Meta flies with Lufthansa
Lufthansa is partnering with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to enhance the inflight experience in its newly launched Allegris Business Class.
The initiative marks the first time an airline will offer Meta’s Quest 3 headsets in a commercial inflight setting.
As part of a pilot programme, selected flights will be equipped with the headsets, providing passengers access to a variety of custom MR content, from entertainment and travel to wellness and games, all designed to operate seamlessly in the Quest 3’s Travel Mode.
PKFARE launches branded fares solution
PKFARE, a subsidiary of DerbySoft, has launched a branded fares solution to facilitate airlines’ upselling efforts. The new system categorizes fares into three tiers: Original, Plus, and Max, each providing different levels of service and amenities. The Original fare offers basic essentials with optional add-ons, Plus includes luggage and advance seat selection options, and Max provides the most comprehensive services including expanded luggage allowance and priority seat selection.
This initiative will incorporate branded fares from about 20 airlines into the PKFARE Flight API, allowing customers to choose fare packages that best suit their needs.
PKFARE integrates with Global Distribution Systems, airlines, hotels, and travel suppliers worldwide, providing access to real-time global inventory and competitive pricing. The company supports over 600 airlines and 650,000 hotel properties across more than 100 countries, serving over 2,000 active clients globally.
A tipping treat for tour guides
TripAdmit has launched the TipDirect mobile app that streamlines tipping and reviews for tour guides.
Customers can make instant payments directly from their mobile phones to the tour guide’s designated bank account by scanning a unique QR code. Guides receive real-time payments as soon as the transaction is made.
The app’s payment functionality records all earnings and recent transactions, ensuring that guides can manage their finances efficiently and transparently.
On review generation, TipDirect is first to market with its AI-assisted review capability. Utilising OpenAI’s ChatGPT, guests can write their reviews independently or with some AI assistance.
The TipDirect platform and app includes features for tour upselling, allowing activity providers to promote additional tours and boost sales.
Digital first wins Down Under
The travel experiences sector in Australia and New Zealand is near full recovery on a revenue basis and poised to do well in 2024 and 2025 as the return of international tourism arrivals accelerates, although Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO at Arival, said the recovery has been uneven, “and the industry is markedly different from before the pandemic”.
According to Arival, a research authority for the travel experiences sector, online channels have become the leading way for travellers to book tours, activities and attractions in Australia and New Zealand.
“Businesses that became digital first in their thinking, that made key investments in booking tech, in connectivity and now in GenAI are poised to benefit most from an industry and a traveller that is much changed over the past five years,” Quinby added.
Tech meets art in Bali
A futuristic, art-led coastal enclave is taking shape in Bali under the watchful eye of its founder, Russian tech entrepreneur, Sergey Solonin.
Situated on prime Balinese coastline in the regency of Tabanan, approximately 20 minutes from Canggu and an hour and half from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nuanu Creative City covers an area of 44 hectares.
The complex, due to launch formally in July, will include health and wellness facilities, hotels, residential homes, education areas, gardens, event and entertainment spaces, artists’ studios and a beach club.
“One of the most exciting prospects on our horizon involves the integration of cutting-edge technology into the world of art, an endeavour that challenges our imagination and innovation,” said Solonin, who was also formerly the chairman of QIWI, a specialist in payment and financial services.
From 22-23 August, Nuanu will host CoinFest, the annual Web3 festival.
