Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🗺️ Dida Holdings, a leading AI-driven travel tech group, unveiled a new structure to unify its brands under Travel, Technology, and New Ventures. Following Daryl Lee's appointment as CEO in October, the company aims to be the top travel ecosystem partner using AI and automation. Core divisions—Dida Hotels, Flights, Go, and Experiences—will expand globally. Operating across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Dida focuses on AI in pricing, connectivity, and sustainability.

💻 The Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) partnered with SystemsX to offer the Sense AI platform to students at over 35 UK universities and colleges. This initiative aims to enhance travel and tourism students' skills through interactive learning and instant AI feedback. Claire Steiner of ITT highlighted the importance of this tool for real-world experience. The platform, now live, will prepare students for careers in the industry as they train with technology used by travel companies.

🛫 As of 2025, 60% of travelers use AI responses for travel planning on Google. Google’s AI Mode, launched earlier this year, enables dynamic searches like “family-friendly tours in Costa Rica.” Less than 10% of bookings via AI Mode go through traditional OTAs, versus 56% directly with hotels. AI recommendations score over 4.3 out of 5 in trust. Average query lengths have doubled, emphasizing conversational searches. Propellic advises adapting strategies for AI-driven travel planning.

💻 Focus Group has launched Hospitality Cyber, a modular cybersecurity framework for hotels, restaurants, and venues via its Focus on Hospitality division, supporting 200+ UK businesses. This service targets rising cyber threats like phishing and fake OTA campaigns, especially with digital check-ins and cloud PMS. The platform integrates 24/7 SOC, Cyber Essentials, and ZTNA to secure connections, ensuring compliance with GDPR and PCI DSS. Monthly vulnerability scans and advanced email protection enhance security measures.

🗺 AI-powered platform Sojern launched its first European Destinations Advisory Board for 2025. This inaugural meeting took place in Paris with notable members from across Europe, including Emma Gordon from Marketing Manchester and Eleni Mitraki from GNTO. The board focuses on audience measurement, sustainability, and AI-led personalization to bolster destination marketing. Sojern's initiative aims to drive Europe's tourism industry forward by collaborating with tourism leaders to develop innovative solutions for global growth.