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Startups

Klook scores $100 million to supercharge expansion and AI-powered travel experiences

Megha Paul Feb 12, 2025

The investment comes as Klook marks its 10th anniversary, setting its sights on scaling up operations across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond while tapping into the growing market of…

Technology

Exoticca unlocks €25 million to elevate AI-powered multi-day travel

Megha Paul Feb 12, 2025

This fresh capital will accelerate the development of the Barcelona-based company's proprietary AI algorithms, designed to seamlessly sync trip components, personalize recommendations,…

Hospitality

HomeExchange launches in India with lowest membership fee

Megha Paul Feb 5, 2025

With an ambitious goal of integrating up to 5,000 Indian homes into its network within the first year, HomeExchange is set to revolutionize the travel landscape by offering an annual…

Reports

Mobility platform Bolt reports significant growth in Thailand

Marga Manlapig Jan 30, 2025

Global shared mobility platform Bolt reported a significant increase of 103 percent in airport rides throughout Thailand in 2024.

Technology

Pakistan Travel Mart 2025 opens 31st January

Marga Manlapig Jan 3, 2025

Pakistan Travel Mart 2025 is slated to open on 31st January and will run till 2nd February at the Expo Centre in Karachi.

Technology

Ride-hailing platform TADA beta launches in Hong Kong

Marga Manlapig Dec 12, 2024

Singapore-headquartered zero commission ride platform TADA announced the beta launch of its ride services in Hong Kong today, 12th December.

Technology

KKday raises US$70 million for global expansion

Marga Manlapig Dec 5, 2024

Innovative online travel platform KKday announced that it has raised about $70 million in funding, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion strategy.

Reports

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Partners with Aiello

Marga Manlapig Nov 13, 2024

Natural Language Processing (NLP) startup Aiello just announced its partnership with Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR).

Reports

ANA Future Frontier Fund to invest in Sakana AI

Marga Manlapig Nov 6, 2024

ANA Future Frontier Fund LP, the corporate venture capital fund of ANA Holdings Inc, announced its investment in Tokyo-based artificial intelligence (AI) research firm Sakana AI KK on…

Global

EU experts: the future of tourism is written in artificial intelligence

Marga Manlapig Oct 25, 2024

Speakers at this year’s Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) recently discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector and European regulations related to its use.

Technology

TravelAI declares end of its “proof of concept” phase

Marga Manlapig Oct 23, 2024

Travel technology firm TravelAI.com announced that its applied use of AI is already delivering returns for 2024.

Technology

Asia-Pacific travel leaders troop to Singapore for the Web in Travel conference

Marga Manlapig Oct 16, 2024

Over 500 global travel leaders convened in Singapore on Monday, 14th October, for the annual Web in Travel (WiT) conference.

Technology

Travel eSIM provider Truely completes latest financing round

Marga Manlapig Oct 3, 2024

Truely announced that it just completed a US$3.5 million round of financing led by 1982 Ventures with participation from Beenext, and Kopital Ventures.

Global

Aiello completes latest funding round for its Asian expansion

Marga Manlapig Oct 2, 2024

Aiello announced today, 2nd October, the successful completion of its latest US$5 million funding round.

Awards

TUX mobility wins DHL’s 2024 Fast Forward Challenge

Marga Manlapig Aug 22, 2024

DHL named TUX mobility the winner of its latest Fast Forward Challenge, citing it for developing the world's first solar-powered, self-charging, light electric cargo vehicle.

Technology

Indonesia launches tourism investment initiative

Marga Manlapig Aug 22, 2024

Indonesia launched a new programme for enhancing communication among investors, policymakers and local authorities called the Indonesia Tourism Investor Club

Interim Reports

Travel cashback app azgo hits growth targets

Marga Manlapig Aug 20, 2024

Asian travel cashback app azgo reports that it already hit its ambitious growth targets for the year since it launched in February.

Global

Vacasa’s $30 million funding boost: A bold step in revamping vacation rentals

Megha Paul Aug 9, 2024

Vacasa's $30 million funding boost will drive a major business transformation, enhancing local operations and adapting to evolving market demands.

Technology

FLYR secures $295 million, marking 2024’s largest travel tech deal

Megha Paul Aug 9, 2024

Amid a resurgence in travel technology funding, this investment will accelerate FLYR's efforts to modernize reservation systems and enhance digital experiences for global airlines and…

Technology

Travel startup funding rebounds: Faye secures $31 million in Series B round

Megha Paul Jul 31, 2024

Following a trend of renewed investment in travel tech, Faye raises funding to expand operations and enhance its travel insurance platform

Technology

Uber Doubles Down On Airport Trips

Kristin Mariano Nov 20, 2023

Uber is strengthening its travel offering with the launch of Uber Reserve at several major airports in the UK. The new offering will enable airport travellers to reserve an Uber up to 90…

Train

Cutting train Wi-Fi threatens sustainable travel: Byway

Kanchan Nath May 26, 2023

Tech start-up, Byway, dedicated to combating travel's impact on the climate by simplifying flight-free travel, raises concerns over the Department For Travel’s proposal to remove train Wi-Fi…

Technology

Uber takes to the skies with flight bookings in-app

Kristin Mariano May 12, 2023

Uber has announced a new UK feature which allows users to book flights directly in the Uber app. The new product will be available to all UK users this summer. Uber’s new flight booking…

Startups

With 500% revenue growth: wndr is democratizing the travel industry

Chris Head Mar 3, 2023

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…

Technology

Uber Sail-ebrates Valentine’s Day with the English national opera

Kristin Mariano Feb 9, 2023

Love is in the air again as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and this year, Uber is bringing love to the water with live performances from the English National Opera on the Uber Boat by…

Technology

‘The Thaiger Cage’ to debut at the Conrad Bangkok on 16 Jan

Kanchan Nath Dec 27, 2022

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.

