agencies on its network.
Namaste London: India’s OYO Hotels set to enter the UK
OYO Hotels, South Asia’s largest hospitality chain, announced its foray into the United Kingdom, its first market beyond Asia.
Hong Kong Airlines adds Macao to network with new TurboJET codeshare
Hong Kong Airlines has announced the addition of Macao to its growing network, through a codeshare agreement with high-speed ferry services company, TurboJET.
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…
Amadeus gets into the minds of APAC business travellers
Travel tech firm, Amadeus IT Group, has revealed that business travel within Asia is growing at twice the pace of the rest of the world.
Going Dutch: KLM and Tata celebrate 25 years of innovation
Dutch airline KLM and tech partner Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) marked the quarter century of doing business together this week.
Carnival Corporation unveils OceanView Mobile – first ever travel content app
Leisure travel company Carnival Corporation has launched OceanView Mobile – an industry first travel content app from a travel provider that enables users to watch the most popular U.S.…
Guestline appoints Robert Gorby as chief marketing officer
Hospitality software business Guestline has announced the appointment of Robert Gorby as chief marketing officer, effective immediately. Robert is the latest addition to the company's senior…
Beyond Bangkok: Expedia and TAT join forces to promote Thai second cities
Expedia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced their new partnership to promote Thailand, and in particular regional cities outside of Bangkok, such as Chiang Rai, Koh Lipe,…
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.
CheapOair’s new “60-day view of when prices are cheapest”
Hybrid travel agency CheapOair.com, has announced the publication launch of Super Flex Deals, the company’s new tool for which uses a “low-fare calendar and bar chart” empowering users with…
Agoda hooks up with the “largest LGBT travel business in the world”
Online powerhouse Agoda, has unveiled news of its new partnership with the LGBT international lifestyle and travel platform TravelGay.
CEO John Hardy: Turning ambitions into reality
A week ago, we featured Radical Innovation, an award-giving platform that recognises the best hotel concepts that could very well change the course of hospitality. In this article, we…
50 hotels in Hainan allow guests to pay with their face
Network solutions provider for hotels, Shiji, paired with Alibaba’s Fliggy to integrate facial recognition in 50 hotels in China's Hainan district that speeds up the process of check-in and…
Ctrip drives safety and responsible travel for outbound Chinese tourists
Following a new report dubbed the First Half of 2018 Travel Report- Europe, compiled in partnership with Ctrip, the China Tourism Academy (CTA) and Huayuan International Travel (HuaYuan),…
Expectations vs Reality: Bridging the gap to meet demands of consumers
Global technology consulting firm, Mindtree, has released new findings detailing how digital tech has created unprecedented opportunities that travel businesses must take advantage of.
Beep! Beep! Avis Budget Group launches one-stop-portal
Avis Budget Group has launched its training platform, Beep – a one-stop-portal for travel trade professionals in Asia.
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…
Alipay’s cash-free spending spree in SG
Mobile payment platform Alipay has announced it’s special “cashless” trip to Singapore, where Chinese tourists to Singapore travelled to the Little Red Dot and endeavoured to cover all their…
Mon-go-go-go-lia: The rise of Mongolian tourism
With a 28% rise in foreign visitors in 2017, Hunnu Air has signed up with Sabre Corporation to gain access to 425,000 travel agents across the world.
Bellevue Hotels and Resorts promotes RateTiger to manage online sales
The Philippine-based hotel chain, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, has recommended RateTiger for centralising online distribution.
NDC: “Accreditation is the starting point, not the destination” Sabre’s Kathy Morgan
A couple of weeks ago at STX Singapore, I had the opportunity to see Kathy Morgan, Sabre’s vice president of product management, address delegates about the potential of New Distribution…
Collinson sparks loyalty through airport digital-commerce platform
Loyalty and benefits company Collinson has invested in Grab, an airport e-commerce platform that simplifies mobile ordering of airport necessities.
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.
Expedia Group to boost travel in Scotland
Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest online travel companies, has joined forces with VisitScotland to help drive travel demand in the country.
Hotelbeds Group refreshes Bedsonline with pumped up portfolio
After buying rivals GTA and Tourico Holidays, accommodation supplier Hotelbeds Group consolidated all brands in a single platform – Bedsonline.
