Kate Harden-England1 - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 16

6 min

Big Interview: Exclusive sit down with…

🚀 Oojo, an online travel booking service, plans to launch in Germany by the end of the month, aiming for global expansion across the US, Canada, the UK, and more. Targeting a growth of at least 30% year-over-year in sales, Oojo maintains a Net Promoter Score (NPS) above 60 to ensure customer loyalty. By the end of 2026, the company seeks to be present in over 10 countries while limiting employee headcount growth to less than 10% annually. Technological scalability and market adaptability are identified as key challenges.

1 min

HBX Group unveils new Marketing Suite of…

💸 HBX Group launched a new Marketing Suite for the travel industry, aiming to be the primary retail media network. The suite includes Travel Media Solutions, which reaches over 50,000 travel agencies, 3,500 tour operators in 65 countries, and travellers from 100+ booking sites. The Digital Marketing Agency offers tailor-made strategies for B2C audience growth, covering campaign management, marketing advisory, and brand management, utilizing advanced analytics and tools for impactful results.

2 min

CitizenPlane launches new operating system…

✈ CitizenPlane launches its Operating System for mid-tier carriers and fast-growing airlines, featuring a modular platform for offer creation, revenue optimisation, and distribution. Leveraging the acquisition of Travel Technology Interactive’s (TTI) Zenith software, CitizenPlane aims to expand OS capabilities with future acquisitions and innovations. Their "market-first" flight distribution solution, AIR, allows distribution to OTAs and metasearch websites like eDreams and Skyscanner. The OS adheres to IATA NDC standards, centralises customer data, and is used by over 80 airlines, including TAP Air Portugal, Royal Air Maroc, and Corendon Airlines.

1 min

UK tour operator Holiday Best selects…

✈ UK Tour Operator Holiday Best partners with travel technology provider intuitive to implement the iVector reservation system and DealFinder cache solution. The collaboration aims to enhance booking processes and offer dynamic and packaged holidays. The partnership enables Holiday Best to support contracts for hotels, flights, transfers, and excursions, including third-party suppliers, improving flexibility and customer choice. The integration of intuitive’s technology is designed to streamline Holiday Best’s operations and maintain competitiveness in the fast-paced travel market. CEO Hakan Kavalci expresses confidence in improving customer booking experiences.

2 min

Travelsphere and Just You launches…

🛫 Travelsphere and Just You, group touring specialists, established an Expert Advisory Team with up to 12 agents from the UK, to gather feedback and shape future tours. Meetings will occur three times annually. A 2024 agent survey with over 400 participants revealed the need for firsthand experience, prompting the largest fam trip programme in 2025. Enhanced regional airport offerings were launched earlier this year, responding to agent input. Agents can apply to join the team by emailing agencysales@travelsphere.co.uk.

2 min

Pogo unveils plans for new app subscription…

🌐 Pogo introduced Pogo Plus, enhancing app functionality with AI to create personalized trip itineraries. The MAGIC technology considers user interests, tourist attraction times, travel routes, and weather. Pogo Plus members receive up to 20% discounts on hotels and flights, can edit itineraries, and access new features like updated Map View and custom categories. Available now on iOS, Android release forthcoming. Founder Scott le Roi promises further developments.

1 min

PLAY airlines signs mulit-year distribution…

✈ Sabre and Icelandic low-cost carrier Play airlines have entered a multi-year distribution agreement, allowing Sabre-connected travel agencies access to Play’s flight network across North America and Europe. Play is expanding in the Nordics, US, and Canada, offering cost-effective transatlantic travel with Iceland as a hub. The airline boasts an all-Airbus fleet and plans to serve up to 40 destinations by 2024. New routes include Aalborg, Denmark (June 2025), Toronto, and Washington D.C. Alessandro Ciancimino, VP at Sabre, emphasizes the strategy to increase low-cost content in Sabre's marketplace in 2024. Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO of Play, highlights the partnership's role in market expansion and visibility.

2 min

First Choice launches influencer programme…

🏖️ First Choice launches "First Choice Insiders," a new influencer marketing strategy targeting next-gen travelers by enabling them to ‘shop the look’ from five travel influencers. The program, inspired by the fashion industry, integrates influencers' handpicked trips with detailed itineraries into the First Choice website for direct booking. Managing director Bart Quinton Smith emphasizes the shift in young travelers' online behavior, favoring immediate purchases at the inspiration stage. The launch follows Expedia Group's Travel Shop announcement, stressing the growing trend of blending travel inspiration with e-commerce.

2 min

Sabre Hospitality unveils Sensible Weather…

🌪 Sabre Hospitality partners with Sensible Weather to offer Weather Guarantee services through SynXis Booking Engine, providing guests with automatic reimbursements for adverse weather events during their stay. This integration aims to increase booking conversions, reduce cancellations, and improve guest satisfaction by ensuring a positive experience despite weather disruptions. Ethan Wiseman and Nick Cavanaugh, heads of their respective companies, believe this will give travelers confidence in committing to travel plans.

1 min

TripAdmit raises €1M for its tour guides…

💸 TripAdmit, a digital engagement solutions provider for tours, raised €1m in funding from DataOp for its TipDirect app. The Dublin-based company will expand in North America and Europe, enhancing tour guides’ tipping and upselling capabilities with cashless, AI technology. Co-founder John Maguire aims to develop the tech and lead in existing markets, while ComOp's Glen Magee supports TripAdmit for its innovative digital tipping technology in the growing tours market.

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