ChatGPT launches travel apps with Expedia and Booking.com
US: OpenAI has launched third-party apps within ChatGPT, starting with travel giants Expedia and Booking.com, allowing users to research and book trips directly through the chatbot. The move follows the launch of OpenAI’s new Apps SDK (software development kit), which enables developers to create integrated experiences within ChatGPT. The feature opens ChatGPT’s 800-million-strong user base […]
Expedia updates Vrbo platform with new AI and tech features
US: Expedia Group has added a suite of updates to its Vrbo vacation home rental platform designed to drive more demand for vacation rental partners, improve quality standards, and simplify the booking process for travellers.
TikTok and Booking.com partner to enable in-app bookings
US: TikTok and Booking.com have launched a partnership that allows US users to book hotels directly within the TikTok app.
Airbnb adopts single service fee, poised to compete with OTAs
US: Airbnb is transitioning most hosts using PMS to a single service fee structure next month, signalling a move toward competing with PMS
Expedia launches AI-generated tool for easy travel booking
US: Expedia has introduced a AI-generated tool that uses social media reels to create bookable travel plans in just a few clicks.
Expedia reports drop in US travel demand in Q1
The company cited weaker consumer sentiment and reduced inbound travel as key challenges.
Expedia Group confirms restructuring and further layoffs
US: Expedia Group has confirmed it is restructuring parts of its organisation, a move that is expected to involve further layoffs.
Vrbo to revise One Key earn rates from May
Vrbo loyalty rewards are changing from 22 May 2025, with One KeyCash earn rates now linked to membership tiers
Opinion: An ‘Uber’ week for the OTAs and what it means
US: STRz editor Paul Stevens explores what a potential Uber acquisition of Expedia could mean for the future of the travel and hospitality sector.
Reports: Uber “explores” potential Expedia acquisition
US: Multinational ride-hailing service firm Uber has been linked with a potential acquisition of US travel booking website Expedia by British newspaper the Financial Times.