Skyscanner launches package holiday comparison
Skyscanner has launched Packages, a new package holiday comparison product that brings flight-plus-hotel deals into its metasearch platform. Initially rolling out in the UK, the product compares offers from ATOL-protected providers including TUI, Jet2, Expedia, easyJet holidays and On the Beach, helping travellers find deals while giving providers access to Skyscanner’s 160 million monthly users. With this launch, Skyscanner now compares flights, hotels, car rentals and package holidays in one place, further diversifying its business.
The move comes as demand for package holidays accelerates, driven by cost-conscious travellers. With 62% of UK travellers focused on saving money, Skyscanner has already seen package holiday demand rise 113% at the start of the year. According to Skyscanner, its new product searches around 25 million packages daily, aiming to simplify trip planning while applying its pricing data and comparison technology to a traditionally fragmented part of the travel market.
Lao Airlines taps Sabre for 10-year tech overhaul
Lao Airlines has signed a 10-year agreement with Sabre, naming the travel technology provider as its long-term transformation partner as it prepares for the shift to offer-and-order–based retailing. Under the deal, the national carrier will adopt the SabreSonic Passenger Service System and extend its distribution partnership, creating a unified technology foundation to support future expansion. Lao Airlines will also join Sabre’s cloud-based PSS suite and continue distributing content through the SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace.
The partnership aims to modernise the airline’s operations, improve connectivity with interline and codeshare partners, and unlock new revenue opportunities through dynamic retailing. Sabre said the integrated PSS and distribution strategy will help Lao Airlines scale efficiently, expand its destination reach, and deliver a more seamless traveler experience. Founded in 1989, Lao Airlines is now pursuing a digital-first strategy as it looks to strengthen its role connecting Laos with regional and international markets.
Agoda and WWF renew Eco Deals, commit US$1.5M to Asia conservation
Agoda and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have launched the fifth edition of the Eco Deals program, marking five years of partnership and the signing of a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding to deepen conservation efforts across Asia. The 2026 edition maintains the program’s highest funding commitment to date, pledging US$1.5 million to support wildlife protection and habitat conservation in 10 Asian markets.
The initiative continues to scale across the region, with nearly 10,000 participating properties in 2025 and US$2.89 million raised since its launch. Funds have supported projects including the protection of Malayan tigers in Malaysia, Asian elephants in Thailand, and whale sharks in the Philippines, contributing to global biodiversity goals. Participating accommodation partners receive enhanced visibility through Agoda’s platforms, marketing support, and an Eco Deals badge, allowing them to reach sustainability-minded travellers while supporting long-term conservation outcomes across Asia.
Mews secures $300M to scale AI-driven hospitality platform
Hospitality management software provider Mews has raised $300 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. Led by EQT Growth, the round included new investors Atomico and HarbourVest Partners, alongside existing backers such as Battery Ventures, Tiger Global and Kinnevik. Mews said the funding will be used to accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and fintech, as hotels face labor shortages, rising costs and growing demand for faster, more personalized guest experiences.
The company plans to expand agent-driven AI across its platform to automate workflows, improve operations and enhance the guest journey, while further developing Mews Payments and its broader fintech infrastructure. Mews will also continue its expansion across North America, Europe and selected new markets, with the U.S. and Europe as top priorities. Founder Richard Valtr said the company remains open to future funding and acquisitions that strengthen its hospitality operating system, following recent purchases including DataChat, Clarity Hospitality Software Solutions and several others since 2024.
PKFARE taps Citilink to expand global access to Indonesia’s LCCs
PKFARE has partnered with Indonesia’s low-cost carrier Citilink to expand the airline’s global distribution reach and give PKFARE’s 2,000+ travel seller clients direct access to Citilink’s full content, including ancillary services and branded fares. The partnership supports Citilink’s push beyond its strong domestic network of more than 50 destinations as inbound tourism to Indonesia continues to recover, particularly from APAC and Europe. Both companies said the collaboration will help capture growing demand while maintaining pricing competitiveness, content integrity, and distribution control, as air travel growth in Asia-Pacific is expected to remain strong in 2026.
