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Here’s your weekly roundup of the latest trends, innovations, and startup news in travel:
- Book your flight, and your experience. EasyJet has announced a partnership with Musement, the experiences division of TUI Group, to let their customers add experiences in numerous destinations. While the offerings are exclusive to customers booking directly with easyJet and easyJet holidays, the partnership expands Musement’s portfolio for all easyJet customers. This partnership is part of TUI’s plan to expand tours and activities, and it’s a sign of things moving forward.
- Your watch, your flight info. Aiming to make the entire journey predictable and easy for passengers, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has created an app for Apple Watch that uses AI to give travelers up-to-date information about their flights. The app tells users when their flight is leaving or arriving, which gate to go to, and provides status updates. By using AI and motion sensors, the airport aims to make the process of departing, transferring, and arriving more clear for passengers. The airport wants to make traveling less stressful and has made a big investment in digital tools, with over 1.6 million people downloading its app in the past year.
- Et voilà, here is your package. In France, train passengers have the opportunity to earn money by delivering packages during their travels, thanks to WePost, a local startup. This service allows passengers to sign up online, share their train details, and choose to carry a package. WePost, accessible in key French train stations, aims to promote train travel, offer cost-effective solutions, and support eco-friendly delivery. With 25,000 users, over 30 e-commerce partners, and more than 20 relay points across France, WePost has plans to grow its community and forge partnerships, including potential collaboration with SNCF Connect.
- Touchless Takeoff. Lisbon and Porto Airports have introduced the “Biometric Experience”, together with Vision-Box. The program, starting with TAP Air Portugal flights, uses biometrics to automate the traveler’s journey, making it easier and contactless. Vision-Box’s Seamless Journey Platform orchestrates the biometric process, making it more efficient and optimizing infrastructure. The goal is to provide a faster, safer, and private travel experience, demonstrating Portugal’s dedication to innovation and streamlined processes at its airports. In the future, the program will include more airlines and destinations, creating a more interconnected and efficient travel network.
- One week, two deals. Katanox has expanded its partnerships this week, first teaming up with Guestline for seamless property distribution. This collaboration allows Guestline users to easily connect with Katanox, fostering direct relationships with travel buyers. Additionally, Katanox partnered with travel management company Lanes & Planes, using its distribution capabilities to enhance revenue and efficiency. Lanes & Planes benefits from Katanox’s features, like commission reconciliation, strengthening its position in the hospitality industry. Together, these collaborations mark Katanox’s efforts to provide enhanced opportunities and efficiency for both accommodation providers and travel management companies.