Technology

Booking Holdings to acquire HotelsCombined

The deal will established a Booking Holdings presence in the Asia Pacific region for the first time

On the Beach reveals more details of Manchester 'digital HQ'

The OTA says the move will allow it to retain and attract talented digital operators while expanding its workforce to more than 500

Former dnata chief Andy Washington joins online start-up

Washington joins a raft of recent senior hires announced in April, when Culture Trip secured $80 million in Series B funding

British Airways trade distributor to offer NDC fares

Agents can buy airline tickets without BA’s distribution charge

The back office benefits of blockchain

Blockchain may be confusing, but tech experts say it could become an integral part of travel. Andrew Doherty learned more about the benefits for agents at TTI’s Summer Forum

Travel companies should share customer data for the benefit of all

Data sharing will give the customer a more seamless trip and help their happiness

Egypt aiming for 'seamless' travel with new e-visa system

Citizens of 46 countries across Europe, Asia and Australasia will now be able to obtain tourist visas online in advance

'Travel tech needs to have more of a ‘wow’ factor'

When was the last time a piece of new technology provoked a real “wow!” of amazement from you?

Tui says new greener aircraft key to environmental ambitions

The company’s 2017 sustainability report charts its efforts to operate Europe’s most carbon efficient airlines

Lastminute.com launches new microsite tool ContentHUB

The CMS allows digital marketers to quickly and easily created dedicated microsites for key content, complete with in-built advertising, SEO and mobile optimisation

Peter Whittle leaves Traveltek

He departs after 12 years with the travel technology specialist as it undergoes a sales management restructure

Proud Experiences: Blockchain being used to harness power of LGBT economy

The LGBT Token is being developed to help unlock the global spending power of the lucrative sector, delegates heard

How Virtuoso's Incubator start-ups will benefit the travel industry

Virtuoso’s Incubator programme ensures member agencies have access to the best technology in the industry. Five tech start-ups selected for 2018 tell Andrew Doherty how their applications will ultimately benefit travel agents

CruiseExcursions launches ‘industry first’ e-brochure tool

The company offers around 12,000 excursions at more than 700 ports worldwide

Balearic Islands to become 100% green by 2050

By 2050, the islands will be powered entirely by renewable energy - and will have eliminated all carbon dioxide emissions

Booking.com denies systems compromised after WhatsApp scam reports

A number of customers booking through a "separate portal" would be compensated after being caught out following a data breach

Personal touch can make sure travel stays human

There is a danger in dismissing potential future changes because previous predictions haven’t come to pass

Travix joins Amadeus’ NDC-X program

The online travel company will co-design an NDC-enabled solution to help OTAs deliver “more personalised" experiences

Loveholidays sells majority stake to private equity firm

Livingbridge has taken a majority stake in the OTA, the two groups confirmed on Tuesday (May 29)

Vamoos adds Flight-hub with Live Alerts feature

Vamoos tour operators will be able to add clients’ flights to the app and offer information such as schedule changes

Meet easyJet and Europcar's new, err, 'fly-ire car' fleet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVm14mpPfTc

Qantas launches agent platform to 'enhance customer experience'

The carrier’s Qantas Distribution Platform more closely aligns the functionality of indirect agent channels with the capabilities of its website

Riches quits Bedswithease

He leaves after 18 months with the business

Midcounties Co-operative Travel secures Travelport deal

The Midcounties Co-operative Travel has signed an agreement that will enable business travel bookings via Travelport