Busbud Raises $11 Million for Intercity Bus Booking: Travel Startup Funding This Week
This week, travel startups Busbud, KKday, GreenCloud, and Virdee announced more than $102 million in funding.
Sean O’Neill is Skift’s Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean’s forte is reporting, and he’s broken multiple hotel industry scoops. He has also conducted 1:1 interviews on stage with the CEOs of Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Wyndham.
More Momentum Building on Subscription Services in Travel, Will It Help Post-Pandemic?
Travel companies such as CitizenM, Sixt, Trafalgar, Manifest, Bidroom, Upgrade Pack, eDreams Odigeo, and Selina are dabbling in pay-by-month subscriptions. Early signs are promising.
Hard-Hit Tours Sector Gets Vote of Confidence With $75 Million in Funding for Booking Agency in Asia
KKday has returned to growth thanks to domestic tourism in countries such as Taiwan and South Korea. Notably, these modern democracies have contact tracing programs that work, enabling domestic activities to recover during a pandemic.
Former La Quinta Top Boss Bets on Contactless Tech Startup Virdee
Contactless tech is buzzy as a form of pandemic harm reduction. But hotel companies will only front money for digital tools if the tech will steeply slice their costs long-term.
Ad Firms Migrate From Hotels to Alternative Lodging Along With Consumers During Pandemic
Alternative accommodations aren't very alternative anymore. It's time for the sector to get the ad tech tools it deserves.
Holidu Raises More Than $5 Million for Rental Search: Travel Startup Funding This Week
Holidu has been winning the pandemic. It has become profitable thanks to a surge of interest in vacation rentals and holiday homes.
Expedia CEO Says Company Overhaul Will Be Done in Time for Travel’s Recovery
Talk about tough love. The CEO of Expedia Group, Peter Kern, is sticking with the tough line despite the pandemic by still demanding a significant reorganization and tech revamp for the online travel giant.
Alaska Airlines Aims for Smarter Pricing During the Crisis With the Help of New Tech
The pandemic has bewildered the airline software that pops out airfares based on historical data. But Alaska Airlines thinks new software will make it savvier.
Booking Holdings CEO Sees Greater Traveler Awareness in Alternative Accommodations
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel said the pandemic had no redeeming value. But his company will coincidentally be well-placed for the recovery thanks to the new consumer awareness of alternative lodging.
Venture Firm Howzat Is Raising $120 Million to Find the Next Trivago or Airbnb
Here's a bright ray of positivity in a gloomy time. Howzat is raising a big fund, and it plans to make roughly half of its investments in travel and transportation startups.