CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar / Journey picks up Epicurate / Smartness raises €47M

Today's news on travel tech and distribution. 

View online May 06, 2026

The Daily

Advertisement

CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar Despegar's CEO Gonzalo Estebarena discusses the Prosus acquisition, internal and external AI developments and growth plans.

Read More  Linda Fox

Latest News Journey acquires experiences platform Epicurate The deal adds dining, wellness and other services to Journey’s loyalty platform for independent hotels and short-term rentals. Read More Smartness raises €47M Series B for lodging AI growth The Italy-based lodging technology provider aims to expand across Europe through organic growth and acquisitions. Read More The Weather Company, Steller partner for travel discovery on weather.com The collaboration combines Weather Company’s scale and data with Steller’s creator-led travel video. Read More How travel companies are approaching agentic AI Travel companies are exploring how AI agents can support internal workflows and operational tasks, while setting limits on autonomy for customer-facing tools. Read More

Advertisement

Trending Stories Top-level takeaways on the Italy travel market Even amid geopolitical uncertainty, Italy’s broad appeal, strong domestic alternatives and ongoing digitalization continue to support long-term growth.  Read More Netcompany takes full ownership of Smarter Airports The acquisition marks a new stage for AIRHART as Netcompany expands the airport operations platform beyond its original deployment at Copenhagen Airport.  Read More DMOs shift toward destination-as-a-service model in AI era As travelers lean into AI travel planning, how can DMOs maintain and gain visibility?  Read More Hospitality's tech crossroads: Staying human in an increasingly digital industry Find out how hotels and travel agencies can adopt technology without losing the human relationships at the core of hospitality.  Read More

Advertisement

Event Calendar JUN 15 MON Phocuswright Europe 2026 Make plans now to join the most influential travel leaders for pointed one-on-one conversations, critical debate, the next wave of innovation and the best networking in travel in beautiful Barcelona. Register Now JUN 24 WED TravelTech Show 2026 Mark your calendar now to join us in London at Europe’s only travel tech marketplace built for business.  Register Now

Latest hotel industry headlines Hotels risk invisibility as AI reshapes travel discovery Hyatt opens up ChatGPT to employees The biggest AI skills gap hotel teams can't afford to ignore SiteMinder links hotel inventory to AI booking channels via MCP Hoteliers feel pressure to transform as technology evolves Independent hotel reliance on OTAs increased in 2025 Hilton adds Yotel to portfolio with franchise deal Aven Hospitality, Hovr partner to integrate video technology

This email was sent to majed4aboshddad.travel@blogger.com because you have opted-in to receive promotional email from Northstar Travel Group. Unsubscribe from PhocusWire Daily Privacy Policy    Contact Us Northstar Travel Group - 301 Route 17 North, Suite 1150 - Rutherford NJ 07070