Online Travel Agency

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of online travel agencies, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on the brands and their strategies, executives and positions in the market.

 alt="Less is much more: The power of real curation in tours and activities"  title="Less is much more: The power of real curation in tours and activities"
From Our Partners / Online
Less is much more: The power of real curation in tours and activities
By Enrique Espinel - Civitatis | May 28, 2024
While increased options can lead to objectively better results, it can also cause anxiety, indecision and dissatisfaction for travelers. Read More
 alt="As STR industry copes with growing pains, home swapping enjoys a "Holiday""  title="As STR industry copes with growing pains, home swapping enjoys a "Holiday""
News / Online
As STR industry copes with growing pains, home swapping enjoys a "Holiday"
By D.J. Catron | May 28, 2024
Platforms like HomeExchange and Kindred are enjoying big gains while short-term rentals endure frustrations with stricter regulations, supply gluts and more rules and fees.   Read More
 alt="Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers"  title="Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers"
News / Technology
Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers
By Morgan Hines | May 24, 2024
The retail ad platform, housed within Expedia Group Media Solutions, provides new capabilities and access based on its first-party data and existing partnerships. Read More
 alt="Travel Tech hosts D.C. showcase, maintains ancillary fee ruling criticism"  title="Travel Tech hosts D.C. showcase, maintains ancillary fee ruling criticism"
News / Technology
Travel Tech hosts D.C. showcase, maintains ancillary fee ruling criticism
By Morgan Hines | May 23, 2024
Overlooking the U.S. Capitol, the Travel Technology Association held its first Policy & Innovation Showcase with Airbnb, Sabre, Booking Holdings and more. Read More
 alt="How did we allow this to happen? Viator founder Rod Cuthbert on the rise of Google"  title="How did we allow this to happen? Viator founder Rod Cuthbert on the rise of Google"
News / Online
How did we allow this to happen? Viator founder Rod Cuthbert on the rise of Google
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | May 23, 2024
In an interview at WiT Japan and North Asia, Cuthbert said that with Google’s increasing control and the potential for a “super app” powered by AI, the future of online travel intermediaries... Read More
 alt="CEO Spotlight: Ariane Gorin of Expedia Group"  title="CEO Spotlight: Ariane Gorin of Expedia Group"
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Ariane Gorin of Expedia Group
By Mitra Sorrells | May 23, 2024
As Gorin moves into the CEO role at Expedia Group, she shares her thoughts on AI, social commerce, the B2B business, Vrbo and OneKey, as well as opinions on Airbnb and the TikTok ban. Read More
 alt="Sabre lays out offer-order strategy with release of retailing platform"  title="Sabre lays out offer-order strategy with release of retailing platform"
News / Distribution
Sabre lays out offer-order strategy with release of retailing platform
By Linda Fox | May 22, 2024
The technology aims to help airlines make the move from the passenger-name-record world to more modern retailing via API-based solutions. Read More
 alt="Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue"  title="Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue"
News / Online
Seasonality helps Trip.com Group drive Q1 revenue
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2024
Revenue from accommodation reservations increased 29% to $623 million while transportation ticketing revenue was up 20% to $692 million. Read More
 alt="Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment"  title="Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment"
News / Technology
Cover Genius lands $80M to fund growth and technology investment
By Linda Fox | May 20, 2024
The company plans to put the funds toward further growth and technology investment, “including improved digital insurance distribution solutions, deploying artificial intelligence claims handling and... Read More
 alt="Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal"  title="Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal"
News / Technology
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
By D.J. Catron | May 20, 2024
The travel portal for Lotte Card customers will offer flights, accommodations and car rentals powered by HTS, Hopper's B2B solution. Read More
 alt="Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”"  title="Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”"
News / Online
Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy out due to “violation of company policy”
By Mitra Sorrells | May 17, 2024
Murthy and one of the company's senior vice presidents are out, and the company said it is actively searching to fill the roles. Read More
 alt="Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements"  title="Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements"
News / Technology
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
By Linda Fox | May 17, 2024
The company said its Sofia AI assistant now includes hotel recommendations and enables users to search by city and dates as well as budget and key amenities. Read More
 alt="The week GenAI took off for travel"  title="The week GenAI took off for travel"
Opinion / Technology
The week GenAI took off for travel
By Christian Watts – Magpie | May 17, 2024
Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie, looks back on what he calls "easily the biggest week so far for generative artificial intelligence - especially for the travel industry." Read More
 alt="Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel"  title="Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel"
News / Online
Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
By Morgan Hines | May 16, 2024
Expedia Group chairman and senior executive Barry Diller said he believes the world is seeing the beginning of the company's "next evolution" with Ariane Gorin as CEO. Read More
 alt="Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering"  title="Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering"
News / Distribution
Trip.com Group partners with Rezdy to widen tour and activities offering
By Linda Fox | May 14, 2024
Using Rezdy’s API, the partnership will enable activities' providers in the Trip.com Group ecosystem to connect and promote their tours to consumers. Read More