Archives for April 2008

« March 2008 | May 2008 »


April 30, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Online is not the panacea for all distribution problems

TDS Asia 2008 Special

One of the most cost-effective methods of distribution – from a cost per transaction perspective – is online since the GDS and travel agent commissions do not apply.

Continue reading "Online is not the panacea for all distribution problems"

| Comments (1)


April 30, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

BA finalises partners for affiliate marketing account

British Airways has chosen TradeDoubler and LinkShare as its affiliate partners.

Continue reading "BA finalises partners for affiliate marketing account"

| Comments (0)


April 30, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Airline propagates solution to aviation emission problem

Aer Arann recently invested €180 million in a new fleet of ATR 72-500s and by 2009 the entire Aer Arann fleet will be brand new lower emission craft.

Continue reading "Airline propagates solution to aviation emission problem"

| Comments (0)


April 30, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Opodo allots its search marketing account to The Search Works

Pan-European online travel service Opodo has chosen London-based The Search Works to manage its search marketing.

Continue reading "Opodo allots its search marketing account to The Search Works"

| Comments (0)


April 30, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

HRG chooses Galileo as its global GDS partner

A new, long-term, global agreement has been signed by Galileo GDS and Hogg Robinson Group (HRG).

Continue reading "HRG chooses Galileo as its global GDS partner"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Travelzoo's international operations tipped to continue recording losses in 2009

Travelzoo Inc. posted $1.0 million in net loss in the first quarter, with diluted loss per share of $(0.07), down from diluted earnings per share of $0.25 in the prior-year period.

Continue reading "Travelzoo's international operations tipped to continue recording losses in 2009"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Podcast: Tim ‘The BOOT’ Hughes talks to EyeforTravel

Tim Hughes of The BOOT and VP Commercial at HotelClub.com talks to EyeforTravel on his thoughts chairing our Sales and Marketing in Travel Asia-Pacific 2008 conference taking place on 29-30th July in Sydney.

Continue reading "Podcast: Tim ‘The BOOT’ Hughes talks to EyeforTravel"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Vanguard's new lawsuit lacks merit: Orbitz

Online travel company Orbitz has termed Vanguard Car Rental's lawsuit as a "baseless" one.

Continue reading "Vanguard's new lawsuit lacks merit: Orbitz"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Ryanair to increase baggage fees until half of passengers check-in online

Ryanair has announced that airline's checked in baggage fee will rise from €9 to €10 while airport check-in fees will increase from €4 to €5.

Continue reading "Ryanair to increase baggage fees until half of passengers check-in online"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Europcar commences first direct operations outside of Europe

Europcar has entered into an agreement to acquire the Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries of ECA Car Rental, which operates its "Master Franchise" within the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "Europcar commences first direct operations outside of Europe"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Popularity of Hostelworld.com's pdf guides exemplifies tech-savvy backpacker's lifestyle

Hostelworld.com reached a significant milestone as it witnessed 1 millionth download of its Pocket Guide  from the site.

Continue reading "Popularity of Hostelworld.com's pdf guides exemplifies tech-savvy backpacker's lifestyle"

| Comments (0)


April 29, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Ryanair promotes Sinead Finn

Low-fare airline Ryanair has appointed Sinead Finn as Director of Commercial Revenue.

Continue reading "Ryanair promotes Sinead Finn"

| Comments (0)


April 28, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"Consumers will be seeking different types of UGC at different times"

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

Even as the industry acknowledges that travel companies must be very clear in their objectives before they proceed with features such as videos, blogs or other UGC, from consumers' perspective, what is their preference when they associate themselves with UGC?

Continue reading ""Consumers will be seeking different types of UGC at different times""

| Comments (0)


April 28, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Eos files for bankruptcy

Eos has filed for bankruptcy in the US Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York.

Continue reading "Eos files for bankruptcy"

| Comments (0)


April 28, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Continental chooses not to merge

Continental Airlines' Board of Directors has decided not to merge with another airline at this time considering the current industry environment.

Continue reading "Continental chooses not to merge"

| Comments (0)


April 28, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

American Express introduces an online travel community for its Cardmembers

American Express has launched www.membersknow.com, an online travel community for its card members to share travel insights from their personal travel experiences and knowledge.

Continue reading "American Express introduces an online travel community for its Cardmembers"

| Comments (0)


April 28, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

easyJet's API connected to LOW.FARE

Partners Software has signed an agreement with easyJet to connect to low-fare airline's Application Programming Interface (API) via its leading product LOW.FARE.