THAI and Rolls-Royce’s new one-of-a-kind deal
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and Rolls-Royce held an opening ceremony to unveil the launch of their collaboration on the Trent XWB Engine Research and Development…
Podcast: NDC’s status and potential – with VP of NDC-X, Amadeus
I spoke to Gianni Pisanello about the game-changing new platform's current status and future potential.
Helsinki enhances future services to connect with Chinese visitors
Helsinki Marketing, Tencent and Finnair have signed a cooperation agreement to launch a travel solutions project in the WeChat mini program ecosystem, with an aim to enhance digital services…
Etihad Airways personalises experience with cloud technology
Etihad Airways has partnered with Farelogix Inc. to enhance its merchandising and distribution capabilities.
Think Rad: Radical Innovation unveils hotel concepts of the future
Radical Innovation, an award-giving platform that recognises game-changing ideas for the hospitality industry worldwide, has announced the 2018 finalists for its 12th annual edition.
Why OTAs should be scared of Google
Google continues to augment its travel products and poses a serious threat to online travel agencies (OTAs). It seems that the tech giant has a penchant for the travel industry and has…
Portier and Vinaphone team up to “empower next-generation tourism” in Vietnam
Vinaphone, one of Vietnam’s biggest mobile networks, has unveiled its intentions of enhancing communications within the nation’s hospitality industry with the announcement of its new…
Wizard of OYO: New loyalty programme to woo customers
OYO, South Asia’s largest hotel chain, announced the launch of OYO Wizard, a new membership program designed to recognize and reward frequent customers.
Sky Angkor Airlines partners with Sabre to support growth across SEA
Sabre Corporation has announced a content distribution agreement with Sky Angkor Airlines, to become its preferred global distribution system (GDS) partner to reach travel agents globally.
Hotelbeds and SIA announce holiday packaging partnership
Hotelbeds Group and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have come together to form a holiday packaging partnership, offering bundled flights and hotel accommodation solutions to SIA’s customers.
Lufthansa Group launches NDC Partner Program in the UAE
Lufthansa Group has launched a new NDC (New Distribution Capability) Partner Program in the UAE which offers immediate information and access to Lufthansa Group Airlines’ NDC API solutions.
The Hotels Network CEO: Predictive personalisation and how it’s revolutionising hospitality
The concept of leveraging technology to improve the user experience and increase hotel revenue simultaneously is what we call predictive personalisation. All hoteliers should be getting…
The Gay Passport CEO: Reaching out to new market segments
We speak to Calum Evans, CEO and founder of Gay Passport, a gay influencer agency that allows hotels to gain exposure in gay audiences by providing quality vetted visit proposals from…
JetClass to the rescue: Launches Bern service for SkyWork passengers
Due to hundreds of flight cancellations in Bern, Switzerland, the Austrian business aviation startup, JetClass, has launched an on-demand service through a smart-matching online platform.
CWT: Amadeus deal to “accelerate continued global growth”
With New Distribution Capability (NDC) the talk of the industry, indeed the topic was at the heart of the STX conference in Singapore this week, airlines and hoteliers are excited about the…
Why hotels in China should strengthen their online bookings
Hotels in China should pay more attention to their online hotel bookings as China’s online hotel reservation industry maintains speedy growth with monthly active users (MAU) reaching 91.09…
Tech and personalisation will be key for APAC airline growth: Sabre
Sabre Corporation has surveyed 30 APAC airlines, and the results show that carriers are revaluating their strategic focus as they think about new ways to generate revenue and increase yield.…
Hong Kong Airlines adopts Sabre Branded Fares
Tech provider to the global travel industry, Sabre Corporation, has implemented Sabre Branded Fares for Hong Kong Airlines, giving travel agencies the ability to create tailored offers with…
China Eastern unveils new flight management tech at STX Singapore 2018
Kicking off proceedings with a bang, Sabre Corporation began the first day of its STX conference at the Sands Marina Hotel in Singapore with a joint press conference with China Eastern…
YouGov poll: 68% of Brits want more tech at airports
An online YouGov poll commissioned by in-flight entertainment and passenger engagement company, Spafax, has revealed that younger travellers want airports to use technology to enhance their…
Are Wi-Fi hotspots safe or traps for business travellers?
It doesn’t seem long ago that business travellers used free or paid-for Wi-Fi hotspots without much of a thought about the security issues they posed.
“Group functionality is a game-changer” says Criton’s CEO
Criton, a UK based tech startup, has launched a new “group app” tool designed specifically with the hospitality industry in mind.
