News Powered By AI
News Powered By AI
Expedia Group has acquired Berlin-based AI trip-planning startup Layla to advance its specialized AI agent capabilities. The company will maintain Layla as an operating entity while integrating its team across Expedia’s brands.
Artificial intelligence is shifting hotel discovery earlier in the traveler journey, forcing hospitality companies to reconsider budget allocation and establish clear ownership of visibility across multiple teams and channels.
Accor and Treebo have terminated discussions for a master licensee partnership covering Ibis and Mercure brands in India, ending a deal announced in April 2025.
Engine, a startup backed by Permira, has acquired Options Travel, a travel management company with $408 million in gross sales volume, to develop corporate booking software.
Mexico will allocate $115 million to combat record sargassum seaweed levels affecting Caribbean beaches, though the tourism industry seeks greater environmental solutions alongside cleanup efforts.
The U.S. visa bond program, which requires tourists from select countries to deposit up to $20,000 to obtain visas, is becoming permanent after a year-long pilot program.
