Journeys of Distinction, the provider of worldwide luxury escorted tours, just announced that it has selected Lakestar Media has been given the task to improving its digital marketing and search engine optimization.
online travel
Opodo Deal Worth Over Half a Billion
Just about every news outlet in Europe is all a buzz about private equity firm Axa, and Permira headed for a deal to buy Amadeus’ Opodo. The OTA started in Germany in 2001, if the deal goes through as suggested, will be worth between $500 and $700 million. An unnamed source at Amadeus IT Holding SA told Reuters the sketch details of the negotiations.
Carlson Wagonlit Buys Finland’s Kaleva Travel
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the world’s largest business travel management player, has just announced the full share purchase of Finland’s Kaleva Travel. Kaleva, Finland’s leading business travel agency.
Cease Fire Called In Online Travel Wars
The ceasefire between American Airlines and GDS giant Sabre signals an “all quiet” moment on the front lines of the online travel wars we have been covering. The announcement that the two companies would attempt to resolve their differences out of court, at least until June 1st, calmed the churning business cauldron for online travel for some.
New Year’s Spring Festival Singapore
Right now in Singapore visitors have a special treat as the Lunar New Year Spring Festival takes place from January 15th through February 28th in Chinatown. This occasion marks the importance of family, and celebrates happiness.
Justice Department Poised to Nix Google Deal
The Justice Department stands poised to nix Google’s acquisition of ITA proprietary software as FairSearch and other entities press the issue. Is Google becoming a monopoly? This is the overriding question on the minds of consumers, but what is on the government’s mind, this is what counts. With American Airlines’ recent ITA deal, exactly how will the Justice Department deal with the immense pressures being leveled? This online travel war is a far bigger confrontation than many realize.
TripIt Cashes In Big Time
Travel startup TripIt cashes in for an estimated $120 million after only 5 years of development and customer building. Concur is said to have acquired the Web’s most utilized business travel planning tool for cash and stocks. As for the future of TripIt, Concur has not released a statement as of yet.
Online Travel Aerial Warfare Update: American Sues Sabre
The online airfare wars escalate as American files suit against Sabre in an attempt to force American’s “direct connect” initiative. With battle lines clearly drawn, can American Airlines win the real or PR war where going back to a closed system is concerned? Not likely, but the story is never the less interesting. Who will take American’s side is the burning question of the day?
Is American Airlines Spinning Out of Control?
The shakeup for air travel bookings online continues today with American Airlines’ contention that their ticket sales have never been better – even without Orbitz and Expedia. The airline neglects to point out an email marketing initiative instigated simultaneously with dumping Orbitz, and the fact that ticket sales for every airline have risen these last few days. What is the customer to make of supposedly trusted travel partners when low blows are the trend?
Ski Deals 2011 – Choosing Your Booking Agent Online
With dozens of online booking solutions available who can you truly trust to offer you the best value? Expedia? Kayak? Today’s report on Bulgarian ski getaways reveals a little bit about how you should book your next trip. Seeing the forest for the trees is not as easy as you think.
Are Airlines Unringing the Online Travel Bell?
The war between online travel companies and airlines is heating up. Expedia counters American Airline’s move to dump Orbitz, as Delta begins its abandonment of smaller OTA’s. Can online travel giants win out over the service providers they actually depend on? Much depends on the customer in the end.
Coming Attraction – The Real Online Travel
2010 has been a big year for online and mobile travel innovation and initiative. Argophilia Travel News takes a look at advanced user technology and value their Argophilia Travel portal may or may not deploy. For the digital empowered traveler, the new year will bring out the best in products and services.
Move Over TripIt Movolo Is On the Move
A Latvian travel startup called Movolo may have hit on the future of online travel booking. Simplicity on top of trust will soon enable online travel companies to greatly simplify travel booking selections. With Google’s imminent entry into the online travel space, anyone should be asking; “How do we do this?” One answer may be to follow Movolo.
Inchon – Asia Games and Russia Ties Progress
In news from Inchon, South Korea, the Asia Games of 2014 mascots are announced. Also, a relic of the Russo-Japanese War ends up being the tie that may bind Russia and the Korean peninsula.
Fear Google – Trust Expedia
Google’s detractors huddle in Phoenix at this year’s PhoCusWright Conference to try an lobby allies. Fearing Google’s ITA acquisition will forever change the online travel game, some top travel execs seem willing to do anything to block the Internet’s biggest player.
The Decaying Orbit of Orbitz Online
With the holiday travel season upon us, and Google pushing online travel giants around, the best Orbitz can come up with is a mobile application and a drug store marketing deal. American Airlines is about to pull one of Orbitz’s biggest calling cards and the company is doing research about holiday airport traffic? Just what is up with this online travel giant leaves room for much speculation.
Tripit Still Shines If Not Altogether New
TripIt is without a doubt one of the most useful travel tools yet developed. But, can this fairly limited tool, regardless how slick, remain atop the travel app list forever? With an increased user base via Hotwire TripIt has so far fended off all competition, but one slip is all it will take for the next big thing to steamroll this startup. The larger question is, “Can simple modular applications be stand alone monetization models?”
Dopplr – Almost Off the Radar Now
Dopplr was one of the world’s most innovative and useful online travel tools. Since the Nokia acquisition however, a lot has changed apparently. The site has seen very few noticeable updates, and the user base seems to have fallen off drastically in the last few months. Can Dopplr achieve its former glossy appearance, or is it destined for the “dead pool”?
Where to Find the Best Travel Deals – Whodathunkit?
Argophilia takes a look at the cutting edge of online travel platforms. Today Besttraveldeals comes into view with a community determined to find the best travel prices and value. Despite the site’s community nature, the model does have its drawbacks.
American Airlines Gut Punches Orbitz
Travelport and Orbitz sue American Airlines over intended breakup of ticket sale deal. American wants exclusivity and no competition, while online travel companies demand choice for their customers. In what appears to be a move in protest of Travelport’s Southwest deal, AA aims to leverage their position. Meanwhile, Orbitz stocks tumble when they can afford it least.