Three’s a charm: Vietjet launches third Japanese connection
Vietjet has announced the launch of its new Hanoi - Tokyo (Narita, Japan) service with a special promotion on flights to a choice selection of some the airlines more popular destinations…
easyJet adopts solution for more reliable flight schedules
Amadeus and Optym have announced that easyJet has chosen the advanced network simulation solution, Amadeus SkySYM by Optym, to improve the reliability of its flight schedules.
“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…
LateRooms.com partners with Diners Club to launch payment solution
Customers can benefit from 52 days interest-free credit on bookings, real-time spend tracking and monthly reporting.
Short-term property rental manager Guesty partners with RemoteLock
Guesty, the all-in-one property management solution for short-term property management companies worldwide, added IoT company RemoteLock to its integrations marketplace.
Here is why Amadeus bought TravelClick
Leading Global Distribution System company Amadeus described its acquisition of TravelClick as an important milestone for its hospitality business. The former believed that buying the latter…
Review: Hilton’s Luxury Experiences platform
A review of Hilton's new 'Luxury Experiences' platform - a dedicated webpage that allows guests to filter authentic experiences according to the human senses.
Egencia unveils dedicated business travel data visualisation tool
Digital travel management firm Egencia has announced the launch of the Egencia Analytics Studio a new “enhanced data visualisation and analytics platform”, the first tool of its type built…
Myanmar’s Air KBZ announces interline agreement with Hahn Air
Myanmar’s Air KBZ has announced an interline agreement with Hahn Air Lines, allowing more than 100,000 travel agents in 190 countries to book domestic flights in Myanmar.
Sabre Corp’s DNA conferences to empower hoteliers across APAC
Tech solutions provider, Sabre Corporation, has announced a series of conferences designed specifically for hoteliers, to empower them and transform the guest experience across Asia Pacific.
Indian aviation meets tech at ICONIC 2018
ICONIC Forum 2018 deliberated on the present and future of Tourism and Aviation in India, and their intersection with technology. The conference brought together the best minds spanning…
SellAnyHome insights: “Real estate market continues to maintain dynamism”
Home buying and selling platform, SellAnyHome.com, has released insights generated from thousands of its registered users, showing the strength of the real estate market in the UAE.
Amadeus acquires TravelClick for USD 1.52 billion
Amadeus has bought TravelClick, the New York-based hotel revenue-enhancing technology, for USD 1.52 billion.
The rumour sparked last week when a source familiar with the matter leaked…
VIDEOS: Space tourism – the future of travel
Governments used to be the only ones who could send earthlings into orbit,
IHG launches programme to boost corporate travel experience for SMEs
InterContinental Hotels Group has launched Business Edge – a comprehensive programme with discounts and data, designed to enhance the corporate travel experience for small and midsize…
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.
Amex GBT sign Amadeus’ NDC-X programme
Amadeus IT Group has announced that the travel management company, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), will join to help pilot its NDC-X programme.
SiteMinder to sponsor charity golf event in Bangkok
Fore Management Group and Asean Events has announced that cloud solutions provider, SiteMinder, will be the title sponsor of the 2018 Bangkok Hospitality Challenge, a charity golf event.
Virtual reality bites: Lufthansa trial VR tech on flight LH630
Lufthansa passengers to the UAE were in for a tech treat when the airline trialled its new In-flight VR prototype aboard flight LH630, from Frankfurt to Dubai last week.
Discover another story of Japan by JAL
With tourists increasingly interested in authentic, local experiences; Japan Airlines (JAL) announced last week it would be updating its "Untold Stories of Japan" video platform, as well as…
Capturing luxury Chinese travellers: We talk to Anita Chan, CEO of Compass Edge
Anita Chan, the CEO of Compass Edge, warned me that "the China that you understand is not the real China".
New app to make flying to and from Newcastle Airport stress-free
Great news for frequent flyers to and from Newcastle Airport as Shout Digital partnered with the airport to develop the new official mobile app, NCL Airport, that eases the stress that…
13% of UAE travellers book their holidays just a week in advance
Research concluded by Hotels.com has revealed the booking behaviour of travellers in the UAE and the effects of technology in travel.