Continue reading "easyJet's API connected to LOW.FARE"

| Comments (0)


April 25, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Google – ‘It’s not a pay to play model’

Google’s decision to change it’s trade mark policy in Europe will ‘hopefully not affect the time you have spent building your brand’  said Google USA’s, MD of Advertising & Marketing, Rob Torres. 

Continue reading "Google – ‘It’s not a pay to play model’"

| Comments (0)


April 25, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

GlobalCollect opens its Asia-Pacific office in Singapore

Leveraging its experience in setting up online payment processing platforms across Europe and in the US, GlobalCollect has opened its office in Singapore to cater to an increasing demand for e-payment solutions across the region.

Continue reading "GlobalCollect opens its Asia-Pacific office in Singapore"

| Comments (0)


April 25, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Direct Mail isn't dead but email is becoming a favoured vehicle for communication

Direct mail is not being replaced by email marketing, according to media monitoring service Mintel Comperemedia.

Continue reading "Direct Mail isn't dead but email is becoming a favoured vehicle for communication"

| Comments (0)


April 25, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

VFM Interactive completes $13.5 million financing

VFM Interactive Inc. has completed its $13.5 million financing to support its ongoing expansion.

Continue reading "VFM Interactive completes $13.5 million financing"

| Comments (0)


April 25, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Northwest transforms its online presence

Northwest Airlines has enhanced its website NWA.com, focusing on fulfilling consumers wide-ranging travel needs via a full-service booking engine.

Continue reading "Northwest transforms its online presence"

| Comments (0)


April 25, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Lufthansa opts for UK and Ireland for its mobile services

Lufthansa has chosen the UK and Ireland as the key launch market for its pioneering mobile services product.

Continue reading "Lufthansa opts for UK and Ireland for its mobile services"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Creating a distribution technology roadmap for independent hotels

For any accommodation provider, large or small, it is now practically impossible to ignore the internet as a distribution and marketing channel. Competition is rife and hotels with the best marketing and distribution reach dominate. However, whilst the large chains have huge budgets and strong brand recognition, smaller players need to be highly resourceful and innovative in order to harness the distribution power that the internet provides.

Continue reading "Creating a distribution technology roadmap for independent hotels"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Free information packed seminars covering all aspects of travel pricing, online marketing, and distribution technology 20-21 May

Last year over 1000 travel marketing, pricing and technology executives benefitted from the free solutions seminars held at our annual Travel Distribution Summit. Demand was very high and many seminars were oversubscribed. At this year’s event, taking place on 20-21 May, we are planning even more seminars, but you’ll still need to get in quickly to guarantee your place.

Continue reading "Free information packed seminars covering all aspects of travel pricing, online marketing, and distribution technology 20-21 May"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Kuoni Group chooses Peter Rothwell as its CEO

Peter Rothwell has been appointed as CEO, Kuoni starting 1 January 2009.  Until the end of 2007, he served as the Deputy Chief Executive of TUI Travel Ltd. and as a Member of the Board of Directors at TUI AG.

Continue reading "Kuoni Group chooses Peter Rothwell as its CEO"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Developing a way for forum replies to be converted into tips with just a click

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

Every month more than 5.5 million unique users utilise VirtualTourist to figure out where they want to take their next vacation, and what they want to do once they get there.

Continue reading "Developing a way for forum replies to be converted into tips with just a click"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Only 21% of Britons book their breaks using a travel agent: survey

Highlighting the current trend of use of the Internet for booking, a new survey has shared that 58% of people prefer to book online, while just 21% go through a retailer.

Continue reading "Only 21% of Britons book their breaks using a travel agent: survey"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Dohop.com flight search engine's Chinese version unveiled

Dohop Ltd. has launched the Chinese version of its flight search engine. The initiative follows the recent launch of the Japanese version of travel technology company's Dohop.com Flight Planner.

Continue reading "Dohop.com flight search engine's Chinese version unveiled"

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Google makes steady progress in China

China search engine market size (excluding the revenue from the channel) has reached CNY 922 million in the first quarter of 2008, down 3% over the previous quarter.

Continue reading "Google makes steady progress in China "

| Comments (0)


April 24, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Significance of most up to date hotel description on the Internet

By Hans Jürgen Rüffert, Revway

A homepage works like the information board of a hotel. Therefore, it is especially important to always keep the contents of the Internet pages the most up to date.

