Travel Technology

Thayer, the best-known VC firm that invests in travel startups, is essentially merging with a newer fund called Derive. The deal is being pitched as a way to "drive innovation in travel tech," which is VC-speak for "we want to make money off the next big thing in travel apps."

Google is making a big step toward a world where a physical wallet is obsolete. And it beat competitor Apple in announcing plans to enable a digital passport.

How can hoteliers choose the right tech partnerships amid a plethora of options? A new study from ZS and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) provides insights on how to select partnerships strategically and make informed tech investments that achieve results.

Today’s travelers engage with TikTok to discover new destinations, travel tips, and itineraries through authentic videos that engage communities of like-minded visitors. But TikTok is no longer just the platform where users build their travel itineraries — it's also where travel brands are building their businesses.

The new iPhone is built so that users can ask AI about visuals with the click of a button. It's still early, but the ease of use means that the iPhone could win the race to become a future AI tour guide.

The age of AI has introduced a complicated and exciting duality of disruption and possibility in travel and hospitality. The traveler experience will become infinitely richer as travel and hospitality companies continue to mature, progress, and innovate in their digital capabilities.

Amadeus is the world’s largest intermediary between airlines and travel sellers, and there have been rumblings for years that companies in this space would become obsolete.

Direct bookings are surging, reshaping competition and requiring both OTAs and suppliers to precisely target and understand traveler preferences.

Turkish Airlines is ruffling feathers as it pushes for direct bookings starting in October. American Airlines failed an attempt for a similar strategy this year, which surely will inform the execution for Turkish.

Air traffic is expected to double from pre-pandemic levels by 2040. Airports need to prepare.