Four Points by Sheraton to open its largest ever property
Marriott International is all set to open its biggest property in the world yet, with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem in Saudi Arabia. It will add 1,100 rooms to the…
TripAdvisor launches machine learning tech to auto-select primary photos
TripAdvisor has launched a new feature for primary property photos, which uses machine learning to auto select high-performing images for accommodation listings.
Avianca becomes Amadeus’ first South American NDC partner
Colombia’s national airline Avianca, has announced this week that, due to passenger demand for more personalised products it has updated its bookings process by adopting Amadeus’ Altéa NDC…
UK heat wave sparks business boom for hoteliers
New data from Expedia Group has revealed hoteliers across the UK have enjoyed a successful early summer period, with a significant increase in hotel demand compared to 2017.
Breaking: Amadeus in talks with Thoma Bravo to buy TravelClick
Amadeus is holding discussions with private equity firm Thoma Bravo to buy TravelClick – provider of revenue-enhancing technology to the hotel industry, according to a Bloomberg report.
Changing purchasing behaviour through influencer marketing
Just a couple of weeks ago, I spoke to the CEO of Swayy, David Gabriele, on how he built a tech company that helps hotels through influencer marketing. In this article, we dive into the…
Scoot air launches first transactional chatbot
Scoot launched a transactional chatbot, named M.A.R.V.I.E. (Most Awesome and Resourceful Virtual Intern Ever) via Facebook Messenger.
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.
Hotelbeds partners with Rezdy to provide real-time bookings
Hotelbeds Group, a B2B provider of services to the travel trade, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Rezdy, a Sydney-based independent booking software, to increase real-time bookings…
Rightsify: How music can “solidify a hotel’s brand message”
Global music licensing firm Rightsify has announced the publication of its latest report into the impact music has on business when used intelligently in a hotel environment.
WeSwap CEO snaps back at UK airports’ “rip-off” exchange rates
With the UK summer season entering full swing and holiday makers start thinking about the best way to change their Great British pounds for Euros, American dollars or Thai baht, it is worth…
FlyPelican’s TTI partnership “critical” for business growth
Australian regional airline FlyPelican has announced that it has successfully migrated to the Zenith PSS (Passenger Service System), provided by Travel Technology Interactive (TTI).
Paul…
TravelCircle launches MyTravelApp to benefit TA’s and customers
British based travel agent TravelCircle announced the launch of its new customer facing application MyTravelApp last week.
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.
Leveraging mobile and big data in the guest experience
I spoke to the cofounder of Portier about how engagement equals sales for five-star luxury hotels.
AR tech brings the beauty of Ras Al Khaimah to London’s skyline
RAKTDA and Zip Now London unveil the world's first augmented reality zipline in London.
Tujia’s new partnership to cut “disputed orders by at least 90%”
Following news that Tujia, pioneers of the Chinese homestay market, had raised a whopping USD 300 million following the booking platform’s successful round of E funding last year, the…
Hong Kong taps Wego to attract travellers from Southeast Asia
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has partnered with travel marketplace platform, Wego, to promote Hong Kong as a ‘Soul Cool’ summer destination.
Veturis Travel to fuel Asia growth with SiteMinder
Veturis Travel has partnered with the global hotel industry cloud platform, SiteMinder to further cement its presence within the region and Asia. The wholesaler is upping its investment in…
Indian budget hotel IndiSmart endorses RateTiger for online distribution
Kolkata-based IndiSmart Hotel has endorsed RateTiger for simplifying online distribution. The property has been using eRevMax’s cloud-based Channel Manager and Shopper for managing their…
Artificial intelligence in hospitality – friend or foe?
Hotels and travel management companies are increasingly using AI to carry out customer service tasks, which are important in managing bookings and service.
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.
Upgrading.cc CEO bringing revenue gains to hotels “by selling what they cannot sell”
Making waves with its recent launch as the world’s only online platform for guests to gain access to ‘Three-in-One’ upgrading options and exclusive promotions offered by the hotels and…
How self-service and automation will redefine corporate travel management
Travel management companies (TMCs), already providing road warriors with both travel-agent assistance and software solutions, are now starting to focus on the automation. This strategy…
[Infographic] How airline distribution works
Ticket distribution and airline management are complex. The interaction between a user and a traditional airline may entail involvement of about four middlemen companies. However, there are…
Centara becomes Thailand’s largest hotel group to offer WeChat Pay
Thai hoteliers, Centara Hotels & Resorts, has signed a new deal with WeChat Pay, enabling users of the versatile Chinese app to reserve and make payments for hotel rooms via Centara’s…
Traveltek updates platform to meet new regulations
Traveltek has updated its tour packages to meet the new travel regulations (PTR), officially The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, that came into force on 1…
Astro-tourism: Airbnb launches ‘blood moon’ experience
Airbnb has launched a unique Social Impact Experience to offer guests a close view of the Red Planet by visiting the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) in Spain’s…
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.