Startups

Travel AI startup, Globaleur, raises 2.5m USD to connect end-to-end experience

Kristin Mariano Nov 1, 2022

South Korean travel tech startup, Globaleur, has raised US$ 2.5 million in their pre-series A round and recently completed setting up an office in Singapore as part of their expansion…

Technology

TakeMe raises USD1.8 million to expand its Japan’s restaurant reservation service for international tourists

Kristin Mariano Sep 23, 2022

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.…

Startups

Startups laid off nearly 77,000 employees in 2022

Kristin Mariano Sep 14, 2022

A wave of layoffs has swept across the globe as companies struggle with slower business growth and rising labour costs. Thousands of companies have been forced to reduce costs and cut…

Technology

Uber car rental

Malcolm Ginsberg Aug 29, 2022

The ubiquitous taxi service still wants you to get from A to B but in a new way. Customers will now be able to book and hire a vehicle through the Uber app, picking their self-driven…

Technology

Byway launches first ever flight-free business travel planner

Kristin Mariano Aug 29, 2022

As OOOs start to wind down for the summer and 2023 planning looms on the horizon, businesses are thinking of ways they can hit their carbon targets and still allow for in-person…

Technology

KKday expands footprint in Vietnam

Kristin Mariano Aug 11, 2022

KKday has announced it will be aggressively expanding its footprint in Vietnam, and driving over 100 million USD for Vietnam’s tourism industry by 2023. KKday will be focused on…

Technology

FWD partners with Klook for customers in Southeast Asia

Kristin Mariano Aug 9, 2022

FWD Group has announced a unique distribution partnership with Klook to launch a fully integrated accident cover insurance that will be available via the Klook app and website.…

Aeronology rolls out Journey Beyond to make process for travel advisors hassle-free

Megha Paul Jul 14, 2022

Journey Beyond is focussed on bringing Australia’s unique an iconic experiences to life, with experiential tourism experiences

Airbnb launches new safety product for solo travellers

Kristin Mariano Jun 17, 2022

Airbnb strives to be a place where anyone can belong and feel safe while travelling. One strength is in the flexibility we offer to our guests through our over 6 million listings. From…

New ways of travelling and digital innovation fuel the shift to a membership economy

Kristin Mariano Jun 3, 2022

Driven by tech innovation, changes in traveller behaviour and an inversion from transactional to relational interactions between brands and consumers, the membership economy is helping…

wndr is taking over GenZ and Millennial travelers with short-form videos

Chris Head May 30, 2022

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…

Making innovative hotel management easier

Megha Paul May 19, 2022

Implementing the latest hotel technology solutions to optimise operations is essential for a hotel’s success in today’s dynamic and competitive market

Technology

Investment in technology will drive tourism in Middle East

Megha Paul May 16, 2022

As tourism destinations in the Middle East are widening their appeal and extending their offerings to attract FDI, global ministers of tourism convened at the 2022 Middle East Tourism…

Air

World’s first MetaHuman cabin crew is here! Qatar Airways steps into metaverse with ‘QVerse’ virtual reality

Megha Paul Apr 25, 2022

Qatar Airways has entered the metaverse by launching QVerse, a novel virtual reality (VR) experience for visitors to the airline’s website

RedDoorz launches new brand Urbanview

Kristin Mariano Apr 1, 2022

RedDoorz has announced the latest addition to its multi-brand portfolio with the launch of Urbanview, an affordable yet smart accommodation solution in Indonesia.

IWTA

IWTA speaks with Rachel O’Shea and Susie Martin – founders of Laos Buffalo Dairy

Caroline Tapken Mar 7, 2022

Tourism and hospitality is not only about hotels, airlines and travel agents – it is about the myriad of small businesses that support the industry, adding to the variety and local colour in…

IWTA

IWTA speaks with Minu Chawla – Founder of RoadsWellTravelled, a boutique tourism development consultancy

Caroline Tapken Feb 28, 2022

Minu has only been in the tourism industry since 2016, entering with a background as a business analyst and strategist, and a passion for travel. Her first role in tourism was with the Ras…

hoo joins hands with STAAH to offer hoteliers access to dynamic pricing and world-beating commissions

Megha Paul Feb 24, 2022

New Zealand-based technology company that specialises in innovative cloud-based solutions that simplify hospitality operations STAAH has partnered with UK-based hoo – an innovative new…

CWT taps in AI to forecast customer travel demand

Megha Paul Feb 4, 2022

CWT, the Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform, and AI predictive analytics company ZYTLYN Technologies have embarked on a pilot initiative

Can You Be A Good Host? Airbnb Offers A Free Year In Sicily

Joe Cusmano Jan 26, 2022

Airbnb, the online short-term rental platform, is giving away a free one-year stay in a newly renovated property in Sicily’s small rural village of Sambuca.

