FutureTravel Newsletter 27 / July 29

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Hi ,

Here is your weekly overview of the  most relevant news about innovation, trends and startups on the travel industry. Ready for it? 

- Still on the effects of the pandemic, TravelPerk will go hybrid, combining remote and in-person work formats. In an article from this week, the TravelPerk's CEO Avi Meir shares more about how this will look like - and where the decision came from. - When we look at the global scene for travel tech, seems like Brazil is a great place for travel companies to kick-off. I'll be interested to see how Brazilian founders will keep up after the pandemic. By the way: if you know a Brazilian travel startup which we should keep an eye on, hit reply and let us know :)- California-based startup Miles - or "the universal rewards platform for all forms of travel", as they say - has raised $12.5 million in Series A funding. The money will be used to grow the team, expand their marketplace and to move further with research and development. - For anyone needing an extra doses of confidence about travelling safely, TravelPerk offers a solution called TravelCare, which provides real time restrictions and guidance on both departure and arrival destinations.  - Remember last week when we mentioned the powerful combination travel and fintech solutions? So, here is another example: As a result of a freshly established partnership, Amadeus will now offer Hopper’s fintech solutions. This means any travel provider will be able to integrate Hopper’s fintech solutions which increase average order value, improve margins, and drive customer satisfaction. The deal starts by offering two products: “Cancel for Any Reason” and “Price Freeze”, but with plans to expand in the future.- Amadeus is the first travel brand to incorporate IBM’s Digital Health Pass. Amongst other features, it lets airlines receive confirmation that “a passenger is ready to fly, without the need for transferring or storing the traveler’s personal health information by the airline or IBM”. I think this is awesome.- Paving the path for sustainability in the travel industry, Icelandair has made it clear their intention to be amongst the first airlines to explore electric and hydro powered flights. Brilliant - and hey, who’s next? - So many people going on roadtrips this year. SO MANY. The statement itself might not be surprising, but to see a company like Skyscanner is now offering personalised road trips is definitely something I didn’t see coming. I think that adopting Inspirock’s solution is a great way for them to explore this (established) trend.- Helping more than 250 million users to book, plan and manage their travels, the leading travel app Ixigo has raised $53 million led by the Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC. I mean… just ahead of the IPO!This is it for this week, . See you next Thursday.Best regards,Ana