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 […]
OpenAI unveils AI agent Operator to book travel
US: OpenAI has officially unveiled one of its first AI agents called Operator, a system that can use its own browser to make travel reservations, fill out forms, order groceries and even create memes.
European Union to hike VAT on sharing economy platforms
Estonia / EU: EU diplomats have reached an agreement on VAT [value-added tax] rule reforms that would result in tax hikes for sharing economy platforms including Airbnb and ride-sharing service Uber after Estonia dropped its previous veto position.
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.
The implications of the Supreme Court’s Uber ruling for rental firms
UK: Richard Bridger, COO of UnderTheDoormat and Hospiria, addresses how the UK Supreme Court’s judgement against Uber could have “serious” implications for short-term rental companies. On 19 February, the UK’s Supreme Court upheld a ruling that Uber drivers were workers for the company. This certainly has major implications for companies in the gig economy. I’m […]