Here’s our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week.

Hostaway AI

Vacation rental property management tech company Hostaway has launched Hostaway AI, a suite of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for property managers.

The tools include AI Review Sentiment Analysis and the Host Quality Dashboard, which provide real-time insights into guest feedback, team performance, and listing quality. These join existing features like AI Guest Replies, AI Dynamic Pricing and AI Task Management, helping property managers automate tasks, optimize pricing and improve service.

According to the company, Hostaway AI delivers measurable results, including a 400% growth for clients and 60 minutes saved per reservation.

Stay22’s map button

Travel tech specialist Stay22 has introduced a new map button to simplify booking for accommodations, events and travel experiences.

The feature has significantly boosted user engagement, with a fourfold increase in clicks and a 50% higher conversion rate on mobile devices, the company said. The map button streamlines the booking process, making it easier for users to complete transactions with a single tap, especially on mobile.

It now drives 85% of clicks on mobile, improving the user experience and revenue potential for event businesses, Stay22 said.

Kyte, PKFARE

Kyte, a tech provider specializing in low-cost carrier (LCC) access via application programing interface (API), has partnered with PKFARE, an International Air Transport Association-certified global travel content aggregator.

The collaboration will enable PKFARE to distribute LCC content, including from Ryanair and easyJet, enhancing its travel retailing capabilities. Kyte’s API simplifies access to both LCC and New Distribution Capability content for travel players. 

AirBaltic launches self-service tool

Latvian airline airBaltic has launched a self-service tool within its “manage my booking” section of its website, allowing passengers to modify flight dates without contacting customer service.

Available to those with ticket numbers starting with 657, the tool provides visibility into flight options, fare differences and change fees, with instant payment processing.

The move is meant to improve customer experience by offering flexibility and reducing operational pressure. AirBaltic aims to automate approximately 4,500 date change requests monthly.

Outpayce unveils payments marketplace

Outpayce from Amadeus has launched a payments marketplace dedicated to travel and co-created with airlines.

The platform enables airlines to browse, sort and filter payment solutions from global partners, with live data on transaction volumes and supported countries, currencies and services.

Airlines can activate new capabilities, update payment flows and make real-time routing decisions. The marketplace’s open architecture allows payment companies to integrate quickly via new APIs, cutting integration time and enabling expansion of payment options.

Smartvel unveils Explore&Go

Smartvel has launched Explore&Go, an immersive content platform for airlines that enhances destination discovery and boosts conversions by aligning with customer preferences.

The platform features an interactive map with real-time destination content, including videos, local insights and filters for interests like skiing or beach holidays.

The solution is available as a white-label solution on airline websites or apps and presents every destination served by the airline, simplifying booking decisions. It also provides customer data, enabling airlines to personalize strategies and improve customer relationship management.

TravelPerk rebrand

TravelPerk marks its 10th anniversary with a rebrand to signal its expansion and evolving vision in corporate travel.

Developed with brand consultancy Wolff Olins, the new identity features a vibrant color palette, including “Perk Green,” moving away from traditional corporate blue.

The rebrand highlights TravelPerk’s shift to an integrated travel and expense platform. The rebrand is also meant to reflect the changing landscape of business travel. 

WeTravel’s evolution

Multi-day tours specialist WeTravel has evolved from a booking and payment tool into an all-in-one travel management solution.

With more than 8,000 clients, it now integrates AI-powered itinerary creation, direct bookings, flexible payments and seamless supplier payments. This expansion streamlines operations by consolidating tools for bookings, payments and customer management, saving time and increasing revenue.

The platform also offers multi-currency payment processing and virtual card-based supplier payouts.

Verve Travel rebrand

Gray Dawes Group has rebranded Verve Travel to Gray Dawes Travel, following its acquisition of the Melbourne-based company in November 2024.

The move marks a milestone in Gray Dawes’ global expansion and strengthens its position in Australia. The integration aligns Verve’s operations with Gray Dawes’ global tech platform, offering clients consistent, high-quality service across all time zones. The rebrand also supports Gray Dawes’ continued growth and global strategy.

SHR’s AI assistant

Hotel technology specialist SHR has launched an AI Assistant embedded within its central reservations systems and CRM platforms.

The tool automates content creation, ensuring multilingual consistency, accessibility compliance and messaging accuracy. It generates room descriptions, promotional messages and alt-text, reducing manual workloads and updating across all channels. The AI Assistant streamlines workflows, enhances guest experience and helps hoteliers maintain brand alignment, the company said.

TBR opens Japan office

Ground transportation company TBR Global Chauffeuring has expanded its Asia-Pacific operations with a new office in Tokyo, Japan.

The addition brings the company’s regional hubs to four, joining Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. The Tokyo office supports TBR’s strong growth in Japan, which has seen a 25% year-on-year increase in demand, according to the company. The expansion strengthens local presence and service capabilities, enhancing support for clients in sectors like financial roadshows and corporate travel. TBR now operates in more than 3,000 cities across 120 countries.

Corporate Traveller names U.K. GM

Corporate Traveller has appointed Bonnie Smith
as the general manager for the United Kingdom, succeeding Donna
Joines as of April 1. Smith, previously general manager of
Flight Centre’s corporate brands in South Africa, brings 21 years of
experience.

Joines now leads FCM
Travel’s European Service Center. Following Smith’s move, Mummy Mafojane
became FCM’s general manager for South
Africa, while Herman
Heunes
stepped in as South Africa general manager for Corporate Traveller.

Giata, Stayntouch

Giata and Stayntouch have formed a strategic partnership to
streamline hotel operations in Europe and the United States.

By integrating Giata’s
standardized hotel content with Stayntouch’s cloud-based property management
system, the collaboration enhances efficiency, boosts online visibility and
improves the booking experience, the companies said.

The partnership also
includes joint lead generation efforts to offer tailored digital solutions.

Digitrips’ airfare price protection

Digitrips, the French travel tech group behind MisterFly,
has launched Freeze, an airfare price protection feature that lets travelers
lock in a fare for up to 12 months without commitment. Freeze allows users to
secure a fare months in advance and confirm or decline up to 10 days before
departure.

Co-founder Carlos Da Silva called the feature a “game-changer” in
reducing airfare uncertainty. The feature will roll out across Digitrips’
flight distribution platforms over the coming months.

BCD Travel’s SVP

BCD Travel has appointed Stephanie DeNote
as senior vice president of travel
commerce, overseeing the company’s proprietary platform and
enhancing booking and trip management experiences for travelers and agents.

Denote
has over 15 years of experience in travel technology and product development. BCD’s Yannis Karmis
highlighted the role’s importance in advancing digital innovation.

* This roundup was created with the help of ChatGPT.