Continue reading "Significance of most up to date hotel description on the Internet"

| Comments (0)


April 23, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Eyefortravel is hiring! - We are looking for a Research Analyst / Manager Job

We’re looking for a Research Analyst/Manager to start as soon as possible.   

Continue reading "Eyefortravel is hiring! - We are looking for a Research Analyst / Manager Job"

| Comments (0)


April 23, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Favourable response for Expedia QuickConnect results in more scalable sales solutions

Travel Distribution Europe Special: Interview with Cameron Jones, Expedia

It was in mid-2007 when Expedia had introduced its connectivity product called Expedia QuickConnect (EQC), which allows hotels to connect directly to Expedia from their PMS or CRS, bypassing traditional incremental distribution costs.

Continue reading "Favourable response for Expedia QuickConnect results in more scalable sales solutions"

| Comments (0)


April 23, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Profitability of Delta-Northwest in year one would depend upon fuel prices

The chiefs of Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. expect to receive antitrust approval from the Justice Department for their proposed merger.

Continue reading "Profitability of Delta-Northwest in year one would depend upon fuel prices"

| Comments (0)


April 23, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Significant amount of confusion surrounding e-tickets

By Cheapflights.co.uk general manager Francesca Ecsery

Continue reading "Significant amount of confusion surrounding e-tickets"

| Comments (0)


April 23, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Starwood focuses on monitoring consumer-generated content reviews

Standing Dog Interactive has signed an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide to monitor consumer-generated content reviews, videos and images.

Continue reading "Starwood focuses on monitoring consumer-generated content reviews"

| Comments (0)


April 23, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

QuadLabs introduces online marketplace for travel agents

Travel technology specialist QuadLabs has launched Farepool.com, an online service that helps travel agents access the best deals from multiple suppliers at one place.

Continue reading "QuadLabs introduces online marketplace for travel agents"

| Comments (0)


April 22, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

WAYN.com to launch travel insurance on Moneysupermarket.com

Following the recent launch of its travel insurance product, WAYN.com (Where Are You Now?) intends to compete with leading travel insurance providers on UK's comparison site moneysupermarket.com.

Continue reading "WAYN.com to launch travel insurance on Moneysupermarket.com"

| Comments (0)


April 22, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Eos Airlines secures $50 million of capital

Eos Airlines, the premium New York to London carrier, has agreed to a term sheet outlining the terms on which Eos will secure an additional $50 million in capital from a current investor.

Continue reading "Eos Airlines secures $50 million of capital"

| Comments (0)


April 22, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

VRX ties up with Pegasus, expands Athena's global distribution reach

VRX Studios Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement with Pegasus Solutions, Inc., enabling the distribution of its HD rich media hotel content through Pegasus' Online Distribution Database.

Continue reading "VRX ties up with Pegasus, expands Athena's global distribution reach"

| Comments (0)


April 22, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Venere.com signs agreement with Derbysoft

European accommodation site Venere.com has signed a new agreement with Derbysoft that allows the leading Asian Channel Manager's travel agencies portfolio to resell Venere's hotels to their customers.

Continue reading "Venere.com signs agreement with Derbysoft"

| Comments (0)


April 22, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Cleartrip secures India's largest round of venture funding

Mumbai-based online travel agency Cleartrip recently received $18.5 million in venture funding, making this the largest round of venture funding in 2008 – according to India Venture Capital Report.

Continue reading " Cleartrip secures India's largest round of venture funding "

| Comments (0)


April 22, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Air Berlin Group expands its reach by signing deal with Expedia

Expedia, Inc. has signed a new multi-year agreement with Air Berlin Group.

Continue reading "Air Berlin Group expands its reach by signing deal with Expedia"

| Comments (0)


April 21, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Creating a distribution technology roadmap for independent hotels

For any accommodation provider, large or small, it is now practically impossible to ignore the internet as a distribution and marketing channel. Competition is rife and hotels with the best marketing and distribution reach dominate. However, whilst the large chains have huge budgets and strong brand recognition, smaller players need to be highly resourceful and innovative in order to harness the distribution power that the internet provides.

