Technoheaven unveils AI-driven smart markup tool and inventory distribution system
At ATM 2025, travel technology firm Technoheaven debuted its Smart Markup module, a new tool designed to help travel businesses improve profitability through predictive pricing. Powered by AI, the tool analyses booking history, search behavior, customer nationality, and seasonal patterns to dynamically calculate the most effective markup for travel products. With access to over 50 million daily searches, businesses can fine-tune their pricing strategy by setting their own rules, allowing for better margin control across accommodation, flights, and tours. CEO Vinod Kelwani noted that the module ensures pricing remains adaptive and in sync with real-time demand trends.
In addition to the Smart Markup tool, Technoheaven also showcased its new inventory system that allows travel companies to operate as a Bedbank. Through its One-Stop API Marketplace, businesses can upload hotel inventory and distribute it globally to OTAs, DMCs, and B2B clients, while connecting with over 100 suppliers. The system offers features such as real-time updates, dynamic pricing, and room-level mapping to eliminate data duplication.
AirAsia MOVE introduces Easy Cancel for more flexible travel
AirAsia MOVE has launched a new feature called Easy Cancel, allowing travellers to cancel their AirAsia flights up to 48 hours before departure and receive a refund—ranging from 80% to 100%—within ten days. Available exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app, the add-on must be purchased during booking and covers flights, baggage, meals, and other extras. Designed for added flexibility, Easy Cancel applies to all AirAsia routes except for South Korea-bound and Indonesia domestic flights, with AirAsia X routes to follow by the end of May.
Vietnam Airlines expands partnership with Adyen
Vietnam Airlines has expanded its partnership with Adyen to enhance its global payment capabilities. Building on a collaboration that began in 2017, the airline now uses Adyen’s global acquiring network to process transactions more efficiently in key markets such as Japan, Australia, the U.S., and Europe. This integration enables the airline to offer faster, more reliable payment options, including major credit cards and local methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay. As a result, Vietnam Airlines has seen up to a 5% improvement in authorization rates, along with reduced transaction fees.
The partnership supports Vietnam Airlines’ broader digital transformation goals by offering a seamless and secure payment experience for international travellers. According to the airline, this collaboration with Adyen boosts both operational efficiency and the overall passenger experience. Adyen, a global fintech platform used by companies like Meta, Uber, and Grab, sees the strengthened alliance as a reflection of its ability to support global-scale businesses. The partnership underscores Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing commitment to innovation and modernization, as well as its recognition as a top-tier airline in the region.
Priceline helps you find the right vibe
Priceline has launched a new AI-powered toolset called “Trip Intelligence: The Neighborhood Edition,” aimed at helping travellers discover neighborhoods that match their personal preferences and travel style. Using Large Language Models, the platform evaluates characteristics like local cuisine, culture, nightlife, and outdoor offerings to suggest “local equivalent” neighborhoods in 35 global cities. Features include the “Neighborhood Navigator” for mapping neighborhood matches, “Trip Vibe Selector” for picking preferred vibes, and “Neighborhood Content Pages” with AI-generated guides and recommendations. Integrated with Priceline’s AI assistant Penny, users can also use “Penny Maps” to visualise key points of interest like hotels, restaurants, and parks.
Priceline also announced a new partnership with car-sharing platform Turo, allowing travellers to book peer-to-peer rental cars in specific neighborhoods for a more localised experience and smoother pickup process. This aligns with findings from Priceline’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, which noted that travelers are increasingly choosing accommodations based on neighborhoods and seeking more authentic, local experiences. According to Priceline, nearly half of travellers prefer to connect with destinations through local experiences, and a third select hotels based on neighborhood vibes—underscoring the relevance of these new AI-driven tools.
Airbnb reports mixed financial results
Airbnb reported mixed financial results for Q1 2025 amid broader economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The company saw year-over-year growth in revenue, gross booking value, and nights and experiences booked, with revenue hitting $2.3 billion (up 6%) and gross bookings rising 7% to $24.5 billion. However, net income dropped to $154 million (from $264 million), and adjusted EBITDA fell slightly to $417 million. The decline was attributed to increased stock-based compensation, write-downs of private investments, and lower interest income. CEO Brian Chesky emphasized Airbnb’s adaptability in uncertain times, citing the company’s resilience during the 2008 recession and the 2020 pandemic.
Airbnb CFO Ellie Mertz acknowledged a decline in U.S. inbound travel, noting the U.S. has become a less popular destination compared to a year ago. However, she downplayed its impact, as foreign inbound travel to the U.S. only makes up 2–3% of Airbnb’s business. Instead, international travelers are opting for destinations like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, and Japan. Within the U.S., high-income travelers are maintaining their booking habits despite rising prices, though the company has noticed fewer advance bookings for summer travel. Looking ahead, Airbnb expects revenue and adjusted EBITDA to grow in Q2, even as it anticipates a moderation in nights booked.
As Airbnb looks to the future, it plans to unveil its “Summer Release” on May 13, promising to expand “beyond places to stay.” This aligns with its $250 million investment in new business lines for 2025, including a revamped Experiences platform. Chesky said the company has spent the past few years refining its core services and upgrading its app to support innovation. With a new tech stack in place, Airbnb aims to roll out a wider range of offerings, signaling a strategic shift toward becoming a more comprehensive travel and lifestyle platform.
