Airlines plan a renewed push to drive customers direct after a 10-year campaign to divert bookings from global distribution systems (GDSs) and travel agents stalled during the recession.

Accorhotels.com and HotelsCombined.com have announced a new global distribution agreement.

Travel agents are being given access to SNCF rail content through Amadeus after the GDS agreed a distribution partnership with the French rail company and its subsidiary Rail Europe.

Aer Lingus has taken a €10 million hit due to the Icelandic volcanic ash disruption which closure northern European airspace in April.

Hotel and ground handling specialist GTA by Travelport has announced the appointment of David Painter as chief operating officer with immediate effect.

UK customers of Google’s AdWords will be able to include their rivals’ trademarked terms in their AdWords text, according to an official blog post.

United Airlines has extended a full content agreement with Travelport for a further two years.

UK online searches for hotels fell sharply in June, but the proportion seeking rooms in long-haul destinations rose.

Upmarket operator Kuoni has announced it is to continue using the Galileo GDS in the UK and across ten other countries after renewing a contract with parent company Travelport.

A selection of newspapers are to be provided via Apple iPads to guests staying at Sofitel Hotels in four European cities.