Continue reading "Creating a distribution technology roadmap for independent hotels"

| Comments (0)


April 21, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"Consumers are increasingly putting a premium on authenticity and convenience"

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

With the "always on" evolution of media, the world is a much more transparent place today than it was five years ago, according to VibeAgent Inc.'s Co-founder & CEO Adam Healey.

Continue reading ""Consumers are increasingly putting a premium on authenticity and convenience""

| Comments (0)


April 21, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Japanese version of Dohop.com Flight Planner launched

Travel technology company Dohop Ltd. has launched the Japanese version of Dohop.com Flight Planner, a  flight search engine.

Continue reading "Japanese version of Dohop.com Flight Planner launched"

| Comments (0)


April 21, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Aer Lingus to honour £4 flights, glitch to cost about £790,000

Aer Lingus has agreed to honour £4 (€5) flights to the US, in a reversal of its earlier decision not to honour transatlantic flights bought on its website for just £4.

Continue reading "Aer Lingus to honour £4 flights, glitch to cost about £790,000"

| Comments (0)


April 21, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Travelport launches advanced emissions reporting tool

Travelport has introduced an advanced post-booking reporting tool, Travelport Carbon Tracker, designed for travel agencies and corporations to address the growing demand to measure and report carbon emissions as part of a sustainable travel programme.

Continue reading "Travelport launches advanced emissions reporting tool "

| Comments (0)


April 21, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Travel Ad Network raises $15 million

Travel Ad Network (TAN) has closed a Series A round of financing. The $15 million round was led by Rho Ventures, Village Ventures and individual investors.

Continue reading "Travel Ad Network raises $15 million"

| Comments (0)


April 18, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Priority Club Rewards welcomes 20,000 members every month in Greater China

InterContinental Hotels Group's Priority Club Rewards has surpassed one million members mark in Greater China.

Continue reading "Priority Club Rewards welcomes 20,000 members every month in Greater China"

| Comments (0)


April 18, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hilton Caribbean creates page on YouTube, shares official videos

Hilton Caribbean has introduced a page on video sharing website YouTube.com, where users can upload, view and share clips.

Continue reading "Hilton Caribbean creates page on YouTube, shares official videos"

| Comments (0)


April 18, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hilton Caribbean creates page on YouTube, shares official videos

Hilton Caribbean has introduced a page on video sharing website YouTube.com, where users can upload, view and share clips.

Continue reading "Hilton Caribbean creates page on YouTube, shares official videos"

| Comments (0)


April 18, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

TripIt receives $5.1m investment, to expand globally

Online travel organiser and social network TripIt has received $5.1 million in Series B financing from three  investors: Sabre Holdings, O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures and European Founders Fund.

Continue reading "TripIt receives $5.1m investment, to expand globally"

| Comments (0)


April 18, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Flybe installs 64 Selfserv kiosks, plans mobile phone check-in

European low-cost regional airline Flybe has completed the installation of 64 new self service electronic check-in kiosks at regional airports across the UK.

Continue reading "Flybe installs 64 Selfserv kiosks, plans mobile phone check-in"

| Comments (0)


April 18, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Microsoft acquires Farecast, reported price tag: $115m

Travel search site Farecast has confirmed that it has been acquired by Microsoft.

Continue reading "Microsoft acquires Farecast, reported price tag: $115m "

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Ambitious Middle Eastern expansion continues

The Middle East is the fastest growing destination in the world offering countless opportunities as a luxury market. The growth and popularity of this region continues to snowball every year, with 1.4 million people travelling with Etihad alone in the first three months of this year- 40% more than last year.

Continue reading "Ambitious Middle Eastern expansion continues"

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hotels.com, ICHG, Hyatt and Priceline Convene to Discuss the Latest Online Marketing Trends in Chicago this Summer

Find out how to harness the power of social media and track your marketing campaigns at EyeforTravel’s annual marketing forum: Online Marketing in Travel, this year, being held in Chicago at the Downtown Marriott, on 25-26 June

Continue reading "Hotels.com, ICHG, Hyatt and Priceline Convene to Discuss the Latest Online Marketing Trends in Chicago this Summer"

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"Prospects of Delta/ Northwest merger occurring probably not even as good as 50%": CAPA

Post the announcement of Delta and Northwest merger, the shares of two airlines slid on concerns about buyout obstacles and costs.

Continue reading ""Prospects of Delta/ Northwest merger occurring probably not even as good as 50%": CAPA"

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

China International Travel Service to list key assets: media

China International Travel Service (CITS) is expected to list key assets in Shanghai as early as June to help fund its expansion.

