Agoda and Samsung partner to bring travel booking to Samsung Wallet users
Agoda has partnered with Samsung to integrate hotel and travel deals directly into Samsung Wallet, offering users in South Korea and the U.S. a simpler and more connected booking experience. From October 18, Samsung Wallet users can access exclusive Agoda savings of up to 8% on hotel bookings, with deals displayed under the Wallet’s “Perks” tab. According to Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch, the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to streamlining travel booking and expanding convenience for millions of Samsung Galaxy users.
In early 2026, Agoda will introduce a feature allowing travelers in South Korea, the U.S., and the U.K. to add hotel and flight reservations directly into Samsung Wallet via the “Manage My Bookings” page. Samsung’s Woncheol Chai said the partnership is part of the company’s push to simplify travel planning and management through digital innovation. As both companies continue to expand the integration into new markets, the partnership aims to deliver increasingly seamless and rewarding travel experiences for users and industry partners alike.
Protect Group helps offline travel agents sell refund protection
Protect Group has introduced a new web-based Agent Platform that allows offline travel advisors and agencies to sell its Refund Protect product without any technical integration. The tool provides a quick and simple way for agents to add refund protection to itineraries, creating a new ancillary revenue stream while also enabling customizable commission structures for agent incentives. This development is especially significant for sectors like cruises, where most bookings are still made through agents but opportunities to sell add-ons were previously limited to online or API-connected systems.
Stephen Joyce, Global Lead for Travel, Tourism and OTAs at Protect Group, said the platform empowers offline agents to meet growing demand for flexible booking options and earn commission on every sale. Positioned within Protect Group’s Pulse Reporting Dashboard, the platform gives agencies seamless access to sales and commission data for internal reporting. Currently being rolled out to selected partners, wider access will follow as Protect Group continues enhancing its Refund Protect solution, already widely integrated with online travel agencies, airlines, and hotels.
SmartRyde integrates Amadeus to enhance airport transfers
SmartRyde has announced a strategic integration with Amadeus, allowing its pre-booked airport transfer services to be offered directly through Amadeus Transfers starting next month. The rollout will begin in Japan and South Korea, enabling travel sellers to book ground transportation within the same system they use for flights and hotels. Travellers will benefit from door-to-door transfers, upfront pricing, and simplified booking across more than 1,000 airports worldwide, reducing stress and ensuring smoother journeys from departure to arrival.
Through the Amadeus Travel Platform, agents will gain access to SmartRyde’s full range of transfer options, from standard vehicles to premium chauffeurs, with features such as real-time availability and instant confirmation. SmartRyde CEO Sota Kimura said the partnership aims to help agents deliver a complete travel experience, while Amadeus VP Peter Altmann highlighted that the integration supports Amadeus’ mission to connect the travel ecosystem and enhance convenience and choice for travelers.
Strong data foundations needed as APAC travellers pay more for personalisation
Research by h2c, sponsored by Ireckonu, shows that 70% of Asia-Pacific travelers are willing to spend up to 30% more for tailored upgrades, and 68% would pay extra for personalized experiences, highlighting a major revenue opportunity for hotels. However, adoption remains limited, with only 22% of hotel chains having centralized data systems to support AI and automation, and just 21% using unified content platforms. Ireckonu says personalization requires robust data management and regulatory compliance to deliver consistent and meaningful guest experiences, enabling hotels to better compete with online travel agencies.
Ireckonu’s platform helps hotel brands unify and activate guest data to deliver more relevant, timely engagement and grow loyalty and revenue across properties. The company expects double-digit growth in the APAC region over the next three years, driven by the region’s tech-savvy travelers, rising hotel development, and longstanding partnerships with brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Okura Hotels & Resorts, and EVT.
Sabre unveils Gen AI travel concierge for seamless airline booking
Sabre has launched SabreMosaic Concierge IQ, a generative AI chat tool that allows airline passengers to plan, book and manage their trips—from flights and hotels to upgrades and refunds—through one conversational interface across platforms such as mobile apps, web and WhatsApp. Powered by Sabre’s proprietary AI models and Google Cloud, the solution aims to give airlines a retailing and service advantage by automating search, booking, loyalty redemption and post-travel support in real time. Virgin Australia is the first airline to adopt the system, which Sabre says can transform the passenger journey with smarter personalization, deeper loyalty engagement and improved conversion.
