Travel Inspiration

News / Startups

Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 startups of 2020

By Morgan Hines | October 16, 2023

Placemakr, ConnexPay, Life House, Futurestay, Questo, Worktrips and Cruisewatch update PhocusWire on what they’ve been up to since they were named part of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2020. Read More

News / Technology

Skyscanner unveils ChatGPT discovery tool

By Linda Fox | October 13, 2023

The solution, which is powered by ChatGPT, is initially launching in beta across Australia, India and Singapore to gauge traveler behavior when using AI for trip planning. Read More

News / Online

Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups of 2019

By Morgan Hines | October 9, 2023

Sanctifly, Stay22, Lumo, Beyond, TravelPerk and GuestReady update PhocusWire on what they’ve been up to since they were named part of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2019. Read More

News / Online

Instagram moments boosting importance of travel experiences

By Derek Catron | October 5, 2023

While experiences continue to gain importance in travel planning, factors such as limited online supply, weather and fixed pricing create disincentives to book far in advance. Read More

News / Startups

Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel

By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023

Dharma’s most recent partnership is with Paramount Global to offer travel experiences linked to the company’s hit Netflix show, “Emily in Paris.” Read More

News / Technology

Google, Expedia, Travelport and Wego on AI risks, opportunities

By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2023

In a session at WiT Singapore, executives from the four companies discussed concerns such as privacy, hallucinations and bias in relation to generative AI. Read More

News / Online

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi optimistic about its travel future

By Morgan Hines | October 3, 2023

Uber has seen a positive response to travel features it launched in the United Kingdom and is looking for ways to continue to expand the services. Read More

News / Online

Two new distributors tap TourRadar's API to sell organized adventures

By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2023

As experiences gain dominance in consumers' travel planning, LocalAdventures and Travlr are using TourRadar's API to offer thousands of options to their customers. Read More

News / Online

Poor security, clunky processes driving online hotel booking abandonment

By Linda Fox | September 25, 2023

Most important to consumers when booking accommodation online is an easy and secure booking and payment experience, 53%, followed by video and images of rooms and the property, 50%. Read More

News / Online

Paramount teams up with travel startup for "Emily in Paris" trips

By Morgan Hines | September 20, 2023

In this latest example of "set-jetting" initiatives, travel startup Dharma will manage the bookings, payments and guest experience for trips hosted by lifestyle influencers, called “Emileaders.” Read More

News / Online

Booking.com dominates review market share but is losing ground to Google

By Linda Fox | September 20, 2023

The Shiji Reviewpro Guest Experience Benchmark for Q2 2023 found overall consumer satisfaction with hotels is up but still trails 2019 levels. Read More

News / Technology

AI Insights: Generative AI to enhance the guest booking and stay experience

By PhocusWire | September 19, 2023

The Ascott's Tan Bee Leng answers our questions about the areas the hotel and serviced apartment company is applying generative artificial intelligence technology to. Read More

News / Online

Kayak, Tripadvisor on growing their in-house media studios

By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2023

In the last two years both Kayak and Tripadvisor have created content studios that are becoming a growing part of their overall businesses and spurring plans for future investment. Read More

News / Distribution

Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services

By Mitra Sorrells | September 15, 2023

The office supply retailer has offered TSA PreCheck and passport services for several years and is now talking to travel industry partners about expanding its offerings. Read More