Travel Weekly Group Ltd - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 10

2 min

Emirates to operate world’s largest…

🚀 Emirates will implement Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet by mid-2027, starting with Boeing 777s in November 2025. The rollout encompasses 232 aircraft, including A380s starting February 2026, with 14 installations monthly. Passengers will enjoy free, high-speed internet, streaming, and calls. The initiative complements Emirates' extensive cabin refurbishments. The first Starlink-equipped commercial flight launches post-Dubai Airshow. Notable figures include 6,500 entertainment channels and a 220-aircraft retrofit program, with 76 aircraft refurbished so far.

2 min

Revolut expands travel footprint

🛫 Global fintech, Revolut, teams up with Booking.com to broaden its travel offerings. With almost 9 million Revolut users already booking via Booking.com, this partnership enhances payment options for millions. Revolut Pay, now with 2 million monthly active users, allows seamless one-click booking with biometric security. From November 17 to January 3, users earn 10x RevPoints. Revolut's Alex Codina highlights faster, secure, rewarding checkouts, while Booking.com's JC Rodriguez emphasizes the value for travelers globally.

2 min

Direct Travel forecasts business trends for…

🛫 By 2026, Direct Travel predicts a transformation in business travel, emphasizing people-centered experiences. CEO Christal Bemont highlights a shift from transactions to meaningful journeys, using AI, data, and technology to personalize travel. Trust in data usage and agentic AI will become crucial. Loyalty programs will innovate, moving beyond financial models. The role of travel experts will be enhanced by AI, focussing on empathy and precision. Voice-enabled assistants will predict and resolve needs seamlessly.

2 min

Cloudbeds marks industry-first collaboration

📈 Cloudbeds partners with Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS) to introduce the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) feature to independent hoteliers. This collaboration provides enhanced traveler flexibility, higher conversion rates, and new revenue opportunities for hoteliers. The integration enables hotels on Cloudbeds' platform to offer cancellation options previously exclusive to airlines and OTAs. Hoteliers earn commissions on CFAR fees and can resell canceled room nights, boosting occupancy and profit.

2 min

Galaxi wraps UK Roadshow on positive note

✈️ Galaxi concluded a series of UK roadshows in Bristol, Essex, and Cambridge, receiving high praise from travel agents. Supported by London Stansted Airport, the events highlighted the launch of Turkish Airlines from STN in March 2026. Attendees, including global travel brands like Ambassador Cruise Line and JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, valued the networking opportunities. Josh Lewis, Head of Partnerships at Galaxi, emphasized the importance of face-to-face engagement. The 2026 schedule starts in Ireland this February.

Katanox and Selfbook sign strategic…

💵 Katanox and Selfbook have partnered to enhance hotel booking and payment systems. Selfbook's AI-native platform connects with Katanox’s real-time financial infrastructure, offering seamless account-to-account payments and real-time reconciliation. Early adopters include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. This partnership strengthens their AI-powered distribution footprint through platforms like PayPal, ensuring a unified booking and payment process. Co-founders Paul Beukers and Khalid Meniri highlight the evolution toward intelligent, connected hospitality commerce.

2 min

Hospitable launches Owner Payouts feature

💸 Hospitable launches Owner Payouts, a pioneering feature in property management software, enabling direct owner payments. It automates payouts, reducing errors and admin burdens. This feature is exclusive to the Mogul plan, supporting bank accounts in the USA, UK, and Australia, with plans to expand to Canada and Europe. The system integrates with existing tools, covering verification costs, and includes detailed owner statements and accounting features, aiming to streamline processes and support business growth.

2 min

Casago brings Chief Digital Officer on board

💻 David Angotti is the new Chief Digital Officer at Casago, a major vacation rental management company. Angotti, known for his work with SmokyMountains.com and StaySense, will lead Vacasa.com’s transformation into a top booking platform and oversee Casago's digital strategy. This appointment follows Casago's acquisition of Vacasa and its management of over 40,000 properties across North America, the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica. Steve Schwab, CEO, highlights Angotti's expertise in technology and operations as crucial for future growth.

2 min

Fliggy sees exceptional scale of promotion

🛩 Fliggy, Alibaba Group's travel platform, reported a 30% year-on-year surge in gross merchandise value (GMV) during the Double 11 Global Travel Festival. Over six million promotional products were sold, including nearly one million flight passes. Premium 88VIP memberships rose by 30%, contributing 70% of top merchants’ sales. GMV for promotional items via livestream increased by 70%. Major brands like Marriott and ANA surpassed RMB100 million in GMV, with outbound travel making up nearly half of the orders.

3 min

Emirates to roll out next phase of fleet…

✈️ Emirates Airways is retrofitting 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s by August 2026, introducing new cabins and a lounge. Collaborating with Airbus, Panasonic, and others, Emirates enhances comfort and entertainment. Business Class gets upgraded seating with wireless charging and 4K entertainment. Premium Economy features advanced seating, while Economy introduces lightweight seats. The Astrova inflight system offers 4K OLED displays and Spatial Audio. Starlink connectivity will be installed across the fleet, enriching the passenger experience.

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