Should travel brands give AI platforms their data? / Way integrates with Alaska Air Group / Kasa raises $40M

 

Today's news on travel tech and distribution. View in browser August 20, 2025 GENERATIVE AI PLATFORM PERSONALIZATION: AT WHAT COST? Travel companies have been striving to obtain specific, personalized data for many years. Are the AI platforms about to gain a competitive edge as they learn more about the users? READ MORE Latest News Way drives experiences for Alaska Air Group loyalty program Way's platform, which is based on open APIs, has been integrated into Alaska Air Group's digital ecosystem so that loyalty program members get real-time availability and instant bookings. Kasa raises $40M to invest in technology, AI Kasa, formerly known as Kasa Living, raised $70 million in Series C funding in 2023. 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? 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.   Trending Stories India-based OTA Yatra launches AI assistant DIYA Startup Stage: Aloja wants to help tour and activity operators boost earnings Social commerce is the future: 5 strategies to help travel brands adapt Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence Keys to converting travel insights to impact 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