Alibaba and Marriott International introduce facial recognition check-ins in China
With the vision of redefining the future of travel, Alibaba Group and Marriott International have begun testing out facial recognition technology at two hotels in China.
Expedia highlights opportunities as Dubai confirmed as ME’s top destination
Fresh from informing UK hoteliers how best to prepare for influx of visitors during the recent Royal Wedding, Expedia Group has now put together a study which reveals which have been the…
Roiback and Travel Compositor partner to help hoteliers offer combined packages
Direct sales solutions provider, Roiback, has partnered with the software company, Travel Compositor, to launch a new integration that allows hoteliers to offer combined packages of hotel,…
Amadeus receives NDC ‘dual level 3 certification’ from IATA
In the wake of the news that Amadeus' level 3 certification for the updated Altéa NDC was renewed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the company has now announced it has…
San Diego’s new biometric arrivals facility vital for “new air service”
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, alongside representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Turner|PCL Joint Venture, unveiled its new 12077 sqm international…
Find.Exchange: Revolut’s former head of product design launches forex app
To gain the best exchange rate you are sometimes required to track the top rates for your holiday money you are going to need against your home currency before you decide to buy. Banishing…
Amsterdam is UK’s favourite holiday destination: SEMrush
New UK search data from online data provider SEMrush found that the Dutch capital beat the likes of New York, Barcelona, Paris and Dubai, to claim the top spot on the list of total searches…
This startup wants to be the ‘eBay for travel’ – in a USD 40 billion marketplace
Simon Powell, CEO and founder of TransferTravel, has created a marketplace dedicated to travellers who want to sell their unwanted but non-refundable flights, accommodation and cruises.
Buoyed by IATA recognition TravelgateX knuckles down on FlightsX
TravelgateX receives IATA Level 3 accreditation.
TripAdvisor enhances Sponsored Placements with new performance analytics
TripAdvisor has launched a new ads performance reporting for Sponsored Placements along with new enhancements to the Business Advantage solution.
Sabre adds Booking.com listings to its new platform
Travel industry’s technology provider Sabre Corporation and Booking.com recently inked an agreement that will enable Sabre agency customers to access all Booking.com listings through the new…
ATPI updates ticketing tech following Serko partnership
ATPI Ticket Window to now include ND
World’s “most efficient offline translator tech”, ili, comes to UK
World fastest offline translator ili receives UK launch
World’s first music-centric spa launches at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, Spain
Marrying music and the art of spa treatment, Hard Rock Hotels has introduced Rhythm and Motion, the world’s first fully-immersive music-centric spa menu at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in the…
Mantra Samui Resort launches Koh Samui’s first dedicated co-working space
As the trend of working remotely continues to gain popularity, Mantra Samui Resort is leveraging its stunning views and luxury facilities with the opening of Koh Samui’s first dedicated…
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
Ninjas, fireflies and the Forbidden City: Isango unveils latest Asian tours
Experience specialists Isango announce new Asian itineraries, including updated trips to Malaysia, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
RateGain launches new features to empower airlines with competitor intelligence
RateGain Technologies, the market leader in big data solutions for Travel and Hospitality industries, announced new product updates to AirGain to empower airlines with competitor…
HAUPCAR: Future of Thailand’s car rental service
Bangkok’s rapid urbanisation has resulted in gridlocked streets and disconnected transport modes. Various solutions are offered to resolve the city’s traffic that costs the Thai economy…
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.
“It’s not just about food it’s about gastronomy tourism,” says CEO Ctrip Gourmet List
Yesterday, I brought to you news that China’s biggest travel company Ctrip had entered the food and beverage market with its first international launch, which took place at the top So…
Direct bookings startup Triptease’s funding reaches USD 13 million
Following our story in April where Triptease content manager Lily McIlwain, told us about the direct booking start up's report into the future of A/B testing, the company has now announced…
Cleartrip acquires Flyin in largest travel space deal in MENA
Further strengthening its leadership position in the region, Cleartrip, the leading mobile and online travel company in the Middle East and India, has come together with Flyin, Saudi…
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…
Wandermust: Scoot wants to prove that travel is in our blood
Singaporean airline, Scoot, has partnered with a genetics expert to prove how travel is in our blood and explain how we can reach the full potential of our nature.
