Agoda partners with ONYX Hospitality to launch curated flagship store
Agoda has expanded its Flagship Store initiative through a new partnership with ONYX Hospitality Group, a hotel management company in Southeast Asia. Announced at ITB Asia 2025 in Singapore, the collaboration provides ONYX with a customized digital storefront on Agoda, featuring its Amari, OZO, and Shama brands in one curated hub.
Through the partnership, ONYX Hospitality gains access to Agoda’s global marketing channels, performance insights, and exclusive promotional opportunities. Travellers can now explore ONYX’s full portfolio through a dedicated digital experience that combines the convenience of Agoda’s platform with the familiarity of booking directly with the hotel brand. ONYX’s Vice President of Commercial, Bharath Satyavolu, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s focus on integrating digital innovation with hospitality excellence. The ONYX Flagship Store joins similar partnerships, including Accor Thailand, under Agoda’s growing initiative to offer hotel brands a more personalized, brand-centric presence on its platform.
In related news, Agoda has introduced a new Diamond tier to its AgodaVIP loyalty program, offering its most frequent users deeper discounts and enhanced perks across hotels, flights, and activities. The new top-tier membership provides access to Agoda’s lowest prices, up to 25% off exclusive deals, early access to coupons, and priority customer support.
Travelsoft acquires Travolution to build global powerhouse in travel tech media and events
Travelsoft has acquired Travolution from Jacobs Media through its subsidiary Eventiz, bringing the travel tech media brand under a new international Media & Events division. The move follows Travelsoft’s 2024 acquisition of Eventiz and marks its next step in creating a unified global platform that blends journalism, data insights, community, and events for travel professionals. The integration aims to strengthen Travelsoft’s footprint in travel technology media, leveraging synergies in content creation, analysis, and industry networking.
Travelsoft CEO Christian Sabbagh said the move reflects the company’s mission to “unite technology, content, and community,” while Jacobs Media CEO Duncan Horton highlighted that the deal ensures Travolution’s continued independence and growth. Travolution Editor Kate Harden-England described the merger as an opportunity to expand reach and deliver richer content while remaining true to its trusted journalistic roots.
Ireckonu says high satisfaction isn’t loyalty – only 37% of guests return despite 86% satisfaction
Ireckonu is urging hotels across Asia-Pacific to rethink their loyalty strategies after new findings revealed a stark gap between guest satisfaction and retention – while 86% of travellers report being happy with their hotel stays, only 37% return to the same property. Ahead of ITB Asia 2025, the Amsterdam-based customer data platform warned that hotels risk losing competitiveness by failing to turn satisfaction into long-term loyalty. “A satisfied guest is not necessarily a loyal one,” said Sam Samsudi, Ireckonu’s APAC Director, emphasizing that emotional connections and data-driven personalization are key to converting happy guests into repeat customers. The company noted that APAC travelers are willing to spend more when they feel experiences are tailored to them – from personalized services to thoughtful touches that go beyond the room.
Ireckonu highlighted that loyalty today depends on unified, real-time guest data and AI-driven insights that enable hotels to anticipate needs, deliver timely offers, and prevent churn. By integrating data systems and embracing “AI-first” strategies, hotels can personalize every aspect of the guest journey and foster long-term relationships. “Knowing who is at risk is no longer enough. The real difference lies in anticipating the right moment and delivering the right response,” Samsudi added. The company cautioned that fragmented data systems remain one of the industry’s biggest challenges – and that hotels failing to harness AI for personalization risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive market.
Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority partner to draw Asia-Pacific travellers
Agoda has entered a long-term strategic partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority to boost inbound tourism from Asia through a new campaign, Spectacular Saudi. Announced at WiT Singapore 2025, the collaboration aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty to travellers from 11 key Asian markets, including Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia. Running until February 2026, the campaign will feature immersive storytelling, exclusive travel offers, and targeted marketing through Agoda’s Media Solutions platform to drive awareness and bookings for Saudi destinations.
The four-year collaboration, extending through 2029, will combine on-platform visibility, social media amplification, and special accommodation discounts to encourage exploration of Saudi’s hidden gems. Agoda’s Chief Commercial Officer, Damien Pfirsch, said the initiative reflects a shared goal to “foster new connections and inspire more visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations.” Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC at the Saudi Tourism Authority, added that leveraging Agoda’s reach will help position Saudi as a “top choice for millions of travelers.” The partnership reinforces both organizations’ commitment to driving sustainable tourism growth and showcasing Saudi’s evolving appeal as a global travel destination.