Hybrid high speed passenger boats to revolutionise sustainable river travel

Kristin Mariano Jan 20, 2022

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is building the UK’s first hybrid high speed passenger ferries, set to launch in London in autumn 2022 and spring 2023.

Home swapping: The 2022 travel trend you need to know about

Kristin Mariano Jan 19, 2022

Even though going on holiday involves a few extra steps thanks to the pandemic, travel is quickly getting back into business – and most Brits can’t wait to start exploring the world again!

Traveltech for Scotland unveils free course to boost travel industry

Megha Paul Nov 29, 2021

Traveltech for Scotland has launched a free online course to help tourism and hospitality businesses find and use the right digital technologies

Technology

Klook, ZA Tech cements commitment to innovate insurance in travel

Kristin Mariano Nov 26, 2021

Klook and ZA Tech Global Limited ("ZA Tech"), the technology venture founded by ZA International and backed by Softbank's Vision Fund 1, has announced a joint venture (JV) that will…

Hotels

#StayForTheDay campaign to boost winter bookings at local hotels

Kristin Mariano Nov 22, 2021

Brits are being encouraged to embrace the ‘daycation’ trend to give hotels a boost this winter.

What does the future of travel look like?

Megha Paul Nov 17, 2021

Andrew Bate, CEO of Safely, talks about how continued uncertainty around travel restrictions and high vacation rental demand will impact travel choices this year

Startups

Industry veteran and 2020 Skal International USA President David Ryan joins Vacaay

Kristin Mariano Nov 15, 2021

International travel tech platform, Vacaay, continues its rise with another critical hire, industry veteran David Ryan.

Conference programme revealed! Blue chips and startups to share Travel Forward stage at WTM London

Megha Paul Oct 25, 2021

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…

Tourism

Streamlining booking process for tours, activities and attractions, the Livn way

Megha Paul Aug 12, 2021

Mark Rizzuto, CEO of Sydney-based technology platform Livn talks about the rapid changes taking place within this untapped vertical and how Livn is facilitating improvement in back-end…

Global

What’s more important to Brits than low Covid rates for summer holiday in 2021? Weather and cheap flights

Megha Paul Aug 12, 2021

The top factors for Brits choosing a designation for their long-awaited post-COVID vacation are weather (45%), location on the green list (44%), cheap flights (42%) and a good exchange rate…

Technology

Microsoft continues to dabble in travel with its potential OYO investment

Kristin Mariano Aug 3, 2021

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…

Hospitality

Technology key for reviving domestic tourism in India, says tourism minister

Megha Paul Jul 22, 2021

Members of Confederation of Hospitality, Technology and Tourism Industry (CHATT) recently met with G Kishan Reddy, minister for tourism and culture and offered strong support to the…

Technology

UNWTO launches digital tools to revitalise tourism

Megha Paul Jul 12, 2021

UNWTO has partnered with MUST Travel & Tech to place a digital tool at the service of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of travel

Hospitality

Sabre becomes first GDS to offer microstays

Megha Paul May 27, 2021

Sabre and BYHOURS have signed a new agreement to provide Sabre’s agency community with relevant content that will allow them to sell rooms by the hour through the BYHOURS’ Sabre Red App

Technology

Smarter: This Airbnb alternative is a luxury and sustainable short stay platform

Kristin Mariano May 24, 2021

Pioneering marketplace for short stays, Smarter opens the doors of London’s most lavish and outstanding homes, whilst offering sustainable travel solutions and an eco-forward experience.

Appointments

Vacaay welcomes Tristan Freedman as regional director North America

Kristin Mariano May 10, 2021

Australian-owned travel tech platform, Vacaay, has added industry stalwart Tristan Freedman to its team as Regional Director as the company continues to grow its global presence.

Technology

Duty of care at forefront of new travel risk management platform

Kristin Mariano May 6, 2021

With duty of care firmly front of mind for business travel managers planning post-pandemic travel, a new platform gives them the latest information and tools they need to respond to the…

Startups

Tinder for travel: Swipe right in Flytinary

Kristin Mariano May 5, 2021

New travel app, Flytinary, aims to provide a one-stop travel experience which takes the legwork out of arranging trips and gets its users amazing prices.

Features

Didi Chuxing expands to Cape Town, South Africa

Kristin Mariano Mar 30, 2021

Didi Chuxing has started its registration process for drivers in Cape Town, South Africa, and will begin offering ride-hailing services this fall to people in the country's second-largest…

Hospitality

Juniper and Hotelmize: Partnerships that bring innovation to tourism industry

Megha Paul Jan 21, 2021

One of the latest partnerships for the benefit of the tourism market is the collaboration between Juniper and Hotelmize

Startups

Grab mulls IPO this year

Kristin Mariano Jan 21, 2021

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.

Technology

Trivago acquires weekend.com

Megha Paul Jan 19, 2021

Online travel company Trivago has acquired weekengo and weekend.com, a start-up focused on finding travellers inspirational getaway packages

Tourism

Rural domestic trips drives travel recovery

Kristin Mariano Jan 19, 2021

Domestic trips in rural locations are driving leisure demand recovery.