Robots to take over our airports by 2030
Robots are set to replace the current airport staff and our air travel may soon be devoid of human contact.
Why the image of the adventure seeking solo traveller could be dead
According to data from Travelzoo the typical image of the solo traveller as a free-wheeling individual, ready to bunk down and chase adventure at the drop of hat, may not be the case.
Partnership with Booking.com opens up 28 million listings to Traveltek Group
Following news of its new Asian office in Singapore last year Traveltek Group, has announced another potentially game changing new development hooking up with Booking.com, in a partnership…
Skyscanner unites with Forwardkeys for “even greater insight into tomorrow’s travellers”
Following last week’s helpful hacks to for a successful World Cup, travel distribution company Skyscanner has revealed details of its new partnership with industry analysts ForwardKeys. The…
RedDoorz expands to its third Southeast Asian market in the Philippines
RedDoorz, the budget hotels booking platform that’s been winning cities in Southeast Asia, today announced its expansion into its third market in the region – the Philippines.
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.
iClick partners with Ctrip to capitalise on China’s increasing outbound travellers
iClick Interactive partners with Ctrip to bring data-driven insights, helping international brands reach China's increasing outbound travellers.
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.
Revinate x Hotelchamp to allow hotels to customise email marketing campaigns
Hotel marketing platform Hotelchamp and data agency Revinate announced a new technology partnership that will enable hotels to seamlessly link personalised email marketing campaigns to the…
Why travelling to China nowadays is so much easier than in July 1997: mobile technology
Gone are the days where travellers had to print train tickets, boarding passes or hotel reservation receipts. Thanks to e-tickets, online bookings, and mobile check-in, consumers benefit…
Hotelbeds and City Expert announce digital concierge for in-destination experiences
Hotelbeds Group and City Expert have announced a partnership to introduce the Guest Experience Desk, a digital concierge service that will start in Spain but with the aim of being launched…
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…
Rebuilt and re-imagined: Life inside 7 ancient ruins
We visit ancient ruins to take us back in time and find clues about life in past civilizations. But wouldn’t it be better if we could actually see them like the way they were before?
Tencent proposes WeChat e-passport for HK and mainland China
Tencent Holdings Limited’s CEO Ma Huateng suggested the introduction of an electronic pass system for a hassle-free travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
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…
Amadeus receives three star IATA accreditation for latest NDC
With stories of companies signing up to Amadeus’ NCD-X platform coming thick and fast, the company has announced today it has renewed its level 3 certification, for the brand new version of…
Smartworld partners with EkinnoLab to power UAE’s digital economic growth
Smartworld has signed an agreement with EkinnoLab to launch the 'Park & X' solution in support of the development of smart cities in the UAE.
Here’s how much money OTAs are spending for paid search advertising
A new research by Kantar Media revealed Booking.com as the biggest spender, while TripAdvisor takes the top spot for organic search.
Personalised experiences take centre stage as Sujester signs to House of Travel
New Zealand-based House of Travel has partnered with Sujester to drive customer retention by offering a "fully customisable travel platform", making it easy to discover experiences and…
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…
Sabre stays “at the heart” of Air China disruption management
Just one week into June and Sabre Corporation has already hit our headlines three times. First up we had news that the American-based travel-tech maestros have teamed up with Microsoft,…
How LAX and BA got 400 passengers boarded in 22 minutes
In an effort to speed up the boarding process, British Airways has been busy updating its system of boarding e-gates at a selection of American airports - including Orlando International,…
Are we ready to replace personal assistants with AI?
According to 2017 Pew Research, almost half of Americans use voice-controlled digital assistants, mostly on their mobile phones, and three quarters of them believes that the same assistants…
Last-minute bookings in the bag
The last-minute booking trend is on the rise, despite the travel industry’s best efforts to incentivise early bookers. In fact, a staggering three million Brits are more than happy to book a…
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…
Open Destinations unlocks Tineri potential for DMCs
Almost a year after Open Destinations first announced it had bought up travel app Tineri, the travel tech company has launched a new functionality for Destination Management Companies (DMCs)…
Tiqets integrates into bmi for bookings to attractions in a few clicks
All-jet airline, bmi, announced its integration with attraction booking specialist, Tiqets, to offer customers direct instant access to some of the best tickets in Europe.
