Grab invests $60 million in remote driving company Vay
Grab is deepening its involvement in autonomous and remote mobility with a planned investment of up to $410 million in Berlin-based remote driving technology provider Vay. The Singapore-based superapp will initially invest $60 million in cash for a minority stake, with an additional $350 million to follow within a year, subject to regulatory approvals and performance milestones. The deal is expected to close this quarter and supports Vay’s expansion in the U.S., while also exploring potential integration within Grab’s mobility services in Southeast Asia.
Vay operates a hybrid remote driving model in which vehicles are remotely driven to customers before and after rental periods, allowing users to take over during their trips. Grab said the partnership aligns with its broader vision of combining driver-partners, autonomous technology, and remote driving services. “This initial investment will help accelerate Vay’s remote driving technology development and create valuable technical and operational synergies for Grab’s long-term mobility strategy,” said Anthony Tan, co-founder and CEO of Grab.
Agoda partners with Hoshino Resorts to offer full brand portfolio across Japan
Agoda has announced a partnership with Hoshino Resorts Inc, becoming the first digital travel platform to feature the Japanese hotel group’s entire portfolio across six brands – HOSHINOYA, KAI, RISONARE, OMO, BEB, and the newly launched LUCY. The collaboration gives Agoda customers access to Hoshino Resorts’ properties across Japan, aligning with rising travel demand as the country remains Agoda’s top-searched destination globally. In the first half of 2025, inbound searches for Japan accommodations grew 35%, with South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong ranking as the top three international source markets.
Agoda data also highlights growing traveller interest beyond Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, with destinations like Takamatsu, Matsuyama, and Okinawa showing strong year-on-year growth in searches – areas where many Hoshino Resorts properties are located.
Klook and Tourism and Events Queensland launch multi-market campaign
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has partnered with Klook to launch a multi-million-dollar global marketing campaign aimed at boosting travel from six key Asian markets – Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines. Running from January to June 2026, the collaboration marks TEQ’s first-ever global partnership with the Asia Pacific experiences platform and is designed to inspire travel, increase bookings, and support local tourism operators. The campaign will spotlight Queensland’s diverse attractions through Klook’s digital channels, leveraging influencer content from its Klook Kreator programme and integrating with TEQ’s new “That Holiday Feeling” brand platform.
The initiative aligns with the Queensland Government’s long-term tourism strategy, Destination 2045, and represents the first in a series of global activations positioning Queensland as a leading international destination.
VistaJet launches science-backed sleep program to enhance rest and recovery in flight
VistaJet has unveiled The Sleep Program, the first global private aviation initiative dedicated to improving sleep and recovery during and after long-haul travel. Developed with longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia and VistaJet’s in-house wellness team, the program applies scientific principles of circadian alignment, light exposure, and nutrition to optimize in-flight rest. With over 58% of VistaJet flights crossing multiple time zones, the program aims to help Members arrive refreshed, focused, and ready to perform. Cabin Hosts are trained to adjust temperature, lighting, and sound to promote melatonin release, maintain optimal conditions during rest, and guide passengers through gradual wake-up routines with hydrating drinks and nutrient-rich meals.
The initiative also extends beyond the aircraft through VistaJet’s Private World network, offering recovery programs at wellness destinations such as Lanserhof in Austria, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar, and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. VistaJet says the program even caters to pets, ensuring every traveller benefits from improved rest and recovery.
Fliggy wants to build ‘Omni-Intelligent Travel Agents’
Alibaba-owned Fliggy is positioning itself for the next evolution of online travel by embedding artificial intelligence across its operations to transition from a traditional online travel agency (OTA) to what it calls an “omni-intelligent travel agent.” The company has rolled out a suite of AI-powered tools under a multi-agent framework, where specialised AI systems collaborate to handle complex user requests. Its AI travel assistant AskMe, launched in April, uses multiple agents to deliver personalised trip planning, itinerary maps, and even photo-based audio guides. On the corporate front, Fliggy’s business arm, AliBtrip, introduced an AI-driven platform to streamline travel planning and compliance for enterprises.
Fliggy has also expanded AI use in areas like customer service, merchant tools, and supply chain operations — with AI now handling about 10% of customer inquiries. Tools such as Fliggy’s AI publishing system allow merchants to convert itineraries into ready-to-publish listings within 60 seconds, cutting turnaround times by over threefold. CTO Dr. Alex Chen said the shift toward AI-driven, multi-agent systems will allow Fliggy to balance scale, cost, and personalization — long considered the “impossible triangle” in travel. “We believe the future lies not with traditional OTAs, but with omni-intelligent travel agents,” Chen said, calling the transformation a “historic strategic opportunity” for the global travel industry.
Header image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