Continue reading "China International Travel Service to list key assets: media "

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

VRX offers new solution for content distribution challenges

VRX Studios Inc. has introduced a rich media content distribution model, Athena, that combines value-based pricing with unprecedented flexibility and coverage of hotels, destinations and cruise ships.

Continue reading "VRX offers new solution for content distribution challenges"

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Understanding role of mobile in overall communication strategy

Mantic Point is offering a free e-Book related to development of a mobile strategy for travel companies, as the company launches a consultancy service to help airlines, travel agents, and tour operators develop their mobile strategy.

Continue reading "Understanding role of mobile in overall communication strategy"

| Comments (0)


April 17, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

OpenSkies opts for integration of traditional and non-traditional methods of distribution

OpenSkies has chosen Orlando-based Radixx International, Inc. for its reservation and airline management systems. The new airline from British Airways expects to launch this summer.

Continue reading "OpenSkies opts for integration of traditional and non-traditional methods of distribution"

| Comments (0)


April 16, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"We will review our strategic alternatives": Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines has acknowledged that the Delta/Northwest merger will change the competitive landscape for Continental and the entire airline industry.

Continue reading ""We will review our strategic alternatives": Continental Airlines"

| Comments (0)


April 16, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"There is no greater sin than not having a robust and scalable data management strategy"

Revenue and Pricing Strategies in Travel, TDS Europe 2008 Special

The integration of customer data into the day-to-day operations of Revenue Management is a slow process and extremely challenging one, both in terms of technology and people.

Continue reading ""There is no greater sin than not having a robust and scalable data management strategy""

| Comments (0)


April 16, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Virgin America signs deal with Priceline.com

Priceline.com and Virgin America have signed multi-year distribution partnership agreement, providing the online travel agency with access to California-based carrier's published fares, schedules and inventory.

Continue reading "Virgin America signs deal with Priceline.com"

| Comments (0)


April 16, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

MakeMyTrip.com upgrades its international flight-booking engine

Online travel portal MakeMyTrip has upgraded its search engine for air tickets, providing up to 200 ready-to-book flight options to any international destination.

Continue reading "MakeMyTrip.com upgrades its international flight-booking engine"

| Comments (1)


April 16, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

TripAdvisor reaches 15 million reviews and opinions

Travel community TripAdvisor now features 15 million reviews and opinions, up from 10 million in June 2007.

Continue reading "TripAdvisor reaches 15 million reviews and opinions"

| Comments (0)


April 16, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Cheapflights chooses Mo Bulbrook as new head of international

Cheapflights Ltd. has chosen its senior vice president Mo Bulbrook as new head of international. Bulbrook has been with Cheapflights for seven years.

Continue reading "Cheapflights chooses Mo Bulbrook as new head of international"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Delta and Northwest combine to create America's premier global airline

Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corporation have signed an agreement in which the two carriers will combine in an all-stock transaction with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, creating America's premier global airline.

Continue reading "Delta and Northwest combine to create America's premier global airline"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

easyJet signs distribution deal with Multicom

Travel technology specialist Multicom has signed a deal with easyJet to use its booking Application Programming Interface.

Continue reading "easyJet signs distribution deal with Multicom"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Asia traveler operators call for price sensitive strategies

TDS Asia 2008 Special

Revenue management alone without sensitivity to the impact of price on demand will fail to successfully drive business in 2008, according JDA Software Group, Inc.

Continue reading "Asia traveler operators call for price sensitive strategies"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Scandanavian Airlines to save $3.6m by outsourcing voice services

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has chosen SITA as the sole provider of the airline's international voice telecommunication services, choosing a fully-managed end-to-end voice solution.

Continue reading "Scandanavian Airlines to save $3.6m by outsourcing voice services"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Orbitz localises holiday planning experience with live destination specialists

Orbitz has introduced live destination specialists for select vacation hotspots, who are available to assist online bookers in planning their vacation.

Continue reading "Orbitz localises holiday planning experience with live destination specialists"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Lonely Planet launches travel video channel on YouTube

Lonely Planet has recently launched a travel Channel (www.youtube.com/lonelyplanet) on online video community YouTube.

Continue reading "Lonely Planet launches travel video channel on YouTube"

| Comments (0)


April 15, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Farecast sold in $75 million deal: media

Travel search site Farecast has reportedly been sold in a deal that values the company at more than $75 million.

