About this episode
Steve Singh, co-founder of travel expense management company Concur, and four firms have acquired corporate travel agency Direct Travel, writes Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes. Singh said the group purchased Direct Travel, one of the world’s largest corporate travel agencies, from private venture capital firm Antares Capital and other debt providers. He said they’re planning to release a platform for Direct Travel customers that combines the four firms’ technologies and services. The platform is expected to include an artificial intelligence-powered trip planner and a way to provide assistance to travelers facing disruptions. Next, Trivago has brought back members of its leadership team from the time of its IPO in December 2016, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal. Trivago recently named Robin Harries its chief financial officer, a move the company said completed its leadership changes. Schaal notes that four executives who left Trivago in 2020 have returned to the Germany-based hotel metasearch engine. The company launched an AI-driven ad campaign in December. Finally, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced its 25th brand, WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill. O’Neill reports WaterWalk stands out from other hotel brands in that it permits owners to sell a mix of rooms. About 60% of its rooms are marketed as extended-stay hotel rooms and 40% are marketed as short-term rentals. O’Neill adds WalterWalk is part of Wyndham’s strategy to expand in the extended-stay sector.