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- 125m of climate-friendly flight innovation. Silicon Valley-based startup LTA Research introduces Pathfinder 1, a colossal airship. Powered by electricity, it marks a milestone in environmentally conscious air travel, standing as the largest of its kind at 124.5 meters with 13 helium-filled sections. Pathfinder 1 incorporates cutting-edge drone technology, revolutionizing disaster relief and eco-friendly transportation. Notably, LTA Research is backed by Sergey Brin (yes, Google’s co-founder). And here’s a cool tidbit: LTA stands for Lighter Than Air. Love it!
- How travel plans get made. Female-owned FamGuru has raised over $100,000 on a crowdfunding campaign, aiding travel professionals in planning and organizing fam trips. Launched in August 2023 at Virtuoso Travel Week, FamGuru has organized 1,000+ fam trips globally, collaborating with luxury brands like Jumeirah, Banyan Tree and St Regis. Fam trips, short for ‘familiarization trips,’ are firsthand learning experiences for travel agents about locations, airlines, tours, hotels, and cruises they promote. FamGuru’s innovative platform addresses outdated methods in fam trip organization and information sharing.
- Airbnb keeps blending travel with new tech. Airbnb makes its first acquisition as a public company, investing nearly $200 million in stealth AI startup GamePlanner.AI. The startup was founded by Adam Cheyer (one of the creators of Siri) and Siamak Hodjat. The team aims to integrate AI into Airbnb’s platform to enhance user experiences. Airbnb demonstrates a robust commitment to the advancing tech landscape, as seen through recent acquisitions and a focus on AI-powered innovations like the AI-powered Photo Tour tool. This goes along with CEO Brian Chesky’s idea of using smart AI to give a personal touch to a “travel concierge” service.
- Etihad’s Journey into Blockchain and Web3. Marking a groundbreaking collaboration in blockchain technology integration within aviation and hospitality, Sleap.io has joined forces with Etihad. The airline has expanded its Web3 presence with the creation of 300 EY-ZERO1 NFTs, offering benefits like air miles and priority status. Sleap.io prioritizes user-friendly reservation systems, incorporating cryptocurrency wallets and unique NFTs for each booking at affordable rates. The collaboration enables NFT holders to access Sleap.io’s global hotel network, enhancing their travel experiences. This partnership signifies a notable shift in the travel industry towards personalized, hassle-free, Web3-influenced journeys.