Kate Harden-England

💵 Hospitable launched a new split payments capability for property managers, facilitating revenue sharing on Vrbo and direct bookings. Available since September 2026, this tool simplifies revenue division at check-in, eliminating manual processes. Previously, only Airbnb supported such payments. Split Payouts work through Hospitable's Mogul plan with US bank accounts, expanding to the UK soon. CEO Pierre-Camille Hamana highlighted its efficiency for professional property managers using multiple distribution channels.

💸 Priority Pass is boosting its global network with a £500 million investment over five years, backed by a £350 million financing facility. The plan includes expanding its 1,900 lounge network by 6.7% in the past year and enhancing its digital offerings, like AI-driven recommendations in the Priority Pass+ app. With over six million monthly visits, new services are rolling out, such as fast-track lanes at 28 airports, aiming for 170 lanes shortly.

🛩 In September 2026, Accenture's research highlights that 96% of travelers would switch brands for a faster, easier experience, and 91% are willing to pay more for convenience. Also, 94% find booking complex, with 65% using four or more platforms. Payment issues led 83% to abandon bookings. AI integration is rising, with 28% of travel companies adopting plans. 96% prefer a single system for payments and preferences, emphasizing convenience's growing impact on brand loyalty.

🚀 Forthcode will unveil ANiX, an AI designed for aviation, at ForsaTEK 2026 in Dubai next week. ANiX integrates passenger intent, airline knowledge, and onboard systems, functioning offline at 35,000 feet. Partnered with Thales and Collins Aerospace, Forthcode aims to enhance inflight entertainment and crew operations. CEO Ajith Balakumar emphasizes AI's role in understanding context and enabling action, moving beyond simple Q&A. ANiX's offline architecture is tailored for aviation's limited connectivity.

🚀 Odysseus Solutions has added Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours to its booking platform, expanding options for travel sellers. Scenic offers all-inclusive cruises across the Polar Regions, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, while Emerald focuses on river cruises and yacht voyages in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and more. Anthony Laver of Scenic Group highlights strategic growth through Odysseus's network. CEO Monish Luthra notes the boost in luxury cruise sales technology in key markets like the USA and Europe.

🛅 Spotnana's new integration with Marriott International offers corporate travelers real-time access to hotel content, rates, and personalized options. It connects Spotnana to Marriott’s reservation system, linking Bonvoy loyalty accounts for seamless experiences. Travelers can manage bookings without agents, access corporate rates, and enjoy consistent service. Shannon Patterson of Marriott highlights enhanced booking visibility and spend management. Powered by Spotnana’s Travel-as-a-Service platform, this initiative elevates corporate travel programs with streamlined, self-service capabilities.