Technology

APAC VCs put money in early-stage funding rounds

Kristin Mariano Jan 15, 2021

Early-stage funding rounds (comprising Seed and Series A funding rounds) dominated the venture capital (VC) funding landscape during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020 in the Asia-Pacific…

Global

Tough people last. Tough times don’t! Travel startups that survived and thrived amid the pandemic year of 2020

Megha Paul Dec 31, 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…

Technology

FareUpThere: The Yelp for airlines inspired by will.i.am’s tweet

Kristin Mariano Nov 18, 2020

FareUpThere is the world’s first app dedicated to collecting and sharing 100% authenticated airline journey reviews.

UNWTO supports digital innovation for Africa’s tourism attractions

Megha Paul Nov 4, 2020

Emphasis on digital innovation to position Africa's tourism attractions will be a key component of The Ubuntu: Africa Invites You To Live campaign, developed by ATREVIA that has won UNWTO…

Grab, Marriott join forces to bring premium hospitality experience

Kristin Mariano Nov 2, 2020

Grab and Marriott International have announced a wide-ranging strategic partnership that will see both companies integrating their offerings.

Global

AmexGBT buys AI start-up 30SecondsToFly

Megha Paul Oct 14, 2020

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has acquired 30SecondsToFly, a technology start-up specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) and messaging for business travel

Eturbo News

Technology Will be Game Changer for Travel Start-ups

Anil Mathur Oct 3, 2020

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

Kristin Mariano Sep 21, 2020

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:…

Technology

Alibaba to inject USD3 billion in Grab – reports

Kristin Mariano Sep 15, 2020

eCommerce giant Alibaba will reportedly invest USD3 billion in Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Grab.

All roads lead to Bergamo: How Omio has adopted a village to help reboot Italy’s tourism

Megha Paul Sep 14, 2020

Omio has launched a new campaign to support tourism in one of the hardest COVID-hit European travel destinations, Bergamo, in northern Italy

“In times of crisis we are the first type of solution that businesses are looking for”

Alastair Newport Sep 9, 2020

The global tourism industry is estimated to lose between USD1.2 and 2.2 trillion (1.5-2.8% of global GDP) due to the coronavirus pandemic. And, Travel companies are seeking innovative ways…

Technology

DiDi expands in Russia

Kristin Mariano Aug 26, 2020

Didi Chuxing or branded as “DiDi” has launched its ride-hailing services in Russia, its first Eurasian market.

Holding strong: How these two European travel startups not only survived the COVID-19 crisis but raised funding

Megha Paul Aug 25, 2020

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

Get ready for ‘Virtual Assistant’ and contactless check-in as Nexpera.ai creates ‘Hotel of the Future’

Megha Paul Aug 19, 2020

US-based startup DigiVerv, an AI company with its India office in Bengaluru, recently launched its new offering nexpera.ai – an AI and IoT powered enterprise SaaS platform that aims at…

Startups

Click&Boat acquires main competitor Nautal

Kristin Mariano Jul 30, 2020

Boat rental app Click&Boat has acquired its main competitor Nautal or n°2 in the European market.

Technology

LokaLocal’s virtual tours set to revive Malaysian travel

Megha Paul Jul 20, 2020

As tourism players find a way to stay afloat, travel tech platform LokaLocal is using virtual reality technology to transform the way people discover destinations in Malaysia. Its…

8 Israeli technologies that will help us travel again

Kristin Mariano Jul 14, 2020

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.

Summer travel plans cancelled? This Bavaria-based company urges you to indulge in the Great Outdoors act

Megha Paul Jul 8, 2020

It is expected there will be a rise in the number of domestic tourists participating in adventure tourism such as climbing, surfing, hunting, caving, diving, cycling, rafting, and hiking…

Startups

Tech start-ups lay off thousands of employees amid COVID-19 pandemic

Kristin Mariano Jul 7, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis that no one anticipated and it devastated many industries, especially the travel sector.

This Israel-based startup is tracking process of reopening hotels post the pandemic

Megha Paul Jun 30, 2020

As the travel industry gradually recovers from the impact imposed on it by the global COVID-19 pandemic, UpStay, a startup that develops a B2B solution for hotels, has created a tool…

Travel-planning app Omio unveils new index to fast-track return of travel

Megha Paul Jun 19, 2020

Europe’s leading multi-modal travel booking platform Omio is reigniting travel by launching a new online resource to help travellers easily understand where they can travel to within…

Inspiremyholiday eyes UK growth with enhanced tech and consumer polls

Megha Paul Jun 11, 2020

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…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Klook Home offers virtual interactive experiences and DIY kits

Kristin Mariano Jun 2, 2020

Klook Home offers almost 200 home-based experiences such as do-it-yourself craft and cooking kits, online workshops, and free virtual tours.

Singapore

How one travel tech startup will help prepare businesses for the “new normal”

Alastair Newport Jun 2, 2020

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…

Startups

DiDi introduces AI to verify post-COVID-19 measures in Latin America

Kristin Mariano May 26, 2020

Didi Chuxing (DiDi) will be rolling out a comprehensive in-app Health-Guard program to its Latin American markets to help better protect the health of driver partners and passengers.

Reinventing hotel revenue management with live travel demand data

Megha Paul May 22, 2020

Beonprice has announced that it will reinvent its revenue management system (RMS) to integrate consumer traveller trends, and destination demand insights to optimise rates and…

Grab Philippines to deliver fresh produce right at your doorstep

Kristin Mariano May 19, 2020

Grab Philippines partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to support the livelihood of farmers and entrepreneurs as well as to bring convenience to consumers in obtaining fresh…

Technology

Uber tries to eat Grubhub

Kristin Mariano May 13, 2020

Ride-hailing giant Uber has made an offer to buy Grubhub, which is currently valued at USD4.5 billion, with the intention for the latter to be absorbed into Uber’s operation.

