Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🌎 ZoTrav has launched a new B2B platform in the Middle East, targeting 200 agents, including 100 from the UAE, within 12 months. Focused on CIS countries like Kazakhstan and Georgia, the platform offers real-time access to travel products. ZoTrav aims for $5 million in outbound bookings from the GCC in its first year, supporting agents with intuitive tools and authentic cultural insights. Headquartered in Dubai, it also operates a back office in Delhi.

📈 CarTrawler has acquired Paris-based insurtech company, Koala, to expand into the insurtech sector. The acquisition aims to enhance CarTrawler's multi-product travel platform, offering integrated insurance solutions. Koala’s products, including ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ and automatic trip disruption cover, serve over 70 travel partners across 17 countries. These insurance solutions will integrate seamlessly into booking processes, enhancing ancillary revenue and customer experience. CarTrawler CEO, Peter O’Donovan, highlights the strategic move to bolster their global travel industry presence.

📈 RateHawk, a B2B online booking system, partnered with EliteTravel Group, a network of UK travel agencies, granting them access to global accommodations and exclusive offers. By October in Guernsey, they've held educational workshops, resulting in a 120% increase in 2025 bookings compared to last year, with half of Elite's branches participating. Wendy Albutt and Chantal Tomlinson emphasize the partnership's success and alignment of shared values.

🛫 InterLnkd has launched a new e-commerce platform for UK-based TravelUp using AI technology. The platform provides personalized shopping recommendations for travel essentials from over 20,000 brands. TravelUp aims to enhance customer experience and generate additional revenue by offering tailored product suggestions. This partnership, leveraging MotiVatedData™ technology, aligns with TravelUp's vision of hassle-free travel, offering recommendations right after booking. Craig Ashford and Robert Goldsmith highlight the innovation's customer-focused convenience and revenue potential.

✈️ Twilio data shows 71% of consumers abandon purchases due to irrelevant experiences. 90% trust some brands, but only 15% trust them with data. Sykes Cottages improved its call answer rate to 98%, reduced cost per contact by 38%, and lowered IVR dropout from 26% to 12% with enhanced technology. Successful travel brands leverage Customer Experience as a Service (CXaaS) to integrate data and deliver seamless, empathetic experiences before, during, and after trips.