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PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefing: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group, and more

PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefing: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group, and more

Here's our roundup of this week's news on people, products and partners in the global travel industry.

This review was created with the help of ChatGPT.

Amex GBT travel tool box

American Express Global Business Travel American Express GBT (Amex GBT) has launched Travel Toolbox, a self-service advisory platform to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) optimize their travel plans. The digital tool enables SMEs to leverage Amex GBT’s consulting expertise to transform travel data into actionable insights on cost management, traveler experience, policy performance and sustainability. Users can define strategies, identify savings and benchmark performance through interactive dashboards and guidance modules.

TFN’s AI travel planning

Travel Food Network (TFN) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered travel planner that combines artificial intelligence with editorial expertise to deliver hyper-personalized itineraries. The platform, launched at tfninternational.com, helps travelers design and book customized trips through TFN’s curated network of partners.

RMS, try

Valid values Already with Tribe Integrate hotel and spa management systems to reduce manual management and improve guest experience. Announced earlier this month at the Independent Hotel Show in London, the first phase enables real-time synchronization of charges and payments between Trybe's spa management platform and RMS' hotel software. A future phase will link spa booking options directly with room bookings.

transport extension

Transmission Ferro has expanded its network to six new destinations in Africa and the Caribbean, including Basseterre, Entebbe, Fort-de-France, Praia, Amilcar Cabral and Pointe-à-Pitre.

The company said the additions strengthen the brand's international reach and meet growing demand for slow, sustainable and culturally rich travel experiences. Designed specifically for winter, these routes provide travelers with smoother connections to warmer destinations, blending relaxation, exploration and authenticity.

Geneva Airport Upgrade

Geneva Airport Launched a real-time airport operations system developed by west tower Improve efficiency, reduce queues and prepare for passenger traffic expected to reach 20 million by 2030.

The system integrates aircraft, baggage and terminal operations into one platform, providing real-time visibility to airport teams, airlines and ground staff to improve planning and coordination.

PriceLabs, day out

price lab Named a Preferred Revenue Management Partner Day outan American vacation rental property management company that manages more than 11,500 homes. The partnership will deploy PriceLabs' AI-powered dynamic pricing and automation tools to optimize revenue for Awayday's growing portfolio of local brands. Awayday selected PriceLabs after an extensive evaluation that highlighted its pricing accuracy, intuitive interface and collaborative approach.

BWH Hotel, HotelKey

Bowery Hotel Introducing AutoClerk Atlas, a hotel key.

AutoClerk Atlas is built on BWH Hotels' historic AutoClerk system and redesigned in partnership with HotelKey to blend modern scalability with intuitive design. Key features include one-day onboarding, automated payments and reconciliation, integrated guest insights, and deep connections to third-party systems. The launch reflects BWH Hotels’ broader drive to modernize its technology stack and deliver a seamless, efficient experience for hotel teams and guests.

Digitrips appoints deputy CEO

digital travel Patrick Lemaire has been appointed deputy CEO, succeeding Émilie Dumont, as the company enters a new phase of international growth. Lemaire will lead expansion, innovation and strategic partnerships in partnership with co-founders Carlos Da Silva and Nicolas Brumelot. He has more than 20 years of experience with Roland Berger, Fram-Promovacances and Smartbox. Digitrips also appointed Sophie Laporte Linossier as vice president of client services and Vicki Wickens as vice president of international development.

Trust Me Group Rebrand

trust my team New websites have been rebranded and launched for Trust My Group, TMU Management and Repayd. The rebrand marks the next phase of the company's global strategy. Trust My Group provides financial protection and payment solutions to the travel industry and has now expanded beyond this industry to also provide services to payment institutions and the foreign exchange market. The new brand structure aims to unite the three businesses under one mission.

TravelX, Spirit Airlines

TravelX named spirit airlines As its first U.S. airline partner, it marks the company's entry into the U.S. market. Spirit will integrate TravelX’s revenue management exchange platform to dynamically reassign seats, deliver personalized offers and monetize post-booking inventory.

HotelMinder launches lobby

hotel housekeeper Launched Lobby, a global network connecting hoteliers with vetted hospitality experts to provide affordable, professional operational support. Lobby is currently in beta, and hoteliers can access expert advice across functions such as revenue management, operations, marketing and technology consulting. The platform operates on a commission model and is free for hoteliers and experts to join. Founded in 2013, HotelMinder created Lobby to help independent hotels compete more effectively through expert-driven, actionable strategies.

Expedia’s AI tools

Expedia.com Group Launched a suite of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to help B2B partners drive growth and personalization. The product line-up, announced at the EXPLORE Connect event in Singapore, includes Smart Trip AI, a conversational travel planner that delivers curated hotel and activity recommendations in real-time. The company also launched multiple APIs, including new merchandising and type-ahead tools that enhance search, campaign performance and conversion rates.

The Accommodation Sponsored Listing API, currently in beta, allows partners to monetize traffic through relevant hotel advertising. The launch reflects Expedia Group's broader push for faster, smarter and more scalable B2B solutions.