Technology

Eugene Kaspersky launches accelerator to help tourism startups

Megha Paul May 12, 2020

COVID-19 has hit tourism hard with fledgling projects losing support from large companies or being cancelled indefinitely. In order to address this issue, Eugene Kaspersky, founder and…

United States

Uber loses USD2.9 billion in Q1, grows Uber Eats

Kristin Mariano May 11, 2020

Ride-hailing giant Uber lost USD2.9 billion in the first quarter due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Startups

Grab Philippines expands services with GrabMart

Kristin Mariano May 6, 2020

GrabMart is the company’s newest on-demand grocery service which allows users to shop thru the app and have them delivered on their doorstep.

Startups

Ray of light: DiDi resumes services in Wuhan, China

Kristin Mariano May 1, 2020

On 30 April, DiDi has resumed its ride-hailing services, including taxi-hailing, private-car hailing, Hitch, and Designated Driving, in Wuhan, China.

Vacaay names former V&T boss Anthony Gallagher as general manager

Kristin Mariano Apr 24, 2020

Newly-launched travel tech platform Vacaay has named Anthony Gallagher, previous owner of Australia’s Vacations and Travel Magazine (V&T), as the company’s general manager.

Technology

DiDi’s new strategy puts user value first

Kristin Mariano Apr 20, 2020

Didi Chuxing (“DiDi”) has announced its three-year strategic goals that showed a shift from an “all-in-safety” strategy to achieving sustainable, high-quality growth through longer-term…

Technology

Airbnb sets aside USD250 million to support hosts

Kristin Mariano Apr 6, 2020

In light with the development of COVID-19 health crisis, Airbnb has announced several key initiatives and policies, including USD250 million USD to help accommodation hosts impacted by…

Technology

Israeli travel tech startup Hotelmize raises Series B from Alibaba, opens APAC headquarters in Hong Kong

Megha Paul Apr 3, 2020

Hotelmize, developer of AI-based price prediction and profit-optimisation technologies for the hotel booking industry, is raising its B round investment largely in the Asia Pacific to…

Startups

100K in first 30 days: Vacaay thriving despite coronavirus outbreak

Kristin Mariano Mar 30, 2020

Despite the uncertainty clouding the industry, consumers have flocked to Vacaay's fun and innovative travel discovery platform to plan their holidays in advance.

Technology

Healing Solutions: UNWTO calls on innovators and entrepreneurs to accelerate tourism recovery

Megha Paul Mar 26, 2020

In the face of an unprecedented challenge, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO), calls on innovators and entrepreneurs to…

Airbnb tweaks refund policy

Megha Paul Mar 12, 2020

Airbnb is making adjustments to its refund policy in an attempt to balance the needs of hosts and guests on its home-sharing site amid the global coronavirus outbreak that has severely…

Cruise

Leading Yachts of the World gears up for Asia Pacific launch

Megha Paul Mar 12, 2020

New travel technology brand Leading Yachts of the World has opened offices in key strategic markets Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore and Hong Kong, in preparation for its bid to disrupt the…

Startups

Click&Boat acquires its German competitor Scansail

Kristin Mariano Mar 12, 2020

Click&Boat has acquired Scansail, one of its main competitors in German-speaking markets. The German company will continue to operate as a separate brand, based in its current HQ in…

Welcome to the future! World’s first hotel virtual reality experience centre unveiled

Megha Paul Mar 6, 2020

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, a leading business hotel in Delhi NCR, has announced the launch of the world’s first hotel virtual reality (VR) experience centre, in association with…

Grab AirAsia’s ‘Boba Milk Tea’ without booking flight

Megha Paul Mar 2, 2020

AirAsia Santan has joined hands with Grab Thailand to deliver its five most-talked about in-flight offerings, including Boba Milk Tea and AirAsiaXAfter You Special Menus, direct to you…

Technology

Travel tech this week: Ride-hailing companies grow and expand worldwide

Kristin Mariano Feb 28, 2020

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.

Technology

No deal: Gojek squashes rumours of merger with Grab

Kristin Mariano Feb 26, 2020

It would have been the deal of the century if it happened, much bigger when Grab acquired Uber’s business in Southeast Asia in 2018, but Indonesia’s unicorn Gojek was quick to deny rumours…

ANA to test autonomous mobility assistance at Tokyo airport

Megha Paul Feb 23, 2020

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, will test autonomous RakuRo mobility assistance solutions at Tokyo Narita International Airport from 27-28 February. Designed by ZMP…

Startups

DiDi to launch services in Sydney in March

Kristin Mariano Feb 18, 2020

Ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing (“DiDi”) has announced that it will launch its ridesharing services in Sydney, New South Wales, on 16 March.

