Bright ideas, bold pitches: 2025 Global Startup Pitch winners announced at Phocuswright Europe
The spotlight turned to the industry’s most promising new talent on June 10, as 14 seedup and scaleup companies pitched live at Phocuswright Europe 2025 during the highly anticipated Global Startup Pitch. Organised by WiT, Phocuswright, and PhocusWire and supported by American Express Global Busin [...]
Dubai plots its course to 2033 as a next-gen destination for global citizens
Dubai is doubling down on its ambition to become one of the world’s top three cities to live, work, invest and travel in – and tourism lies at the heart of that plan.
At WiT Phocuswright Middle East 2025, Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President of International Operations at Dubai’s Department o [...]
WiT Queenstown to debut in July 2026: Where travel tech meets snow and adventure
WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s leading travel tech media and events platform, will make its New Zealand debut with WiT Queenstown in July 2026, marking a milestone for the region as it aims to establish itself as a hub for travel and hospitality technology innovation.
The one-day event wil [...]
From beach to boardroom: How dnata Is future-proofing travel with heart and humility
In a candid conversation with Phocuswright’s Pete Comeau at WiT Phocuswright Middle East 2025, John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, reflects on leadership, legacy travel models, and the future that’s already arriving, but still needs a human touch.
The session started with snow and silence. [...]
Expedia turns reels on Instagram into bookable travel itineraries, industry-first feature
New APIs for car, activities, insurance, and air unlock end-to-end trip packaging for B2B partners, while the new Reservation Management API saves hotels an estimated 8 million hours and $120 million in annual operational costs
Expedia Group announced a major expansion of its B2B technology platfor [...]
Meet the 19 finalists of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch
Nineteen travel tech startups have been selected for the Finals of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch. The competition, in its fourth year, is jointly produced by WiT and Phocuswright and seeks to unearth the brightest stars in early-stage travel tech.
The Global Startup Pitch Competition is support [...]
Hospitality’s future playbook: AI, emotional loyalty and the rise of new booking channels
At a time when technology is moving faster than the industry can keep up, the future of direct distribution and loyalty in hospitality is set for sweeping transformation.
In a discussion moderated by Li Hawkins, Partner & Managing Director, Hospitality & Travel at Insight Out, senior lea [...]
Survival of the fittest: How OTAs are competing in the Middle East
In an increasingly competitive Middle East online travel landscape, staying ahead demands more than just speed – it requires sharp differentiation, relentless innovation, and smart use of AI. That was the dominant mood as top OTA leaders from Booking.com, Wego, Almosafer, and Travelwings gath [...]
Agoda invites hoteliers to join its milestone 20th birthday campaign
Accommodation providers will have opportunities to participate in a promotional event catered to millions of travellers
Celebrating 20 years of Agoda, the digital travel platform is inviting hoteliers and accommodation providers across the region to participate in a landmark 20th Birthday sal [...]
The future of travel: Zero-phase UI and IT employees reporting to HR
In a lively and sometimes irreverent panel at Phocuswright WiT Middle East in Dubai last week, hospitality and travel technology leaders debated how AI, automation, and invisible operations are reshaping the future of travel, payments, and the guest experience.
The session kicked off on a playful [...]
