March 18, 2025

News to Know

2025 Is the Year AI Agents Will Transform Airline Shopping
(SOURCE: PHOCUSWIRE)

OpenAI recently announced a new shopping agent called “Operator," one of many artificial intelligence agents that will be released from the big tech companies in the next few months.

It is designed to independently perform tasks on behalf of consumers, including one of the most popular activities—online shopping. AI agents won’t just make it easier to shop for retail items, it will also enable better shopping for things like insurance, new cars and flights.

AVIATION

Qantas Predicts Higher Flight Fares Under Compensation Scheme 2024 (AVIATION A2Z)

Spirit Airlines Emerges from Bankruptcy With Plans to Attract Affluent Travelers (USA TODAY)

Major Airline Is Launching ‘Revolutionary’ 15-Minute Air Taxi Service (MSN)

HOSPITALITY

Microsoft Issues Warning for Booking.com Phishing Campaign (DIGIT NEWS)

Italy’s Hospitality Market: A Strong Recovery and a Promising Future (4HOTELIERS)

UATP Broadens Hotel Acceptance with HRS Merchant Agreement (BTN)

The Future of Hospitality: 7 Key Trends Shaping Hotels in 2025 (4HOTELIERS)

OTHER SECTORS

U.S. Travel Agency Market: A Resilient and Thriving Segment (PHOCUSWIRE)

Blended Travel Is All the Rage Today (TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA)

Industry Spotlight

GBTA Convention 2025
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Resources

Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Canada - Disruptions due to spring flooding affecting parts of southern Quebec, Canada, March 17. Evacuations, road and schools closures ongoing.

Honduras - Passenger aircraft crashes into sea after takeoff from Roatan Airport, Honduras, the evening of March 17. Tight security likely.

South Korea - Adverse winter weather forecast across South Korea through March 18. Hazardous travel conditions, transport disruptions likely.

Spain - Rail union plans to continue strike across Spain March 17, 19, despite agreement with government. Transport disruptions likely.

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