Gaining ground in Asia: Connexus Travel signs deal with Aeronology to boost growth

Megha Paul Feb 13, 2020

Hong Kong-based Connexus Travel (formally known as Swire Travel), one of the largest corporate travel businesses in Greater China, has signed a long-term technology sharing agreement…

Global

Why tourism providers are still working on travel personalisation

Megha Paul Feb 11, 2020

It should come as no surprise that even as we enter the new decade, industries such as retail and travel are seeing continued investments in digital platforms and solutions aimed at…

Budapest Airport and Kiwi.com create seamless self-connection

Megha Paul Feb 11, 2020

Budapest Airport and Kiwi.com – an online travel technology company – have joined forces to create an initiative to transform transfer traffic through Hungary’s capital city gateway. The…

UNWTO and Basque Culinary Centre launch 2nd gastronomy tourism start-up competition

Megha Paul Feb 11, 2020

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

Kristin Mariano Feb 10, 2020

Travis Kalanick, the co-founder of Uber, is among the backers of a new hotel start-up Habitas that makes 3D-printed hotels.

Japanese hospitality startup H2O raises USD 7 million to expand real estate business

Kristin Mariano Feb 5, 2020

H2O, which stands for Hospitality 2.0, has raised USD7 million in Series B funding from Samsung Ventures, Stonebridge Ventures, IMM Investment and Shinhan Capital, bringing its total raised…

Technology

Grab acquires Bento Invest to grow financial services

Kristin Mariano Feb 5, 2020

Southeast Asian tech giant Grab has announced its acquisition of robo-advisory startup Bento Invest in order to expand its financial services.

Hello new-age bartender! British Airways’ lounges trial AI-powered cocktail maker

Megha Paul Feb 4, 2020

British Airways is exclusively trialling an automated cocktail maker in its San Francisco and Newark lounges. Cocktails are dispensed in under 45 seconds, adding a new dimension to the…

Technology

DiDi supports coronavirus relief efforts

Kristin Mariano Feb 4, 2020

Didi Chuxing (“DiDi”) is taking new actions to support doctors, communities and drivers as China continues to fight the coronavirus outbreak (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan through the following…

Booking.com announces USD 3.4 million in grants to support sustainable accommodation in 2020

Megha Paul Jan 31, 2020

With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com announced the opening of applications for its 2020 Booking Booster programme to support solutions in…

Two months to go until Travel Tech Middle East in Riyadh

Megha Paul Jan 28, 2020

Following the success of the first three editions of Travel Tech Middle East (TTME), Verve Management is hosting the 4th Edition Travel Tech Middle East Congress on 23-24 March 2020 in…

Accor announces new partnership with Grab to Live Limitless

Megha Paul Jan 23, 2020

Accor has announced a new strategic partnership between its new lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL- Accor Live Limitless and South East Asia’s super app, Grab. The deal brings together two…

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays partner with WeSwap

Megha Paul Jan 22, 2020

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has partnered with WeSwap to offer customers a prepaid contactless global travel money card and help organise all their travel essentials when abroad. In…

Wego registers record increase of 155% in MENA travel to Azerbaijan

Megha Paul Jan 15, 2020

Wego, the online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), revealed that the bookings to Azerbaijan have increased by 155% in the last four months. This growth…

VLeisure hospitality tech now available to smaller hotels

Megha Paul Jan 15, 2020

VLeisure, the technology company and booking platform for hotels, airlines and travel insurance, announced that VLeisure Operating System (VOS) is now available to 2-star and 3-star…

Technology

CWT debuts with replatformed digital offering in China

Megha Paul Jan 14, 2020

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), the global travel management specialist, has announced the launch of its flagship platform, myCWT, in China – marking the latest milestone in its journey…

Technology

OYO lays off 1800 employees in India, China and it’s just the start

Kristin Mariano Jan 14, 2020

OYO has scaled back its growth and has fired around 600 of its 12,000 China employees and 1,200 India employees.

Tourism start-ups focus on innovation and sustainability

Megha Paul Jan 13, 2020

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…

The Funded: Spanish travel tech Beonprice raises USD 2.78 million for AI-driven hospitality revenue software

Megha Paul Jan 10, 2020

Spanish-based Beonprice has announced closure of a Series A funding round of EUR 2.5 million (USD 2.78 million) with venture capital fund Adara Ventures as the lead investor.…

What can you learn from OYO, Grab, Google and leading hotels at Direct Booking Summit

Megha Paul Jan 10, 2020

The Direct Booking Summit: Bangkok taking place on 19-20 February has announced a world-class line up of speakers who will share their hotel marketing, revenue and distribution expertise…

Festival of the future to become focus of Southeast Asia’s sauciest tech conference

Megha Paul Jan 10, 2020

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…

Technology

Atta boy: Japanese travel start up raises 3 million bucks

Alastair Newport Jan 9, 2020

Newborn travel metasearch firm atta Inc. announced the successful completion of its Series A funding of USD 3 million, today. Commenting on the development CEO, Yoshihisa Haruyama…

Technology

Is it worth it for Uber to acquire Careem for USD 3.1 billion?

Kristin Mariano Jan 7, 2020

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…

Travel Tech 4 Good announces winners of start-up initiative in Cairo

Megha Paul Jan 6, 2020

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…

Technology

Agoda reveals travel trend expectations for 2020s

Megha Paul Dec 30, 2019

Single apps for all travel needs, passport free travel and mobile app check-in are the top three ‘new travel norms’ expected by travellers in the next decade, according to new research…

Trip.com invests in business lounge operator DragonPass

Megha Paul Dec 26, 2019

DragonPass, a Chinese company operating high-end business lounges at airports and high-speed railway stations, announced it has obtained an undisclosed sum of funding from Ocean Link as…

Technology

TravelFlan completes USD 7 million funding

Megha Paul Dec 24, 2019

TravelFlan, a Hong Kong-based chatbot provider for the travel industry, has recently received USD 7 million in its A round of financing. SPK AI Travel Tech Fund, founded by Lazard Korea,…

Technology

Let’s go around Singapore Lah!

