If there is one thing concrete that we can say binds all of us, it is good old Terra firma herself. In a very real way, the Earth beneath all our feet, like our own humanity, can teach us a lot about one another. Maybe this is one reason travel is so fantastically popular – as human beings we a
travel tools
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?
Concur Invests Confidence and Money in Yapta
In travel technology news today, Concur, an integrated travel and expense management company, announced a $5 million dollar investment in the Yapta airfare and hotel rate tracking service. Accordingly, Cloncur will now use Yapta exclusively for their TripIt Pro user accounts.
Seasite Engages Business Cruising
Seasite.com, an online portal dedicated to business cruise events, has just released their latest version which allows planners added functionality. Like hotel sourcing portals Cvent and Starcite, Seasite aims to help planners course ship charters.
Preferred Hotel Group Picks RateGain for Intel
RateGain, a company whose BrandGain innovation we just covered on Argo News, has just announced Preferred Hotel Group’s adoption of their iRate advanced intelligence tool. RateGain’s cutting edge rate shopping system, combined with the hotel groups iRate program, will afford managers real time advantage across multiple channels.
Rick Steves Android App “Localizes” Europe Travelers
European travel guru Rich Steves has just announced the release of his new Android app, Rick Steves’ Audio Europe. For a heightened sightseeing experience, for destinations across Europe, Steves has created a groundbreaking new tool. Audio Europe is another piece in the perfect mobile travel toolbox.
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.
Travel Media Group Launches Edgy Marketing Tool
In travel technology news, Travel Media Group has just launched Travel Media Interactive, a so called next generation marketing and reputation management tool. A division of Dominion Enterprises, TMG is targeted at online marketing solutions for the travel industry.
GetYourGuide: Swiss Movement for Tours
Travel and tourism in the digital world is branching out in “pioneer” fashion more and more these days. One startup we took a look at today, GetYourGuide, illustrates vividly what is possible with the right people behind an endeavor. GetYourGuide, founded in 2008, is a development that has been hard at work becoming the digital world’s tour and specialty activity “go to” platform.
Oyster Travel Reviews’ Latest Pearl – Oyster Shots
Oyster.com, one of the most innovative travel review entities in the world, announces what they term “Oyster Shots” – a first ever photo powered hotel search engine.
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.
Boingo Takes Off with Gogo in an Airplane Under You
Yes, you read this title correctly. In mobile connectivity news today, leading edge Wi-Fi provider Boingo has penned a deal with industry leader Gogo, to provide digital services above 10,000 feet. Like most readers, scanning the first couple of lines of this press release made me wonder if some time off might be the best […]
Skyscanner Sets Sights on Asia Market
Travel search innovators Skyscanner, one of the world’s most useful travel search tools, has announced a year to year revenue increase of 75 percent. Also in their news, the company’s growth trajectory has also paved the way for expansion in Asia via operations in Singapore. With emerging markets being underutilized, can companies like Skyscanner gain a foothold?
RateGain Unveils Travel Branding Tool at HITEC 2011
In cutting edge travel technology bits, RateGain has launched their BrandGain guest satisfaction technology at HITEC 2011 in Austin, Texas. According to their news, the BrainGain technology extracts, scans, analyzes, and scores across the social spectrum providing crucial analytics for users. As anyone involved in “the digital revolution” should know by now, the sphere of engagement […]
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.
Argo Travel Tech: iGottaGuide
A new startup called iGottaGuide promises to show travelers a simpler and better way to book great tour experiences. On further study, it appears the development has a ways to go.
Monterey Wine Country Phone App is Vintage Useful
Browsing the news this morning, I ran across a very nice smart phone app that wineries in Europe could greatly benefit from. By emulating the functionality of one the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association created, other producers can add great visibility and value for their products digitally.
Seamlessly Topguest Hypes Best Western Union
Okay, I have finally had enough. Looking into the travel tech footlocker of startups out there, potential is about all there is out there at the moment. And for Best Western and a company called TopGuest, a bit of scornful ranting due from a Web 2.0 evangelist from the early days. The reason, someone out there in PR land still thinks everything needs to be “seamless” in its integration. BS
ChaCha Dances Another Round Around Search
Indianapolis based, real time search service ChaCha has just closed another round of funding. According to the press, the human powered search engine startup gained another $3 million from investors to further expand their mobile product. ChaCha has so far raised a total of $75 in funding since its launch in 2005.
Toktumi Line2 Delivers for iPhone
Toktumi’s Line2 application for the iPhone can save users time, aggravation, and best of all money. Line2 allows mobile users to hook up via Wi-Fi and VOIP networks when lost signal or even minutes are low. This is the first dual mode cell/VOIP application for iPhone.