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

* This roundup was created with the help of ChatGPT.

SmartRyde, OCBC Indoensia

SmartRyde is partnering with OCBC Indonesia to offer exclusive airport transfer deals to OCBC’s banking customers. 

The collaboration gives travelers access to SmartRyde’s global network, making trips more convenient and comfortable, the companies said. Customers can book transfers through their relationship managers.

Expedia Group hosts Expedia TAAP events

Expedia Group is hosting global events to appreciate travel advisors and update them on features and enhancements to its Expedia TAAP platform.

Advisors in the United States can now book Southwest Airlines flights, with expanded flight options powered by a global distribution system, direct connections and New Distribution Capability (NDC). Expedia TAAP is also growing its presence in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to give Middle Eastern advisors access to a broader inventory. Features highlighted include an agency service charge, booking up to 365 days in advance and itinerary changes, among others.

Jumio, Alaska Airlines

Identify verification specialist Jumio has partnered with Alaska Airlines to streamline international check-in via the airline’s mobile app.

Passport holders from the U.S. and Canada can now verify their identity in-app using Jumio’s automated biometric technology, eliminating the need to queue at airport counters. The integration supports Alaska’s goal of getting travelers to security in five minutes or less, enhancing self-service options and reducing lobby wait times. 

Mindtrip, Travel Nevada

Mindtrip, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered travel planning platform, has partnered with Travel Nevada to deliver personalized, end-to-end itineraries that turn the state’s content into actionable trip plans.

Integrated directly into Travel Nevada’s website, Mindtrip for Business helps visitors discover tailored experiences—like family-friendly activities or off-the-beaten-path adventures—using conversational AI, interactive maps and real-time updates. The collaboration enhances traveler engagement while connecting users with local businesses, offering an intuitive way to plan and share trips. 

TPConnects, Qantas

TPConnects Technologies has reported a tenfold increase in Qantas NDC bookings via its Iris platform in just six months, highlighting rising demand for modern airline retailing.

Australia and New Zealand now drive 30% of TPConnects’ global volume, with Qantas a key contributor. The Iris platform gives travel sellers seamless access to NDC content, smart pricing, multiple payment options and end-to-end servicing, through a single interface.

Ireckonu opens Singapore base

Hospitality data specialist Ireckonu has expanded its global footprint with a new Asia Pacific (APAC) office in Singapore.

This strategic move enhances service delivery for existing partners like Mandarin Oriental and EVT Hotels, while fueling growth in the region. Led by APAC director Sam Samsudi, the local team spans sales, customer success and support, enabling 24/7 global coverage. The expansion reflects Ireckonu’s long-term commitment to personalized, data-driven guest experiences and positions the company to accelerate innovation and client engagement across APAC, the company said.

CarTrawler, Virgin Australia

CarTrawler is partnering with Virgin Australia, adding to its network of airline collaborations. 

Under the agreement, Virgin Australia customers will gain access to a wide range of rentals from providers including Europcar, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt, along with competitive rates. Members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program can also earn and redeem points on rentals. 

Boom, Wheelhouse

AI-powered property management platform Boom is partnering with Wheelhouse to integrate dynamic pricing and revenue management tools into its platform. 

The integration allows users to push optimized rates from Wheelhouse directly into Boom’s AI property management software and out to channels. Through the partnership, Boom aims to close the loop of property performance powered by AI.

Sabre, Air France-KLM

Sabre has activated Air France and KLM NDC content in its travel marketplace, giving Sabre-connected agencies access to continuous pricing, promotions and additional travel options. 

The integration enables agencies to shop and book NDC offers alongside traditional fares via Sabre’s application programming interfaces, Red 360, Launchpad and other online booking tools. 

Trevolution’s initiatives

Trevolution Group has expanded its independent travel manager platform, Dreamport, into Latin America to support Spanish-speaking freelancers in the travel industry. 

Launched in 2023, Dreamport now reaches nearly 388,000 aspiring travel managers across 200 countries, offering free training and remote contract opportunities. The company expects Spanish-speaking users to make up over 30% of its freelancer base by 2025.

Additionally, Trevolution has launched a new hotel booking service powered by ZentrumHub’s AI platform, offering discounted accommodations across its travel brands. The service aims to enhance the all-in-one travel experience, with one in three air travelers expected to use it by 2025.

BEONx, Lighthouse

BEONx has partnered with Lighthouse to integrate market intelligence data into its hotel revenue management platform, aiming to improve real-time pricing insights and decision-making.

The collaboration is part of BEONx’s broader push to expand its data capabilities and develop what it calls the industry’s first AI-driven total profit platform.

By incorporating Lighthouse’s analytics, the company seeks to offer hotels more precise tools for managing revenue and responding to market trends. The integration continues BEONx’s strategy of working with third-party tech providers to strengthen its position in both the urban and resort hospitality segments.

Travala highlights crypto in travel

Travala is spotlighting the growing influence of crypto in global travel. Since recording its first crypto hotel booking in 2018, the platform—along with payment partner Binance Pay—has seen significant growth in crypto-driven transactions.

In 2024, crypto bookings on Travala reached $80 million, making up 78% of total bookings and marking a sharp rise from $45 million the previous year. Travala suggests that crypto is becoming a meaningful real-world application in tourism, with emerging data pointing to shifting traveler behavior.

Protect Group’s projections

Protect Group expects to cover $7 billion in travel and event bookings by the end of 2025, as demand grows for flexible refund options and tech-driven ancillary products. The company’s non-insurance model, which allows travelers to upgrade bookings for protection without regulatory hurdles, is gaining ground among airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs) and hospitality brands.

The company said its travel, tours & OTAs segment has seen a 54% year-over-year rise in conversions. In addition to its core Refund Protect product, the company’s Protect Plus suite—which includes services like flight delay compensation and eSIM access—is also seeing wider adoption as providers seek new revenue sources.

Cyprus Airways, RateGain

Cyprus Airways has partnered with RateGain to implement its AirGain pricing intelligence platform, aimed at enhancing the airline’s ability to make real-time, data-driven pricing decisions.

The collaboration focuses on refining pricing strategies, optimizing promotions and increasing competitiveness across key European and Middle Eastern routes. This move supports the airline’s commitment to sustainable growth and operational flexibility as it adapts to rising competition and evolving customer demand.