Automation

High-end homestay brand launches time-saving tool for luxury travel advisors

Onefinestay will give the 30,000 advisors it works with around the world exclusive access to its new booking portal.

Luxury travel boss warns AI misuse would be ‘outrage to luxury’

Little Emperors founder Rebecca Masri says AI has benefitted the luxury travel business, but vows it will never replace its human advisors.

Former Jetline and Forever Cruises bosses to open cruise and package division at Skylord Travel

Seven former Jetline Travel staff have moved to seat-only specialist Skylord Travel to set up a new cruise and holidays division

European ministers agree phased approach to new biometric border rules

The European Commission said the EES will be rolled out over a six-month period to avoid teething problems, but has not set a new date for the launch

Abta launches free AI helpline to help members use technology correctly

The helpline will provide 30-minute sessions on a wide range of topics such as AI risk, ethical guidelines and fairness

Lesser-known destinations and experiential travel emerge as key 2025 trends

70% of Brits would prefer to travel to new destinations, while two-thirds (66%) revealed they were more attracted to travel companies promoting lesser-known destinations

AI start-up enlists Danny Waine's help to launch to agents

SystemsX says it will make it easier for agents to handle enquiries and deliver personalised services by helping them narrow down their clients’ needs, and will also assist with back office efficiencies

Holidays Extras boss says AI can and will make agents' lives easier

Holiday Extras boss Matthew Pack tells TTG the company remains committed to the trade and will test the AI-driven technology on consumers before showing it to agents. The soon-to-be former owner has managed to secure an extra £10 million investment for expansion

Travel told to ramp up investment in AI infrastructure to halt lag in adoption

WTTC chief Julia Simpson called for governments at WTM London to kick start investment, regulation and infrastructure to ensure travel can become a leader in innovation with AI

Travel Counsellors offers agents live hotel booking capability

Travel Counsellors has upgraded its Phenix system to allow live hotel bookings and to show real-time availability as it searches for more accommodation partners

European Union confirms further delay to Entry-Exit System

The European Union has said the EES biometric registration scheme will now be phased in, with the 10 November deadline scrapped

Updated: EU reportedly ready to delay new biometric border rules again

France, Germany and the Netherlands are understood to have told the EU’s home affairs commissioner they won’t be ready to implement the new Entry-Exit System in full on the proposed 10 November launch date

Crystal Cruises to 'enhance' trade tools following launch of new booking engine

The ultra-luxury cruise line launched its new booking engine on 1 August, two years after it was acquired by A&K Travel Group

Global Travel Collection launches ‘time-saving’ social media programme for agents

The platform is designed to help the group’s advisors boost their social media content and find more leads

AI 'travel assistant' start-up seeks agents for free prototype test

An AI start-up aimed at agents is looking for 50 agents to test its new ’travel assistant’ concept, which it says will give the trade an edge when competing with OTAs and search engines

Gold Medal ‘to transform travel trade landscape’ with new booking platform

Gold Medal says it will cut agents’ admin with new technology tie-up with Inspiretec that will automate the inputting of booking data

'AI can't replace your un-Googleable knowledge,' agents told

Travel industry can’t afford to ’forget the human element’ as it adopts more and more AI tech, Amadeus’s Clare de Bono tells the 2024 ITT conference

Canadian Affair offers agents new search function on upgraded portal

Canadian Affair has added new functions to its website designed to enhance the booking process for agents

'Agents have to work harder to show Google their content is truly valuable – here's how'

Google’s algorithm change means agents have to work harder to show the search engine that their content is truly valuable, writes We Are Llama’s Mags Sikora for TTG

Everything you need to know about the upcoming EU border rules

Following years of delays, the much-discussed EU border schemes are set to be implemented over the next 12-18 months. Here’s all you need to know about it…

Delays inevitable following EU entry-exit rollout next year, Advantage boss warns

Advantage chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said it is likely there will be delays when the EU introduces biometric border checks next year

‘Digitise the predictable and humanise the experiential’ through AI, travel companies told

According to Thompson, using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT will help travel companies save precious time by streamlining bureaucratic processes

‘Agents swayed by AI must remember to keep a firm hand on the wheel’

Generative AI opens vistas of opportunity for travel marketers and agents, but caution must be taken before rushing into adopting technology just because others are, writes We Are Llama’s Mags Sikora for TTG

British Airways piloting new tech to resolve lost baggage more promptly

New system will allow cabin crew to inform passengers mid-flight if their bags don’t make a connection