Emirates and Expedia Group ‘go simple’ with booking experiences
Emirates and Expedia Group have expanded their partnership by fully integrating Emirates’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) API into Expedia Group’s platforms. This direct connection allows travellers to access Emirates’ full range of fares, products, and services, making it easier to book personalised trips across the airline’s global network. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, highlighted the benefits, stating, “Our enhanced collaboration will provide travellers with seamless access to Emirates’ NDC content while expanding booking possibilities across all elements of their journey.” Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer at Expedia Group, added, “Ultimately, it’s about making every journey a lasting memory for our travellers.”
Beyond simplifying bookings, the partnership will explore loyalty program integration, enabling more rewarding travel experiences for both companies’ customers. Emirates and Expedia Group will also use market data insights to drive business growth and enhance joint marketing efforts. Additionally, the collaboration will expand into air and hotel package deals, leveraging Expedia Group’s global hotel inventory to offer travelers more comprehensive trip planning options. This initiative strengthens Emirates’ ability to engage travellers worldwide while delivering an end-to-end booking experience.
HotelPORT launches ReputationAI for hospitality scene
HotelPORT has partnered with Daitrix to launch ReputationAI, an AI-powered platform designed to help hotels, restaurants, and spas manage their online reputation more effectively. The platform monitors and analyses customer feedback in real time, allowing businesses to respond quickly and enhance guest satisfaction. By integrating advanced AI with a user-friendly interface, ReputationAI aims to improve operational efficiency.
HotelPORT’s Founder & CEO, Fred Bean, emphasised the company’s dedication to innovation, stating, “At HotelPORT, we are committed to delivering solutions that benefit our partners by enhancing their service capabilities and driving growth.” He added that the collaboration with Daitrix aligns with their goal of ensuring clients can “meet the evolving needs of their guests with confidence and integrity.” ReputationAI is expected to enhance the way hospitality businesses handle guest feedback, giving them actionable insights to maintain high service standards.
AirAsia collabs with B Infinite to add 2-way points conversion
AirAsia rewards has teamed up with B Infinite to offer a two-way points conversion, allowing members to exchange 3,000 B Points for 1,000 AirAsia points and vice versa through AirAsia Xchange on the AirAsia MOVE app. This partnership gives members more flexibility to use their points for flights, hotels, duty-free shopping, and a variety of lifestyle rewards across B Infinite’s merchant network. “This new partnership… reflects our continued commitment to enriching our members’ experiences,” said Nicole Tan, Head of AirAsia rewards, emphasising its goal to establish AirAsia points as a universal digital loyalty currency. Kevin Wong, Business Head of B Infinite, added, “We look forward to making everyday experiences more rewarding for everyone.”
Accessibility issues everywhere on travel websites
A new report from AudioEye highlights widespread accessibility issues on travel websites, making it difficult for people with disabilities to navigate and book trips online. The 2025 Digital Accessibility Index found an average of 297 accessibility issues per website across various industries, with travel and hospitality sites showing significant barriers. Key problems include poor color contrast, missing alternative text on images, keyboard accessibility issues, and unclear links, all of which create challenges for the 1.3 billion people worldwide with disabilities. AudioEye’s CEO, David Moradi, emphasised the importance of digital accessibility, stating, “Ignoring your website’s accessibility can lead to frustrated customers and increased legal risk.”
The report analysed 53,230 pages across 1,609 travel and hospitality sites, uncovering issues such as 85+ color contrast violations per page, 27 inaccessible images per page, and multiple inaccessible forms and links that hinder independent booking. “For many travellers, booking a trip starts online, but for people with disabilities, accessibility barriers can make planning a frustrating, if not impossible, experience,” AudioEye noted.
A peek into the future, courtesy of Trip.com Group and WTTC
Trip.com Group and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have identified 16 key technologies set to transform the travel industry in the coming years. Their report, Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism, categorizes these innovations into four areas: digital technologies, financial technologies, future mobility, and breakthrough innovations. Among the most significant trends, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to become “ubiquitous across society and a foundational element in all aspects of travel.” Predictive analytics could even anticipate traveler needs before they arise. Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and VP of International Markets at Trip.com Group, emphasised that companies should view AI as a tool to enhance operations rather than replace human roles.
The report also spotlights super apps as a major trend in digital travel services. While already popular in Asia, super apps could become “interoperable and regionally integrated,” streamlining booking and payments across borders. Julia Simpson, CEO of WTTC, highlighted their potential to offer services like buy-now-pay-later and personalised in-destination experiences. Looking ahead, super apps might interact with internet-enabled devices in hotel rooms and tourism venues, enhancing the travel experience. The study also explores breakthrough innovations like smart cities, quantum computing, and nuclear fusion, pointing to a future where technology reshapes every stage of the travel journey.
(via Phocuswire)
Header image credit: AirAsia, B Infinite
