Tourism and hospitality are facing deconstruct. Here’s an encapsulization of the coming battle for survival in a key global industry.
OTA
dnata Invests in AI by Aquiring Majority Stake in bd4travel
One of the world’s biggest air services providers, dnata has announced having acquired a majority stake in bd4travel (Big Data for Travel).
TripAdvisor Adds Tripbod to Acquisition Spree
Tripbod, a travel community that lets travelers connect with local experts, has been acquired by TripAdvisor.
Travelocity Introduces Free Concierge Services
In a move that’s sure to tempt travelers who appreciate everything being handed to them on a plate, Travelocity has become the first OTA to offer free concierge services to its customers.
MyTSOnline Takes Top UTA Honors
The United Travel Association has just named Travel Services (MyTSOnline) the top travel agency for the US. The member’s only service offers deep discounted prices for travel, hotels, condos, rental cars, and even cruises.
Digital Marketing System buuteeq Looking Up
News from budding marketing marvel buuteeq suggests their dital marketing system (DMS) for independent hotels is gaining momentum. Powering online reservartions online, on mobile, and via social media, the startup launched back in 2011 is now engaging hoteliers across 15 countries.
The Curious Case of Room Key
A news release yesterday via Business Wire tells of conglomerate hotel booking site Room Key’s coming out of Beta status. What’s curious about this news is not so much the fluffy nature of it, but claims of millions having flocked to the startup to book their hotel rooms. At least this is the feel of the announcement. A bit of one of those “non-event” specialties creative PR agencies excel at perhaps? What’s the real story?
Oktogo Outlines Vision for Russian Travel Sector
In yet another sign that year 2012 is going to be a very encouraging one for up-and-coming travel brands, Russian OTA Oktogo.ru has just announced a new dose of financing to the tune of $10 million, which it says it will use to revolutionize Russia’s travel sector.
1000 More Hotels Join Global Hotel Exchange
In online travel agency (OTA) news, the California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA) and the Independent Lodging Industry Association (ILIA) have added a thousand plus independent hotels to upstart booking platform Global Hotels Exchange (GHX). Even prior to the official launch of GHX, it appears many hotel owners and support organizations are willing to flock to the new channel.
Selling Soap, Seats, & Other Hospitality Services In 2012
An article on Tnooz last Friday peaked our interest, Xotels boss Patrick Landman offering up key variables in what will become the biggest online trade war ever. When Google, all the big corporate OTAs, and key independent online travel entities lock horns for a final round, a few will not be left standing.
Magnuson’s GHX Adopted by 1000’s Already
In news from PRWeb London, via Digital Journal, Thomas Magnuson’s Global Hotel Exchange (GHX) announced today thousands of hotels adopting the not even released new online travel agency (OTA).
US Travel Market Growth Predicted to Stall Next Year
Travel markets in the US have shown a marked improvement this year and are set to recover all the ground lost during the recession which began back in 2007, yet we shouldn’t get too excited as this growth is about to hit a brick wall, reports Travel Weekly.
Global Hotel Exchange Utilizes RateTiger Effect
On Tuesday, an new, independent OTA announced a strategical alignment with RateTiger. Global Hotel Exchange, a cost free distrubution channel for hotels to launch in January, will leverage the power of global hospitality technology provider Rate Tager and eRevMax.
Orbitz Future Hinges on Travelport Debt
In news from Chicago, the state court of appeals there upheld an earlier decision forcing American Airlines (AMR) to allow Orbitz to sell tickets for its flights. Orbritz, the US’s second largest online ticket seller, has for months been embroiled in dispute with AMR.
Travel Agents and the Status Quo of Extinction
President Obama’s projection about travel agents, and the potential for them becoming obscolete brought on a firestorm of criticism from who else? The ASTA of course. The American Society of Travel Agents took great offense and injury at comments that. Comments that. Were effectively accurate, that’s what.