TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
Plusgrade | February 23, 2023
Plusgrade, the global travel industry's premier provider of ancillary revenue solutions, recently announced the acquisition of UpStay, a growing upgrade and ancillary revenue solutions provider for the hospitality industry. UpStay supports hundreds of hotels throughout 17 countries by aiding hoteliers in growing ancillary revenue by delivering numerous value-added revenue streams to their guests.
Since its inception in 2019, UpStay has been acknowledged for its innovative technology, receiving the 2021 People's Choice Innovation Award (Phocuswright Travel Awards) and the 2022 World's Best Hotel Tech Startup (World Travel Tech Awards).
Plusgrade's acquisition of Points, the global leader in powering loyalty commerce, brought together two of the largest ancillary revenue solutions under one umbrella. Now, the company has initiated a new phase of rapid expansion. By adding UpStay, which provides hotel upgrades and other ancillary revenue solutions, to its portfolio, enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive and diverse services to its global customer base.
This move positions Plusgrade to make a more significant impact on travel businesses worldwide, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction. UpStay will be incorporated into the Plusgrade brand over the next few weeks and will operate as Plusgrade going forward.
Ken Harris, CEO of Plusgrade, shared, "The acquisition of UpStay is another step forward for our vision and mission of becoming the Global Ancillary Revenue Powerhouse." He adds, "We have been accelerating this mission through a series of innovations, launches and acquisitions, and have come into 2023 as a powerhouse for the global travel industry. We are thrilled to have the UpStay team join us, and look forward to tapping into their expertise and innovative technology to bring even more value to our now 200+ airline, hospitality, cruise, rail and financial services partners around the world."
(Source – PR Newswire)
About Plusgrade
Plusgrade offers a portfolio of premium ancillary revenue solutions that power the travel industry. With over 200 clients from various sectors, including airline, cruise, passenger rail, hospitality, and financial services, the company creates new, meaningful revenue streams by delivering exceptional customer experiences. As an ancillary revenue powerhouse, it has created new revenue opportunities worth billions of dollars across its platform, enhancing travel experiences for millions of passengers and guests. Founded in 2009 with headquarters in Montreal, the organization has a global presence with offices located worldwide.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
Apple Leisure Group | March 06, 2023
Apple Leisure Group (ALG), a travel services provider, has recently launched a new platform ALG Vacations (a part of Hyatt), dedicated for its customers’ vacation planning, connecting experts from travel industry.
Vacation planning for most Americans is arduous, and their travel gets complicated. With expert travel advisors, ALG Vacations help its customers with the ins and outs of travel, solution to every travel problem, and solve any issues during the journey. Its new platform ‘Travel Advisors Get You There’ offers resources and step-by-step guidelines for utilizing its network of professionals, helping with vacation planning without any tension. It is beneficial in current economic situations where airline inventory can be meager than expected.
ALG Vacations (ALGV) is a part of Hyatt, managed under Apple Leisure Group (ALG). It is a North American resort brand management, leisure travel, and hospitality group. It connects with growing vacation brands to transform the leisure travel experience worldwide. It was voted the ASTA Tour Operator Partner of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
The travel advisor from ALGV’s directory is an invaluable expert who can be trusted for customized vacations, reducing the stress of guesswork and the period of travel selection. With complete knowledge of deals and perks, they have the best insider tips, recommendations, and support for unexpected happenings. This solution empowers travelers with travel anticipation without any anxiety and offers support in any misfortune.
Executive Vice President of Apple Leisure Group Vacations, Jacqueline Marks said, “From the moment you start planning, put your getaway in the hands of someone who will be there to answer your questions and solve any issues.” She added, “From recommending the right hotel to coordinating entire wedding groups, travel pros can make your dream vacation a reality.”
(Source – Business Wire)
About ALG
Headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, ALG, a hospitality company, provides services for end-to-end Unlimited-Luxury vacation experiences, Luxury resort brand management, sales and marketing, partnering with hotel owners and developers to enhance the AMResorts brand, destination management, distribution channels, charter flights, and packaged vacations. Its infrastructure consists of travel industry innovators for exceptional travel experience and luxury. Its Vacation brands include Apple Vacations, BeachBound, Blue Sky Tours, CheapCaribbean, Funjet Vacations, Funway Holidays, United Vacations, Travel Impressions, and Southwest Vacations.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY,AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
Priceline | January 02, 2023
Priceline, a leading online travel agency in North America, announced an NDC agreement with British Airways and Iberia, part of the International Airlines Group (IAG).
Through the new distribution capability (NDC) partnership, Priceline customers will have access to the airline group's full fares and other services, such as choosing their seats and having their bags checked.
Priceline is excited to expand its valued partnership with IAG. The company said that its new connections to British Airways and Iberia would help it fulfill its mission of giving customers the best travel deals, whether traveling within the United States or to another country.
Iberia says the agreement with Priceline is a great chance to grow its partnership with one of the best travel agencies in North America through the NDC channel. Also, it will help the company reach a larger audience with Iberia's and British Airways products and the benefits of this model.
British Airways is happy about this announcement with Priceline and the great work they do to ensure their customers can use the NDC content and features, such as more price points and better self-service features. Priceline's parent company, Booking Holdings, is also a part of the new strategic partnership. It includes Agoda, which continues to improve its flight and connected trip offerings in the Asia-Pacific region.
About Priceline
Booking Holdings' subsidiary Priceline is a well-known start-up that combines cutting-edge technology with a meaningful mission. It gives its customers quick and easy access to the best deals on hotel rooms, flights, rental cars, vacation packages, and cruises so they can be present for the most critical moments.
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