Cash isn’t king: e-payments to become most popular payment method by 2021
Discover Global Network, the payments brand of Discover Financial Services and UKHospitality (UKH), predicted that by 2021, e-payments will overtake the power of cash payments.
Vietnam Airlines rolls out SabreSonic to sharpen competitive edge
This time last month, we reported that Sabre had doubled-down on its distribution agreement with Vietnam Airlines by renewing its long-term contract with the airline.
Sabre and Microsoft team to seize potential of AI and cloud tech
Coming in the wake Sabre's new deal with Vietnam Airlines, the travel tech service provider has kicked-off June by declaring its intention to “change the business of travel” with a…
SAS sticks with Amadeus to connect customers through “channel of their choice”
As one of Amadeus original partners, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has long been aware of the advantages the Spanish company provides. In fact Amadeus was first established by SAS, along with…
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…
“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…
Rome2rio – International flights cheaper than domestic air travel for Brits
For UK travellers, flying to cities in Britain is more expensive than flying to Italian or French destinations, or even flying across the Atlantic.
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…
Music Matters: Rightsify’s review of the influence of music on hotels’ atmosphere
Back in March, we introduced you to a new way to fill your hotel with atmospheric, location-appropriate music to create the right environment for your business using Rightsify, a new…
Air Charter Service targets “one million millionaires” with China expansion
British-based chartered aircraft providers Air Charter Service (ACS) has revealed it will be developing its Chinese operations by upgrading to larger offices in Beijing.
The move to…
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…
The Savoy, the first luxury hotel to accept Alipay payments in the UK
In an attempt to lure more Chinese clientele visiting the UK, The Savoy is the first luxury hotel in London to accept payments via Alipay.
Personalized experiences create leaders in the hospitality industry
Companies that can deliver a personalized experience, from search to booking to check-out, are the leaders of the lodging industry.
Email is still king even for social media-obsessed millennials
Travel companies should ramp up thier email marketing as email is still the preferred way of nearly a third of millennials across the Asia Pacific in receiving travel recommendations or…
Hide and go seek: Hidden Iceland hunts for UK travel agents
Ambitious new Icelandic tour operator Hidden Iceland is looking to expand its global reach by seeking out UK based travel agents in order to develop relationships and maximise the interest…
Zero commission on Hyatt’s new programme targeting corporate travellers
Hyatt Hotels has announced Hyatt Leverage, a global business travel programme that offers special rates to qualifying SMEs at participating properties worldwide.
AVANI cuts to the chase, moves front desks closer to extinction
Catering to modern travellers who want bookings and check-ins fast and done online, AVANI Hotels & Resorts has introduced online pre-arrival check-ins at its properties worldwide.
Hotels with benefits: How Traveliko will “fix the industry”
Singapore-based online travel portal, Traveliko, has ambitions of ‘fixing the industry’ with the announcement of a zero-commission policy to support hotels and reconnect them with guests.
Germany’s FlixBus conquers US long-distance travel
Most people associate travelling by bus as a not-so glamorous way to cruise the roads, but Germany’s FlixBus could change your mind and it is conquering the United States.
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.
TPConnects: Empowering travel agencies on a global scale
Through the Digital Empowerment Initiative, OTAs across the globe can now benefit from their own website, mobile applications, corporate booking tool and B2B platform.
Fogel’s future: Booking means travel
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel has a brand new vision – for the company to be synonymous with “travel” as it aims to widen its reach and strengthen its brand.
Chinese tech giant Tencent inks deal with Dubai officials to promote smart tourism
Tencent, the tech conglomerate responsible for WeChat and other top mobile apps, has signed a deal with Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing to spearhead smart tourism and…
TrustYou breaks down the impact of tech on the guest journey
Guest feedback platform, TrustYou, breaks down the technologies that modern hoteliers need to know through its latest eBook: The Hotelier's Tech Stack Guide - Must-have Technologies That…
Lufthansa Group and Travix NDC agreement to enhance focus on customer needs
Lufthansa Group has announced it has signed an agreement with Travix International BV (Travix), hooking up the online travel agency with Lufthansa Group’s own NDC offer & order…