Megha Paul Dec 24, 2019

Booking platform Traveloka has partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to encourage tourists to discover more of Singapore’s hidden gems, popular attractions and unique experiences.…

Startups

PH’s competition watchdog slaps Grab with USD 319,000 fine

Kristin Mariano Dec 20, 2019

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has ordered Grab to refund a total of PHP 16.15 million (USD 319,000) to its users.

Startups

Indian ride-sharing firm Ola London launch has 10K drivers signed up

Kristin Mariano Dec 18, 2019

Indian ride-sharing firm Ola signed up 10,000 drivers ahead of its launch in London.

Technology

Gojek, Blue Bird deal: Who has the last laugh?

Kristin Mariano Dec 17, 2019

Ride hailing giant Gojek is nearing an agreement to buy 5% of Indonesia’s top taxi operator PT Blue Bird.

Technology

E-scooter start-up Neuron Mobility raises USD 18.5 million in Series A

Kristin Mariano Dec 10, 2019

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.

Airbnb is on its way to becoming a hotel company

Kristin Mariano Dec 10, 2019

After disrupting the billion-dollar hotel industry, Airbnb is slowly straying away from its roots of listing private houses and rooms to becoming more of a hotel company.

Technology

Grab debuts numberless payments GrabPay card

Kristin Mariano Dec 6, 2019

Ride hailing giant Grab has announced the launch of digital and physical numberless payments card GrabPay Card in partnership with Mastercard.

Startups

A different kind of mobility start-up receives USD 10.1 million to grow operations

Kristin Mariano Nov 29, 2019

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.

Startups

Airbnb Experiences unveils Cooking to bring out secret family recipes

Kristin Mariano Nov 28, 2019

Airbnb Experiences has launched a brand new category of bookable experiences – Cooking. This has allowed people to have access to recipes and culinary traditions that were once reserved for…

Startups

Oyo receives USD 1.5 billion investment amid losses

Kristin Mariano Nov 27, 2019

Indian start-up superstar Oyo has received a nod from its board for a USD 1.5 billion investment from Softbank and RA Hospitality.

Technology

Not giving up: Gojek to challenge Grab’s hold of the Philippine market

Kristin Mariano Nov 26, 2019

For the third time, Indonesian ride-hailing unicorn Gojek has reapplied to enter the Philippine market and to face off its greatest rival in the Southeast Asian region – Grab.

Tourism

Fear of loneliness holds back people to travel solo

Kristin Mariano Nov 22, 2019

Most of us remember travelling with family or friends, travel trends are changing: in recent years, more people have embraced solo travel to satisfy the desire for alone time.

Technology

Ride Tesla or Mercedes cars with Didi Chuxing’s Japan premium service

Kristin Mariano Nov 21, 2019

China’s Didi Chuxing will trial a premium ride-hailing service in Japan offering luxurious vehicles like Tesla, Lexus and Mercedes Benz vehicles.

New initiative to promote Karnataka on e-bikes

Megha Paul Nov 20, 2019

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…

Technology

Amadeus Ventures to lend a hand on travel tech start-ups in APAC

Kristin Mariano Nov 19, 2019

Amadeus is expanding Amadeus Ventures to help travel tech start-ups in APAC starting 2020.

Technology

Is Uber copying Grab, Go-Jek?

Kristin Mariano Nov 18, 2019

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…

Startups

Travelio raises USD 18 million in a Series B funding round

Kristin Mariano Nov 15, 2019

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…

OTAs & Tour Operators

“We speak the language and we love this country”: How one start-up cracked Thailand’s biggest tour guide association

Alastair Newport Nov 8, 2019

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…

Tiqets raises USD 60 million led by Airbnb

Megha Paul Oct 31, 2019

Tiqets announced its series C financing of USD 60 million led by Airbnb with continued support from prior lead investors HPE Growth Capital and Investion. With this new funding, the…

Global

Revolutionising how tour management works is iZZi when you know how

Alastair Newport Oct 30, 2019

The tour guide is an essential cog in the travel industry. And it is through their enthusiasm and specialist knowledge of a destination, and all the wonderful possibilities that can be found…

Technology

Now, Grab a ride across Southeast Asia through Booking.com app

Megha Paul Oct 30, 2019

Booking.com has launched its on-demand ride-hailing service in partnership with Grab, giving the online travel agency (OTA) app users access to the largest fleet of drivers across eight…

Duffel to unveil travel booking platform

Megha Paul Oct 28, 2019

Duffel, the British travel tech company, has raised USD 30 million from investors to launch its innovative new booking platform with some of the world’s biggest airlines, including…

Startups

MyProGuide proves tour guides is the key of every tour

Kristin Mariano Oct 28, 2019

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…

Avis drives in with Bidroom

Megha Paul Oct 25, 2019

A new partnership between Avis and Bidroom for Central Europe provides Avis Preferred members an exclusive one-year-free membership for the Bidroom hotel platform. Avis users in the…

