Online Travel News

Here’s what's latest in online travel news, focusing on key trends, technologies, and strategies influencing the booking landscape.

Discover the latest developments in booking platforms, the transformative role of AI and machine learning in creating personalized travel experiences, and the profound impact of mobile technology on consumer behavior.

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Highlighted topics include the growing role of user-generated content and reviews, as well as the impact of social media on online travel bookings.

Skift's online travel news offers essential insights, exploring the competitive landscape, including the successes and challenges faced by major online travel agencies (OTAs), emerging startups, and established travel companies evolving in the digital age.

Keep up with the ever-evolving online travel market and its implications for both industry professionals and consumers.

Thomas Reiner, partner of Altimeter Capital

Online Travel

Altimeter Capital Partner Says AI Will Transform Travel Search: 'It's Already Happening'

Thomas Reiner says the best case scenario for online travel agencies is that they lose commissions. And metasearch engines could become things of the past.

Justin Dawes | 3 weeks ago

Tourists taking photos during a bus tour in Dubai

Online Travel

GetYourGuide Shows European Commission How Google Should Fix Its Travel Ads

The European Commission may soon decide what Google must do to comply with the Digital Markets Act. In the experiences sector, GetYourGuide's proposed advertising changes may be an improvement for platforms and operators, but is the lack of price comparison among companies what travelers really want?

Dennis Schaal | 3 weeks ago

Three people sit on a stage at a Skift conference.

Online Travel

Kayak's CEO: First AI-Online Travel Deal Will Be Like 'A Dam Breaking'

There are huge stakes in how AI in travel will develop. And the truth is no one can say for certain at this point how it will play out.

Dennis Schaal | 3 weeks ago

The Indian hotel industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of nearly 14%.

Hotels

Oyo's New Rule: Unmarried Couples Not Allowed Hotel Stays in Meerut, More Cities Could Follow

Oyo’s new rule reflects a tricky balance between growing its business and meeting societal expectations. It might win local approval in some markets but could turn off younger, progressive travelers.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 3 weeks ago

Experiences

The Long Tail of Luxury Travel Rewards

Loyalty programs used to feel cookie-cutter — you had points, but your options were limited to a standard king-size suite or a business-class seat. Today, points let you dream bigger (and more luxe), whether it’s a secluded wellness retreat, a private cultural tour, or a completely custom vacation rental.

Capital One + Skift | 3 weeks ago

EaseMyTrip Leadership Change: Rikant Pittie Takes Over as CEO After His Brother Resigns

EaseMyTrip’s push into study tourism and EV manufacturing shows ambition to expand, but the leadership change and financial pressures leave questions about execution. Shareholders will be watching closely.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 3 weeks ago

Online Travel

Listings Were Never the Answer

We may be at an inflection point where the very nature of how we discover and book travel is being fundamentally reimagined – and listings are increasingly not the best answer.

Rafat Ali | 1 month ago

Hotels

Hotel Versus OTA Direct-Booking Tussle Will Shape Distribution for Years to Come

Will hotel websites become the dominant distribution channel for hotels by 2030, leaving online travel agencies behind? It could certainly happen. However, there are reasons that scenario might not take place. Let's discuss this again in five years.

Dennis Schaal | 1 month ago

Airlines

Capital A Seeks to Clear Distressed Status With $1.3B Capital Cut

Capital A is shifting its focus beyond aviation, aiming to build a stronger, more diverse revenue stream. This would also help the company rely less on the volatile aviation sector.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 1 month ago

Online Travel

Despegar to Be Acquired by Prosus for $1.7 Billion

Years ago, it appeared as though Expedia Group would be a likely buyer of Despegar since Expedia had taken a significant minority stake in the company. But Expedia backed away, and now Prosus is claiming the prize.

Dennis Schaal | 1 month ago