Continue reading "Farecast sold in $75 million deal: media "

| Comments (0)


April 14, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

MSC Cruises partners Indiatimes travel

Indiatimes Travel has tied up with Italy's cruise line Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in a deal  described by the Indian online travel portal as the first-of-its-kind strategic alliance.

Continue reading "MSC Cruises partners Indiatimes travel"

| Comments (0)


April 14, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

UBS predicts plunge in British Airways' profits: media

British Airways' joint broker UBS has issued the most bearish profits forecasts yet for the airline's next financial year, underlining the challenges facing the flag carrier's embattled chief executive Willie Walsh.

Continue reading "UBS predicts plunge in British Airways' profits: media"

| Comments (0)


April 14, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"Where Oasis has failed, others will prosper": CAPA

Post the recent entry of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines into voluntary liquidation after 17 months of service, concerns have been raised about the viability of the low cost long-haul model.

Continue reading ""Where Oasis has failed, others will prosper": CAPA"

| Comments (0)


April 14, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Amadeus brings together three leisure technology businesses

Amadeus has created a new unit to provide tools for international leisure distribution.

Continue reading "Amadeus brings together three leisure technology businesses"

| Comments (0)


April 14, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

AOL Germany to recommend Travelzoo Top 20 newsletter

Internet media company Travelzoo has formed a strategic marketing alliance with AOL Germany, an  Internet network with over five million unique users per month.

Continue reading "AOL Germany to recommend Travelzoo Top 20 newsletter"

| Comments (0)


April 11, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"I believe that individual hotels have lost out on technology and support costs"

Travel Distribution Europe Special: Interview with Andrew Rubinacci, IHG

Traditional considerations for choosing a particular distribution channel and optimising channel profitability include booking fees, credit card fees and commission fees. 

Continue reading ""I believe that individual hotels have lost out on technology and support costs""

| Comments (0)


April 11, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

"We see TripIt as a small example of how the Semantic Web is developing"

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

It was in September last year when TripIt (www.tripit.com), the first online service that automatically organises all of travel information into a master travel itinerary – no matter where you booked, was introduced.

Continue reading ""We see TripIt as a small example of how the Semantic Web is developing""

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Fierce competition in the Asia Pacific travel market

Online travel in Asia Pacific – already a huge market – is growing at an unprecedented rate towards its potential which exceeds any other market on the planet.  Asia Pacific already has the highest number of internet users worldwide and this is set to almost double by 2012 – in the same period ecommerce sales will triple. 

Continue reading "Fierce competition in the Asia Pacific travel market"

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

EyeforTravel launches European Social Media in Travel conference

Following the success of our inaugural Social Media Strategies in Travel conference held early this year in San Francisco, EyeforTravel is launching a European version of the event to be held in Berlin, 14-15 October.

Continue reading "EyeforTravel launches European Social Media in Travel conference"

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Expedia focuses on corporate travel services in China

Expedia is reportedly formally bringing its corporate travel services to China.

Continue reading "Expedia focuses on corporate travel services in China"

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

FastBooking signs agreement with Bezurk.com

Travel search engine Bezurk.com has signed a marketing partnership with FastBooking, a provider of advanced Internet Booking Systems and e-marketing Services for the hospitality industry.

Continue reading "FastBooking signs agreement with Bezurk.com "

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Silverjet launches mobile website

Silverjet has introduced Silverjet Mobile, described as "the UK's first full-service mobile airline website."

Continue reading "Silverjet launches mobile website"

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

HUBS1 collaborates with Venere.com

Venere.com, an online hotel reservations provider specialising in European accommodation, has signed a partnership agreement with HUBS1, a distribution platform which connects more than 2000 hotels in China including Jin Jiang Hotel Group with global travel distributors.

Continue reading "HUBS1 collaborates with Venere.com"

| Comments (1)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hong Kong budget airline in liquidation

Hong Kong budget airline Oasis has stopped flying and has announced it had gone into liquidation.

Continue reading "Hong Kong budget airline in liquidation "

| Comments (0)


April 10, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hostelworld.com to allows users with PayPal accounts to pay online

Hostelworld.com has added PayPal as a payment method for its customers.

Continue reading "Hostelworld.com to allows users with PayPal accounts to pay online"

| Comments (0)


April 9, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

React decisively to any discrepancy between the official and unofficial content

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

The travel industry is using social media monitoring solutions, which track and analyse all forms of social media, including blog sites, top video-sharing sites and opinion review forums.

