Hostelworld charts new course as world’s first social travel platform
Hostelworld recently outlined its medium-term strategic growth plan at its Capital Markets Day in London, underscoring its ambitions to scale its differentiated, social travel-focused OTA platform and deliver sustained shareholder value. Following strong financial performance and the full repayment [...]
Elevating on-site quality and experiences is the next big step to attract high-value tourists to the GCC
Mabrian, a global travel intelligence platform returns as data partner for the Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025, launched at ATM Dubai, a study that reveals trends behind the GCC’s evolution into a top-tier tourism destination and key priorities to be addressed in this journey, including har [...]
China’s 2025 Labor Day sees surge in inbound and outbound travel spending via Alipay+ and partner payment apps
Data from Alipay and other Alipay+ partner payment apps indicates a notable increase in both outbound and inbound tourism spending in China during the 2025 Labor Day holiday (Golden Week).
Through Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitization services developed by A [...]
Filip Filipov on why AI needs a higher purpose | Conversations On Turning 20
When you get to the ripe young age of 20, you’re bound to collect lots of stories – not only about the past but lessons for the future.
As WiT marks its 20th year in 2025, we turn the spotlight on our community, our tribe pioneers and leaders, to tell their stories and share their views on th [...]
Reflective and inventive: Lessons from a mirrored monument in the desert
In the heart of the Ashar Valley in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, rises something extraordinary: Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. From afar, it appears almost unreal – shimmering like a desert mirage, warping and dissolving into the rocky landscape. Up close, it reflects the sandstone clif [...]
Airbnb makes bank-ish. Vibing with Priceline. AirAsia MOVE gets Easy Cancel. More.
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 booki [...]
Jazeera Airways partners with HTS to introduce Cancel for Any Reason and Disruption for Any Reason
These first-time fintech products in the Middle East aim to enhance booking flexibility and passenger experience
Jazeera Airways and HTS, the B2B division of Hopper, have joined hands to introduce Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Disruption Assistance For Any Reason (DAFAR) on the airline’s dir [...]
The shifting sands of social: From inspiration to action, from influence to selling
At a time when travellers are booking trips based on TikTok trends and planning itineraries via AI, the intersection of social media and travel commerce has never been more dynamic or more challenging for brands.
At Phocuswright WiT Middle East 2025, a panel of marketers, creators and platform [...]
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 [...]