Travel technology investment symposium announced

Megha Paul Oct 24, 2019

Travel Startups Incubator (TSI) has announced a one-day Travel Technology Investment Symposium, on 8 January 2020 in Miami at the Amadeus Executive Center. Dedicated exclusively to…

Triptease launches retargeting for hotels

Megha Paul Oct 22, 2019

With a history of delivering personalised messaging on hotel websites, Triptease has now unveiled a tool which will deliver personalisation in banner ads across the rest of the web.…

Tencent collaborates with YESMILANO to boost Milan tourism from China

Megha Paul Oct 18, 2019

Tencent, a leading provider of internet value added services in China, has announced its collaboration with YESMILANO, the official promotional agency of Milan, to launch a WeChat…

Get ahead of flight disruption with new tool

Megha Paul Oct 16, 2019

Global travel brand JTB Business Travel has teamed up with travel data and analytics expert, Cirium, to offer its clients proactive Airline Waiver Notifications to minimise flight…

World’s most disruptive sports tourism start-ups meet in Macau

Megha Paul Oct 15, 2019

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…

“Partnering with RedDoorz is a win-win”: Singaporean HMC to open 11 hotels in 2020

Alastair Newport Oct 15, 2019

RedDoorz has announced it is well on its way to becoming top dog in Singapore with the announcement that it will be the second biggest hotel management company (HMC) in SG by the end of…

UAE sees rise in tourists from Russia

Megha Paul Oct 14, 2019

The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE increased more than 55% in the second quarter of 2019, compared to the same period last year, according to new data released by…

Technology

MakeMyTrip inks pact with TripAdvisor

Megha Paul Oct 11, 2019

MakeMyTrip has signed an agreement with travel platform major TripAdvisor to offer choices for local experiences at international destinations to outbound Indian tourists. Travellers…

OYO to raise USD 1.5 billion in new round of financing

Megha Paul Oct 10, 2019

OYO Hotels and Homes will be raising USD 1.5 billion as part of a latest round of funding which will be utilised for expansion in the US and strengthen its vacation rentals business in…

Partner content

Hotelmize CEO: “Travel companies are lagging behind”

Tian Tolentino Oct 10, 2019

In this exclusive interview, Hotelmize CEO Dor Krubiner talks about the company's beginnings, the state of tech in the travel industry, and how the technology works for tour operators and…

Portsmouth first in UK to launch wheelchair navigation

Megha Paul Oct 10, 2019

A new app is being launched in Portsmouth to help people with limited mobility plan their travel routes with ease. The free Route4U app is a handy pavement navigation app and information…

Daytime hotel booking company unveils taxi campaign

Megha Paul Oct 10, 2019

Dayuse.com, daytime hotel booking platforms has announced that it is launching a new taxi campaign to raise brand awareness. Running for one month, the campaign will see more than 400 of…

Azerbaijan Tourism Board partners with Wego to attract GCC tourists

Megha Paul Oct 9, 2019

Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has collaborated with Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) to invite travellers from the GCC to take…

Hello four legged friend! Airbnb unveils Animal Experiences

Megha Paul Oct 7, 2019

Booking platform Airbnb has now unveiled Airbnb Animal Experiences - a brand new category of Airbnb Experiences that allow people to better understand animals through caring, expert…

Battle of the best: 2019 Mekong innovative start-ups in tourism finalists announced

Megha Paul Oct 3, 2019

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)…

Travel Agents

Avian: How a startup is making life better for travel agents all around the world

Alastair Newport Sep 30, 2019

Challenged with the self-appointed task of revolutionising the way commission and incentives are managed by airlines and travel agents (TAs); Avian is a startup on a mission to drag the…

Wego reveals cheapest days to book flights

Megha Paul Sep 27, 2019

Wego, online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), released its study which covered the cost of over one million bookings in the first half of 2019 to identify…

FCM partners with Grab for ground transportation

Megha Paul Sep 27, 2019

FCM Travel Solutions, a global travel management company (TMC), has made it easier for clients to take advantage of Southeast-Asia’s most popular ride-sharing service Grab, with a new…

Startups

Softbank’s Masa-san has a message to start-ups after WeWork didn’t work

Kristin Mariano Sep 27, 2019

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.

Skyscanner hits 100 million monthly users

Megha Paul Sep 25, 2019

Skyscanner has launched a global brand refresh and has announced hitting the significant milestone of 100 million peak monthly active users (MAUs). The travel company is now a leader in…

PATA, ADB and Plug and Play unveil Travel Lab Asia

Megha Paul Sep 23, 2019

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ventures and Plug and Play, have announced the launch of Travel Lab Asia (TLA), Asia’s only…

Startups

Go-Jek receives funding from AIA Group

Kristin Mariano Sep 20, 2019

Indonesian unicorn Go-Jek has secured an unspecified amount from insurance firm AIA Indonesia as part of its ongoing Series F funding round. The investment also comes with strategic…

Klook partners with West Japan Railway

Megha Paul Sep 19, 2019

Hong Kong-based travel destination platform Klook has partnered with West Japan Railway (JR West). Through the partnership, travellers across all of Klook’s markets in Southeast Asia…

Love a staycation? Airbnb reveals strong trend amongst UAE residents

Megha Paul Sep 19, 2019

More and more UAE nationals and residents prefer staycations, even during the hottest months. Crunching three-months’ worth of numbers from 22 May-22 August (a key booking period for…

Startups

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Startups

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