Continue reading "React decisively to any discrepancy between the official and unofficial content"

| Comments (1)


April 9, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Building trusted relationship via top social networking websites

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

According to data available, users are spending on an average of 30 minutes on top social networking websites on a monthly basis in the US.

Continue reading "Building trusted relationship via top social networking websites"

| Comments (0)


April 8, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Assessing opportunities on social networking sites from OTA perspective

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

How can an online travel agency make judicious use of social networking sites for building its profile and other opportunities?

Continue reading "Assessing opportunities on social networking sites from OTA perspective"

| Comments (0)


April 8, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Long-term business case for travel and social networking has not been established

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

There are several opportunities for Travel 2.0 within social networking sites, such as engaging travelers with various entertainment or tactical travel tools, according to Diane Clarkson, Travel Analyst, JupiterResearch.

Continue reading "Long-term business case for travel and social networking has not been established"

| Comments (0)


April 7, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Teleticket launches new email facility for agents

Flight consolidator Teleticket has launched a new email facility to enable them to offer a quicker and more efficient service to all of their agents.

Continue reading "Teleticket launches new email facility for agents"

| Comments (0)


April 7, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Scandinavian travel search engines forays into UK

Danish company Travelmarket has launched www.travelmarket.co.uk, a UK version of Scandinavia's largest independent travel search engine.

Continue reading "Scandinavian travel search engines forays into UK"

| Comments (0)


April 7, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Expedia develops a co-branded offering for fish4holidays.co.uk users

Expedia Distribution and fish4.co.uk, the UK's largest classified website for jobs, homes and cars, have formed a new partnership to create fish4holidays; an online one-stop-shop for consumers to source and book hotel accommodation and packages .

Continue reading "Expedia develops a co-branded offering for fish4holidays.co.uk users"

| Comments (0)


April 7, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Travelport GDS acquires software assets and intellectual property from G2 SwitchWorks

Travelport GDS has entered into an agreement with G2 SwitchWorks Corp. under which it has acquired certain software assets and intellectual property to be used in the development of a future Travelport agent desktop solution.

Continue reading "Travelport GDS acquires software assets and intellectual property from G2 SwitchWorks"

| Comments (0)


April 4, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Terminal 5 chaos to cost British Airways £16m

British Airways reportedly disclosed a 5% fall in business-class passengers last month and a £16 million bill for the chaotic opening of Terminal 5 (T5).

Continue reading "Terminal 5 chaos to cost British Airways £16m"

| Comments (0)


April 4, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Alitalia names new chairman, urges Air France to revive talks

The Italian government vowed Thursday to keep its planes flying despite the collapse of talks with Air France-KLM, the sole remaining bidder for the money-losing carrier.

Continue reading "Alitalia names new chairman, urges Air France to revive talks"

| Comments (1)


April 4, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Expedia to be the exclusive travel booking provider for PlanetOut websites

Online travel company Expedia.com has partnered with PlanetOut Inc., a media company exclusively serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Continue reading "Expedia to be the exclusive travel booking provider for PlanetOut websites"

| Comments (0)


April 4, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Lemon Tree Hotels valued at over US$500 million

Shinsei Bank Limited and Kotak Realty Funds have jointly invested US$30 million in Indian hotel company Lemon Tree Hotels for an equity stake of 5.9%, thereby valuing Lemon Tree Hotels at over US$ 500 million.

Continue reading "Lemon Tree Hotels valued at over US$500 million"

| Comments (0)


April 4, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Amadeus to allow airlines to act like true retailers

Amadeus has unveiled its Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform, one which will transform company's global distribution system from a purely distribution channel to a retailing platform.

Continue reading "Amadeus to allow airlines to act like true retailers"

| Comments (0)


April 3, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Over 550 attendees already signed up for Travel Distribution Summit – click here to see a full list

“Registrations are coming in at a far faster rate than in 2007, so we are expecting to easily exceed the 1800 attendees we attracted last year. But most importantly, the majority of attendees are senior executives making this the world’s biggest annual meeting place to network with online travel decision makers” Tim Gunstone, MD, EyeforTravel

Continue reading "Over 550 attendees already signed up for Travel Distribution Summit – click here to see a full list"

| Comments (0)


April 3, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Balancing gripping consumer experience with valuable business application on 2.0 sites

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

Travel suppliers and intermediaries have started to partner social networking sites, integrating relevant content from such sites. 

