This is potentially a big win for Hopper — if it turns out that Uber's UK rideshare customers will want to book flights in the Uber app. Uber is trying to prove that use case.
Expedia Group has a strong – and growing – business to business segment that is about a quarter of its overall revenue. Booking Holdings and Hopper are nipping at Expedia's heels.
Survey data for summer travel plans and bookings suggest the so-called revenge spending from savings during the pandemic might be waning, as consumers are less keen to indulge themselves with extravagant vacations.
'Deception' may be too strong of a word in this case, but the media attention goes to show that customers do not like to feel that they've been swindled. A quarter of customers pay the tip, but how many of them know it?
The bank has its eyes on snatching business from other corporate travel agencies with new partner Spotnana. But first the wider financial sector may need to stabilize following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank before it gains confidence from new customers.
Bumpy roads are inevitable, as is discerning the hype from genuine application, but travel companies should be considering their role in a world powered by generative AI and how to get there. If they haven't started, they are already behind.
In Expedia Group's efficiency drive, there's a certain logic to killing some sub-brands as their market share plummets. But what about all those customers who still love Travelocity?