Week in Review

Corporate travel bookings start-up TravelPerk has raised $44 million in funding for its consumer-like business travel site, Reuters reports.

Japan plans on launching an electronic visa system for tourists in order to reach its goal of 60 million annual foreign visitors by 2030, Business Traveller notes. The country has also relaxed its visa requirements to increase inbound tourists.

According to Auto Rental News, Lyft is launching a subscription service. For $299 a month, customers can take 30 rides worth up to $15 each.

Scotland’s Edinburgh Airport was named “airport of the year” at the National Transport Awards in London, TravelDailyNews International notes.

According to new GBTA research out yesterday, 83% of women have experienced at least one (if not more) safety-related incident while traveling for business over the past year.

Cypriot carrier Cobalt Air, which initially launched in 2016, has ceased operations indefinitely, Business Traveller writes.

London’s Gatwick Airport will begin using its emergency runway as a second runway in order to deal with its growing traffic, Airport-Technology.com reports.

According to Buying Business Travel, Europcar launched a new website for corporate customers.

Hotel-Online.com shares tips on how hotels can compete in the sharing-economy provider landscape.

After filing for bankruptcy last year, USA TODAY reports the Italian populist government will relaunch Alitalia with plans to take a 15% share.

According to Buying Business Travel, Laterooms Business launched a new meetings booking platform that enables business travelers to book and manage both their accommodations and meetings spaces.