Continue reading "Balancing gripping consumer experience with valuable business application on 2.0 sites"

| Comments (0)


April 3, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Travel suppliers have to become "producers of fresh online content"

Social Media Strategies Travel 2008 Special

Web 2.0 and social media represent a new dynamic in communication by allowing consumers to drive the content.

Continue reading "Travel suppliers have to become "producers of fresh online content""

| Comments (0)


April 3, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

US airlines to lose more than $1b in 2008: media

The US airline industry is being tipped to lose more than $1 billion this year due to high fuel prices and likely fare cuts as a result of slackening demand, but liquidity for major airlines was sufficient for now, according to a report.

Continue reading "US airlines to lose more than $1b in 2008: media"

| Comments (0)


April 3, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Rate Tiger enhances online customer support

Rate Tiger has strengthened its online customer support as the online distribution and revenue management specialist introduced website redesign offering 'live chat' to all prospective and existing customers.

Continue reading "Rate Tiger enhances online customer support"

| Comments (0)


April 2, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hertz to offer a range of travel products on its site

In what is being described as a car rental industry first, Hertz has launched a one-stop shop for booking the ultimate holiday experience including car hire and travel extras. Hertz has teamed up with a number of partners for the same.

Continue reading "Hertz to offer a range of travel products on its site"

| Comments (0)


April 2, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hertz shares move downwards on projected lower profits

Share price of Hertz Global Holdings Inc. dropped on worries that lower demand for rental vehicles and a possible drop in used-car values could result in lower profits.

Continue reading "Hertz shares move downwards on projected lower profits"

| Comments (0)


April 2, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

LCCs call for shake-up of EU air traffic control

A group of low-cost European airlines have reportedly called for a broad shake-up of the way that air traffic is managed in Europe's crowded skies, citing big gains for the environment and consumers.

Continue reading "LCCs call for shake-up of EU air traffic control"

| Comments (0)


April 2, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Vueling to start merger talks with Clickair

Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling has agreed to start merger talks with rival Clickair.

Continue reading "Vueling to start merger talks with Clickair "

| Comments (0)


April 2, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Desiya strengthens its distribution network by adding 2500 agents

India's top online hotel consolidator Desiya.com has added 2500 travel agents in a short span of nine months.

Continue reading "Desiya strengthens its distribution network by adding 2500 agents"

| Comments (0)


April 1, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

VEGAS.com Assumes Operations of Mexico.com

(LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2008) – In a deal announced today, VEGAS.com, the #1 city site in the world, has entered into a joint venture with Mexico.com to run the site’s operations and marketing with the intention of bolstering tourism to Mexico. The new Mexico travel site launched March 31 and features air-hotel packages, hotels, cruises, tours and attractions and will provide expert content and advice for travelers.

Continue reading "VEGAS.com Assumes Operations of Mexico.com "

| Comments (0)


April 1, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Europcar tops €2 billion-mark in revenues

Car rental company Europcar has shared that its group revenues surged from €1,544 million in 2006 to €2,047 million in 2007, representing a 32.6% increase.

Continue reading "Europcar tops €2 billion-mark in revenues"

| Comments (0)


April 1, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

Hotelopia signs deal with Gulf Air in the Middle East

Online hotel booking specialist Hotelopia has signed an airline partnership with Gulf Air to provide accommodation services on www.gulfair.com.

Continue reading "Hotelopia signs deal with Gulf Air in the Middle East"

| Comments (0)


April 1, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

New online travel community designed for Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty members

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched an online travel community yatt'it.

Continue reading "New online travel community designed for Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty members"

| Comments (0)


April 1, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

hotel.de AG launches international evaluation and booking platform

Online hotel reservation services provider hotel.de AG acquired all rights for the domain www.hotel.info and thereby took over hotel.info HI GmbH.

Continue reading "hotel.de AG launches international evaluation and booking platform"

| Comments (0)


April 1, 2008 | Permalink | m-Travel.com

easyJet completes GB integration, achieves Euro operating certificate

easyJet has successfully completed the operational integration of GB Airways, with the enlarged airline being first major in Europe to operate under the new European operating certificates.

Continue reading "easyJet completes GB integration, achieves Euro operating certificate"

| Comments (0)