Here's our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week.
Kayak, Southwest Airlines
Kayak, a metasearch engine for travel services, has announced its integration with Southwest Airlines, allowing its users to see Southwest fares in their search results. They will be able to compare fare attributes, travel credit transferability, same-day changes, checked bags and flexible seating. In addition, when ready to book, Kayak will transfer users directly to Southwest’s website to complete the transaction.
Sabre Hospitality, Protect Group
Sabre Hospitality, a software and technology provider, has announced a partnership with Protect Group, a provider of trip protection, to integrate trip guarantee services into Sabre's SynXis Booking Engine.
This new integration allows hotels using SynXis Booking Engine to offer Protect Group’s protection guarantee at checkout and give customers confidence when booking, knowing they can receive a refund for covered events.
"This integration supports our strategic imperative to advance retailing and travel-centric eCommerce capabilities in the travel industry," said Ethan Wiseman, head of distribution at Sabre Hospitality. "By offering trip protection guarantees, we are providing hotel partners and their guests with the confidence and security they need."
Subscribe to our newsletter below
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel, a group adventure travel company, has announced the appointment of Payton Iheme to the new role of chief impact officer, where she plans to lead Intrepid’s global sustainability and impact initiatives as well as its nonprofit, the Intrepid Foundation.
Prior to Intrepid, Iheme served in senior staff positions at the United States Senate, held senior policy and advocacy roles at Facebook and most recently at Bumble, where she was vice president and head of public policy.
"I'm honored to join Intrepid at this crucial moment when we're seeing too many companies divesting from ESG, DEI and climate and conservation programming, as well as leaders shying away from advocating for the critical issues impacting so many communities around the world," Iheme said. "As part of Intrepid Travel's leadership team, I intend to bring my voice, my vision, and my energy to advocate on these issues and more."
Justfly.com
Online travel agency justfly.com announced the launch of its "Pay by Bank" feature, which is powered by Accrue, a fintech company that enables partners to launch customized banking, loyalty and payment solutions.
The new feature allows users to make payments directly from their bank accounts, which eliminates the need for traditional payment methods. In addition, it provides key benefits for customers, which include exclusive rewards, faster settlement times and wallet integration. For the platform, it allows lower transaction costs, enhanced acquisition strategy and increased customer retention.
TravelPerk, Emirates
TravelPerk, a global business travel management platform, is expanding its inventory with new distribution capability (NDC) content and has launched its 20th NDC integration with Emirates.
Kristina Geier, vice president of supplier partnerships at TravelPerk, said, “Investing in NDC technology and optimized connectivity is a top priority for us. NDC fares now represent 40% of our global airline bookings, and with more airlines in our integration pipeline, the proportion of bookings coming through this channel will continue to grow.”
H.I.S, IBS Software
H.I.S, a Japanese travel agency specializing in affordable package tours, has extended its partnership with IBS Software, a software as a service solutions provider to the global travel industry.
The renewed partnership allows H.I.S to continue to create a modern customer experience using next-generation digital solutions as well as deliver an enhanced shopping experience for its customers.
“Our combined expertise and shared vision for innovation will enable us to provide more robust, scalable and cutting-edge solutions to H.I.S.’s end users,” said Moizzur Rahman, global head of consulting and digital transformation at IBS Software.
US-Bangla Airlines
US-Bangla Airlines has announced the appointment of Mir Tajmul Hossain as the new head of digital marketing.
Tajmul previously served as the head of digital marketing and communication at ShareTrip, where he led high-impact digital marketing campaigns.
Bringing 12 years of experience in the digital marketing sector, Tajmul plans to enhance brand visibility, customer engagement and online sales by leading the development of digital marketing strategies. He will focus on leveraging data-driven insights to optimize marketing campaigns and deliver exceptional customer experiences.