→ Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly curation of the top travel news, straight to your inbox.
To be honest, this has been a tough week to keep an eye on the news, without feeling too overwhelmed with Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Still, I did my best to curate the most interesting news in the travel industry about innovation, trends and startups shaping the global market.
Here we go:
- A global sportswear brand is now launching their own hotel in Shanghai’s Business Center. It seems to be the first time that a sports brand unites with a lifestyle experience in the form of a hotel – we like it!
- The conflict in Ukraine has been the main topic on my newsfeed these days, so it feels weird (to say the least) to not bring it forward in this newsletter – but I decided to keep it on-topic. Here is an overview brought by CNN on how the travel industry is responding to the Russian invasion. Additionally, Flexport shared an analysis on how it will impact the global air freight market: rerouting, transit times, and increased carbon emissions.
- In a joint interview, investor Jan-Frederik Valentin and founder Florian Montag, talk about blockchain, traveltech, the combination of both, the future of traveltech in Europe and the challenges and opportunities for the industry moving forward. Really good read for everyone wondering if blockchain will disrupt the travel industry.
- With sustainability being one of the main driving forces in travel this year, TravelPerk has just launched its own carbon reduction tool. GreenPerk API lets their customers measure their carbon footprint when traveling and help them build strategies to reduce emissions. For those committed to travel sustainably, TravelPerk just made it easier to keep that promise – at least when it comes to business travel.
- Singapore Airlines started a partnership to upcycle their business class seats, carts and other elements by turning them into household items. The prices are not as affordable as one might think – and I am personally wondering who is ready to set this up in their living room.
- The travel unicorn TripActions just announced their third acquisition in the last nine months. The American company took over the Swedish-based travel management company Resia (which has been operating for more than 50 years), and now supports almost 9,000 businesses around the globe.
- More on acquisitions: focusing on their airlines partnerships, Hopper is buying Smoss, a Paris-based airline merchandising and customer care platform. The entire team will join Hopper and will work to expand adoption of Hopper Cloud among airlines.
- Uber has added a feature called Uber Explore, making it possible for users to book experiences such as dinners and live concerts. This brings them closer to becoming a super app: an app that offers a wide range of products and services for their users.
- Swiss Airlines have announced they will be the first airline to use its solar aviation fuel. Yes, you read it right: fuel made of sunlight. Pretty good alternative to fossil fuels, if you ask me.