Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🌎 Technoheaven, an Indian travel tech firm, launched the TechnoHub tour operating platform, targeting the US and European markets. This platform aims to streamline travel agency operations, improving booking speed and margins. It offers integrated tools for tour operators and data-backed solutions for travel management companies. CEO Vinod Kelwani emphasized its role in enhancing efficiency and profitability in a competitive travel industry. TechnoHub empowers travel professionals to deliver exceptional experiences and scale their operations effectively.

💻 In 2025, Amadeus found 64% of travelers would pay for an AI travel assistant, with 17% willing to spend up to 5% of their trip's value. However, 25% faced outdated AI info, and another 25% noted AI's failure to capture personal preferences. Furthermore, 80% valued providers' disruption handling, and 81% would rebook with efficient communicators. These insights are in the "Connected Journeys" whitepaper exploring future travel tech impacts.

📰 UK travellers in 2025 increasingly use Gen AI and travel influencers for trip planning. 60% more relied on Gen AI, while influencer use grew by 33%. Social media ads saw a 27% rise as a trip inspiration source. In China, Gen AI usage rose by 146%. Brits still consult family and friends 36% more than other sources. AI trip planning benefits include finding new destinations (39%) and confidence in decisions (38%), despite some inaccuracies (25%). 70% of Brits consider using biometrics at airports.

💻 Three Travel Management Companies (TMCs) - Advantage AMS, Stewart Travel, and Take Two Eton - along with three corporate booking platforms, Travel Counsellors for Business, Roomex, and Venue Options, have partnered with Vibe. This UK-based booking technology firm emphasizes user-friendly, industry-tailored solutions. Martin Eade, Vibe's co-founder, highlights the demand for platforms designed "by travel people for travel people." The move addresses industry needs for content breadth, commercial control, and rapid onboarding.

🚀 IBS Software announces the successful launch of its cloud-native iLoyal platform with Emirates Skywards, serving over 35 million members globally. This marks a long-term innovation partnership to modernize the loyalty program's ecosystem. The iLoyal platform aims to drive real-time personalization, enhancing customer engagement. Emirates Skywards, in collaboration with IBS Software, seeks to deliver more rewarding experiences, laying a foundation for future innovation and growth.