European travellers increasingly depend on smartphones to navigate airports, railway stations, historic neighbourhoods and unfamiliar road networks. However, simply installing Google Maps before departure is not enough. Preparing Google Maps properly before a European trip can reduce dependence on mobile data, make navigation easier when connectivity disappears and help travellers organise important locations before reaching […]
Airbnb is accelerating one of the biggest transformations in its history as the global platform moves beyond home sharing toward a broader travel ecosystem combining accommodation, experiences, services and increasingly integrated trip planning. The shift became clearer with Airbnb’s 2026 Summer Release, which expanded the platform with car rentals, grocery delivery, airport pickups, luggage storage,
Echovane has raised $1 million to expand an AI-native market research model designed to automate complex research operations and deliver faster customer intelligence across global consumer industries, including travel, tourism and hospitality. The funding round was co-led by Titan Capital and Neon Fund. Echovane plans to use the capital to strengthen its AI-agent infrastructure, expand
DigiTrips is accelerating its international travel technology ambitions as the France-based group strengthens B2B connectivity and targets greater expansion across Mexico, South America and the wider Latin American travel market. Built from the consumer travel platform MisterFly, DigiTrips has evolved into a broader API-first technology ecosystem connecting travel agencies, accommodation providers, airlines, corporate platforms and
IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched AI-powered conversational hotel search across its digital channels, marking a major shift in how travellers can discover accommodation and move toward booking. The beta launched in the United States on July 28, 2026, through IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards mobile app. Instead of relying only on fixed destination
Europe is accelerating the development of smarter tourism destinations as digital tools, shared data and new technology become increasingly important for managing record visitor demand, improving traveller experiences and supporting sustainable destination growth. The emerging smart tourism model moves beyond measuring success simply through arrival numbers. Instead, destinations are increasingly using information about visitor movements,
Vamoos has launched a complimentary Rebooking Playbook designed to help travel companies strengthen customer loyalty, encourage repeat bookings and build longer-lasting relationships with travellers. The 12-page guide focuses on one of the travel industry’s most important commercial challenges: turning customers who complete one holiday into travellers who return for another booking. It provides practical strategies
Tourism New Zealand has launched a series of artificial intelligence workshops to help tourism operators improve digital visibility, strengthen destination discovery and increase booking opportunities. The workshops were held in Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Christchurch, with an additional online session for businesses unable to attend in person. They focused on how AI is changing the
A five-week international journey through Italy, Germany, Singapore and China has highlighted how carefully selected technology can make business travel more connected, secure and organised. Conducted during April and May 2026, the practical assessment tested an eSIM, a virtual private network, a 5,000mAh power bank, a universal adapter and a cabin-sized suitcase during flights, hotel
The United States is emerging as a major global meeting ground for travel technology in 2026, with influential conferences bringing together tourism leaders, technology developers, investors, airlines, hospitality companies and destination organisations. The Phocuswright Conference and GBTA Convention anchor this expanding calendar. However, events covering destination marketing, meetings technology and tourism leadership are also contributing
Italy, Germany, Spain and other major tourism markets converged in Shanghai for ITB China 2026, presenting artificial intelligence, customised journeys, premium experiences and market intelligence as central drivers of future global travel growth. Held from May 26 to 28 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the business-to-business travel exhibition welcomed more than
Amadeus delivered resilient financial growth during the first half of 2026, despite geopolitical disruption in the Middle East weakening global air traffic, passenger bookings and airline operations. The Spain-based travel technology company generated group revenue of €3.33 billion during the six months ending June 30. This marked a reported increase of 2.3% compared with the
