Looking back at travel tech in 2018 / Yatra launches AI assistant / Startup Stage: Aloja

 

Today's news on travel tech and distribution. View in browser August 19, 2025 TRAVEL TECH FLASHBACK: WHAT MADE HEADLINES IN 2018? Take a look back at some of the headlines in the travel industry from 2018. Do they any bearing on what's happening now? READ MORE Latest News India-based OTA Yatra launches AI assistant DIYA The launch comes weeks after MakeMyTrip announced its own upgraded AI assistant for trip planning. Startup Stage: Aloja wants to help tour and activity operators boost earnings Aloja was founded by CEO Daniel Pino and chief technology officer Daniel Cabra, the team behind TourOpp, which was acquired by RocketRez in 2022. Social commerce is the future: 5 strategies to help travel brands adapt According to David Armstrong, CEO and co-founder of HolidayPirates Group, the future of e-commerce is scroll-first, not search-first. Why is travel unprepared? Decoding online shopping: Travel and hospitality consumer trends for 2025 Find out where consumers get inspiration for new travel plans, what leads them to abandon their cart or booking, what types of AI tools can make the online experience easier and more.   Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI with the core tenets of authentic hospitality.   Trending Stories Shifting paths: Inside the 2025 traveler decision signals Holiday Tribe raises $3 million to expand AI, supplier networks Tours and activities trends in 2025: Younger travelers, later bookings, AI Event Calendar SEP 17 WED The New Age(nts) Trend Series part 5: Convergence of gen AI with digital identity The fifth session of our series on AI and autonomous agents looks at the role of digital identity in tandem with gen AI. NOV 18 TUES The Phocuswright Conference 2025 Join the biggest innovators and most influential leaders and decision makers from the global travel industry in San Diego at The Phocuswright Conference. Recent travel tech upgrades and enhancements Airbnb launches 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' option Tripadvisor launches 'Tripadvisor Rewards' in-app loyalty program MakeMyTrip upgrades Myra AI assistant Lyft teams up with Baidu to launch robotaxis in Europe Faye extends insurance to more verticals, builds out platform MakeMyTrip launches experiences booking platform, reports revenue and gross bookings increases Sabre launches travel marketplace to address content fragmentation Privacy | Subscribe | Unsubscribe Northstar Travel Group LLC. 301 Route 17 N., Suite 1150 Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA