TripAdvisor, the leading online travel reviews site in the world, is now under investigation by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over concerns reviews from travelers may be illegitimate. A formal investigation has reportedly been launched on the heels of complaints TripAdvisor’s reviews problems have reached monumental levels.
online travel
MakeMyTrip Takes on Expedia and the World
With markets around the world in a bit of chaos, it’s interesting to note one India travel company reporting astonishing growth. According to news from MarketWatch, MakeMyTrip Limited is going like gangbusters – the company has posted an over 50% YoY profit increase. The India’s leading travel portal may soon lead more than just India.
HouseTrip – A Startup Taking Aim At Travel Alternatives
TechCrunch reported on a fascinating startup in April, a new take on vacation rentals called HouseTrip. The news back then was about the Swiss startup’s $2.7 million in funding from Index Ventures, but today it looks as if the company is spending the money wisely. Let’s take a look under the hood of what my old friend Steve O’Hear called; “another play in the holiday apartments space.”
Google + and Really Refined Reviews – Coming Soon
The suggested Google Travel entity could be just around the corner. According to the news from Tnooz and Kevin May, Google unceremoniously yanked third party reviews from hotels on Google Maps and Google Places, a move May suggests puts Google’s review credibility down there with TripAdvisor’s. But what if?
Thomas Cook Celebrates 170th Anniversary
If you’ve ever wondered how travel companies like Thomas Cook got so prominent, last weeks 170th anniversary of their founders holidays should be a clue. Thomas Cook’s first hosted tour, a train ride with 500 demonstrators back in 1841, launched maybe the world’s most respected holiday travel company.
Agoda Goes Mobile with Free iPhone App
Agoda, the leading online booking portal in Asia, has announced a new iPhone application. Free for download, the app allows Agoda customers to view and book up-to-the-minute rates at more than 150,000 properties around the world.
TripAdvisor Acquires Where I’ve Been
TripAdvisor, the online world’s most popular travel website, has reportedly purchased Where I’ve Been, the once popular Facebook application. The map oriented platform allows users to display where they have visited or lived, and places they would like to visit. Once a “viral” application with something over a million monthly users, the app now sees only a fraction of that number.
Will Google Launch Their ITA Travel Weapon?
According to TechCrunch’s reliable network of source, Google may well roll out an integrated ITA search platform within days. A report by TC’s Leena Rao 16 hours ago suggests Google’s recent acquisition may in fact be the forboding nightmare Microsoft, Expedia, and others feared.
Travel for Good Winners Picked by Travelocity
Travelocity announced the four grand prize winners for their recent Travel for Good® program. Over the last six months Travelocity has been looking for stories of inspiration from volunteers around the world. The four winners will each receive a $5,000 grant for a so called “volunteer vacation” – where they can offer their services in some corner of the world.
Ciafo Launches Travelomy for South Asia
India web products startup Ciafo launches Travelomy, a travel and tourism guide dedicated to South Asia and Web 2.0. With live edit of attractions though, the developers may end up with “Travelohdear” if they are not careful.
Via Michelin: Can Bibendum Fix Blowout?
In news from one of the world’s best known names in hospitality, Michelin, celebrating the company’s 10 year anniversary online come with revamped Via Michelin website. Argo Travel News takes a look at Michelin’s entry into the competitive realm of online travel guides.
American Airlines Wins Court Round – Travelers Losing Still
A Texas judge has ruled that Sabre Holdings Corp. cannot stop American Airlines (AMR) from seeking a court order to bar Sabre from diminishing the position of AMR’s flight listings. American is seeking an injunction to stop Sabre from listing the airline’s flights beneath competitors routinely. While AMR has won the most recent court round, passengers may lose in the end.
New Travel Portal Is Indeed ideeli
ideeli, Inc. announces an all new flash sale shopping site with a very cool travel component. Powered by Voyage Prive, the first and largest global private flash sale travel group, ideeli travel goes a long way toward connecting travelers with curated travel offers and booking simplicity. With a maze of online travel sites springing up everywhere, maybe it’s time for an old fashioned travel store?
TRX to Unveil Their Latest at Business Travel Market 2011
In travel tech news, TRX, Inc., one of the world’s leading travel technology players, is set to exhibit at tomorrow’s Business Travel Market in London. According to their spokespeople, the all new razor’s edge TRAVELTRAX® and Travel Analytics® technologies will be featured at the conference.
EuroCheapo Celebrates Deals and More Deals
EuroCheapo, one of the online world’s most popular travel sites, celebrates their 10th anniversary this week. According to the news the European budget hotel finders will also launch new guides for Zurich and San Francisco.