Weekly Roundup: Key Developments in the Global Travel Industry
The global travel industry is constantly evolving, with new partnerships, innovative technologies, and strategic appointments shaping the landscape. This week, several noteworthy announcements have emerged, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various companies to enhance travel experiences and streamline operations. Here’s a detailed look at the latest news from the travel sector.
UATP Partners with Klarna for Flexible Payment Solutions
UATP, a global payment network, has joined forces with Klarna, an AI-powered payments provider, to offer airlines a new payment option: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). This partnership allows airlines to provide customers with flexible payment solutions for travel services, making it easier for travelers to manage their expenses.
Zach Ornelas, SVP of global sales for UATP, emphasized the importance of BNPL in the travel sector, stating, "BNPL is an essential payment option for travel merchants to provide their customers. It offers flexibility and convenience to encourage travelers to complete transactions and boost conversion rates." With the global BNPL market projected to reach $14.55 billion this year, this collaboration positions both UATP and Klarna to tap into a lucrative opportunity.
PKFare and Starlings Enhance Travel Options in Latin America
PKFare, a global travel products aggregator, has partnered with Starlings, a company under the Volans Group, to enhance flight inventory for travel agencies in Latin America. This collaboration comes at a time when the region’s travel revenue is expected to grow from $62.1 billion in 2023 to $71.7 billion by 2024, according to PhocusWright.
The partnership will allow PKFare to extend its reach to Starlings’ customers, providing access to a diverse range of flight content from Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. This integration will be available through Starlings’ agent front end or API without incurring additional tech costs, streamlining the booking process for travel agencies.
Sabre Expands Its Network with New Partnerships
Sabre Corporation has announced a significant partnership with Air Serbia, establishing itself as the airline’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) IT provider. This collaboration aims to enhance Air Serbia’s ability to deliver personalized travel experiences and unlock new revenue streams. Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia, highlighted the importance of this partnership in extending their reach to third-party channels, ensuring seamless access to their products and services.
Additionally, Sabre has partnered with InterparkTriple, a leading travel and entertainment platform in Korea. This partnership will enable InterparkTriple to leverage Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) to enhance its geographic reach and offer a wider range of travel content.
IBS Software and Stripe Collaborate for Enhanced Payment Solutions
IBS Software, a SaaS solutions provider, has teamed up with payments specialist Stripe to expand payment options for users of its iStay platform. This collaboration will introduce features such as one-click booking and access to popular payment methods, including installment plans and BNPL options.
The new payment solutions will be integrated throughout the guest journey, making it easier for customers to book services like in-room dining, tours, and parking. Furthermore, IBS Software has announced a migration partnership with Fuji Dream Airlines to transition to a cloud-native platform, ensuring improved reliability and business continuity.
Eviivo and HyperGuest Join Forces for Distribution Network Expansion
Eviivo, a property management software company, has partnered with HyperGuest to connect hotels directly with travel providers. This collaboration will provide Eviivo customers with access to HyperGuest’s distribution network, allowing for broader market reach and real-time availability and pricing.
Gwenal Merliin, executive vice president of strategic solutions at Eviivo, stated, "This partnership not only expands the distribution opportunities for our customers but also aligns with our mission to simplify property management and help our clients thrive."
Brisbane Airport and Amadeus Innovate Passenger Processing
Brisbane Airport, Australia’s third busiest airport, has partnered with Amadeus to migrate its passenger processing technology to the cloud. This initiative will enhance the airport’s operational efficiency, powering over 300 agent-assisted check-in desks and introducing 100 new self-service bag drop units and more than 260 self-service check-in kiosks.
Sarah Samuel, senior vice president for airport and airline operations at Amadeus, remarked, "With flexible cloud infrastructure and advanced self-service options, the technology foundations are being laid so Brisbane can offer passengers an outstanding experience for years to come."
Leadership Changes at GoNexus Group and AC Group
In a move to strengthen leadership, GoNexus Group has appointed Javier Arevalo as managing director of its new divisions, Global DMC Network and Hospitality Partnerships. Arevalo brings over 30 years of experience in travel technology and hospitality, focusing on streamlining destination management services and forging strategic partnerships.
Similarly, AC Group has announced the appointment of joint managing directors Mafalda Teixeira and Dermot O’Neill. With extensive experience in hotel and tour operations, Teixeira and O’Neill are expected to drive growth and enhance leadership within the company.
Conclusion
The travel industry is witnessing a wave of innovation and collaboration as companies seek to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. From flexible payment solutions to strategic partnerships and leadership changes, these developments reflect the industry’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. As we move forward, these initiatives will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel.