Here's our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week.
UATP, Klarna
UATP, a global payment network that enables organizations to simplify payment processes and expand their payment capabilities, has announced a new partnership with Klarna, an AI-powered global payments network.
This partnership allows airlines to offer Klarna's payment services like buy now pay later (BNPL), providing customers with flexible payment options for travel services and products. This also allows Klarna to gain access to UATP's vast base of airlines and travel agencies and strengthens their support for BNPL options which helps their merchants tap into a global BNPL market estimated at $14.55 billion this year.
"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," said Zach Ornelas, SVP of global sales for UATP.
PKFare, Starlings
PKFare, a global travel products aggregator, and Starlings, a Volans Group company that provides innovative technologyl solutions to empower agencies, have announced a partnership to enhance PKFare’s extensive global flight inventory for travel agencies in Latin America.
According to PhocusWright, the region's travel revenue reached $62.1 billion by the end of 2023, and it is projected to grow to $71.7 billion by the end of 2024.
The collaboration will allow PKFare to extend its reach to Starlings’ customers who will benefit from its flight content from Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East, which are accessible via Starlings’ agent front end or API at no extra tech costs.
Sabre's new partnerships
Sabre has announced a new partnership with Air Serbia, that country's national carrier. The agreement establishes Sabre as Air Serbia's NDC (New Distribution Capability) IT provider, which will empower the airline to deliver a more personalized travel experience and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia, commented, "With Sabre’s solutions we can extend our reach to third-party channels including travel agencies and aggregators, ensuring seamless access to our products and services. Together, we are shaping the future of travel retailing and delivering enhanced value to our passengers.”
In addition, Sabre has partnered with travel and leisure services specialist InterparkTriple, which operates InterPark, Korea’s leading travel and entertainment platform.
InterparkTriple will now use Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) to enhance its geographic reach, using Sabre’s advanced APIs and travel partner network to offer airline and other travel content.
IBS Software new partnerships
IBS Software, an SaaS solutions provider, has partnered with payments specialist Stripe.
The collaboration provides an increased range of payment solutions for customers using IBS Software's iStay platform. In addition, businesses will be able to offer features like one-click booking and access to popular payment options like instalments and buy now, pay later methods.
The new options will be available at the time of booking and throughout the guest journey across in-room dining, tours and activities and parking, which will all be bookable through saved payment methods, making the customer experience easier.
Meanwhile, IBS has also announced a partnership to migrate Fuji Dream Airlines to a cloud-native platform.
The migration ensures higher availability, reliability and business continuity through multiple zones of availability in the region with AWS's public cloud infrastructure.
Eviivo, HyperGuest
Property management software company Eviivo has partnered with HyperGuest, a platform that connects hotels directly with travel providers.
This collaboration enables Eviivo customers to gain access to HyperGuest’s distribution network. Key benefits include a broadened market reach, seamless integration, lower costs, real-time availability and pricing, customizable offerings and insights. In addition, properties will be able to maximize their exposure while maintaining greater control over bookings and pricing.
"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,” said Gwenal Merliin, executive vide president of strategic solutions at Eviivo.
Amadeus, Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport, the third busiest in Australia, is partnering with Amadeus to move passenger processing technology to the cloud and power more than 300 agent assisted check-in desks across both terminals. In addition, the airport will implement 100 new self-service bag drop units and more than 260 self-service check-in kiosks from Amadeus.
Sarah Samuel, senior vice president for airport and airline operations at Amadeus, said: "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."
GoNexus Group appoints managing director for new divisions
GoNexus Group, an experiences and mobility travel group, has announced the appointment of Javier Arevalo as managing director of two new divisions, Global DMC Network and Hospitality Partnerships.
Bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in the travel technology and hospitality industry, Arevalo will lead the two divisions by focusing on streamlining destination management services and forging strategic partnerships with hospitality providers.
AC Group appoints new joint managing directors
Experiences provider AC Group has announced the appointment of joint managing directors Mafalda Teixeira and Dermot O’Neill.
Texeira, with over seven years at AC Group and 20 years in hotel and tour operations, and O’Neill, with nearly a quarter-century of experience in the DMC sector, will strengthen leadership and drive growth for the company.