Travel's broken data roots and AI / Google upgrades AI travel tools / Saudi STR platform raises $72M

 

Today's news on travel tech and distribution. View in browser August 25, 2025 WILL TRAVEL'S MESSY DATA HAMPER AI PROGRESS? Are we layering AI agents on top of an already broken data foundation that was never fit for machine consumption? READ MORE Latest News Google expands AI Mode to 180 new countries and territories, adds features One of the new features include enhanced options for finding restaurant reservations, local appointments and event tickets. Saudi Arabian vacation rental platform Gathern lands $72 million Founded in 2017 and based in Riyadh, Gathern said the funding will help increase local and regional expansion. How much opportunity is there for STR ancillaries? Experts weigh in Executives from Safely and Interhome highlighted the lucrative potential of ancillaries for STRs during a studio interview at Phocuswright Europe. 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 Webjet accelerates business travel ambitions with acquisition of Locomote United sues Kiwi.com for trademark infringement PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Sabre, Travelport and more... Decoding online shopping: Travel and hospitality consumer trends for 2025 Addressing rising customer acquisition costs in travel 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 startup news Holiday Tribe raises $3 million to expand AI, supplier networks India-based Elivaas raises $10.4 million for expansion Startup Stage: Aloja wants to help tour and activity operators boost earnings How has AI changed travel investors' mindset? Fintech startup TurnStay secures $2M Fora acquires AI startup Legends Startup Stage: Tickadoo wants to reinvent how travelers discover experiences Privacy | Subscribe | Unsubscribe Northstar Travel Group LLC. 301 Route 17 N., Suite 1150 Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA