Big Interview: Exclusive Sit down with Oojo’s New CEO

European OTA Oojo has appointed former-Trip.com senior product and marketing director as its new head of the company. Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld speaks exclusively to Travolution about the move. Congratulations on the new role. What spoke to you the most about this new position?

The online travel sector, and particularly – the flight aspect of it – has always been my true passion. I find the online flight booking space very intriguing since it’s probably the closest thing to the stock exchange. Why? Because in the online flight sector, just like in the stock market, pricing is happening in real-time. You purchase in real-time; you sell in real-time, and the competition is very heavy. And since we are operating in an online area, the customers are always benchmarking. So, literally, within a matter of seconds, you, as a seller, need to find information about the price of the flight, go through your own algorithms and logic of your business model, and then bid on it, trying to win customers. It is a very exciting, adrenaline-heavy business model and I really like it because to be able to win big, you need to be on top of the game. You need to be the very best.

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The Dream of a Travel One-Stop-Shop: What Comes Next?

For several decades, travel executives have been chasing the idea of building a one-stop shop where customers book flights, hotels, transfers and even entertainment in one place. While this sure sounds like the ultimate convenience, in reality, does it work or is it merely a logistical nightmare?   Global online travel agencies like Booking.com and Expedia have been working to evolve from just accommodation-focused platforms to offer comprehensive travel services to position themselves as one-stop shops. However, to this day, particularly in the United States and western Europe, we do not have one dominating truly end-to-end travel platform for travelers.  The concept of the all-in-one platform is, of course, alluring. The idea has been simple: to be able to book anything the modern traveler might theoretically need in a matter of minutes in one window.  For example, Booking.com offers a choice of more than 29 million property listings, including accommodations, flights, car rentals and activities, but for some reason, less than 10% of its transactions are “connected” trips. Despite years of investment, this segment remains small compared to their hotel division, with its growth having declined over time.

To read the full article by Gulce Karsli Rozenveld, CEO of Oojo, click here

Context Is King When It Comes to AI and Business Advice

Artificial intelligence (AI) business advice could be a double-edged sword, boosting profits for high-performing companies while leading to setbacks for those already struggling. An experimental AI mentor for Kenyan entrepreneurs yielded divergent results, improving the performance of successful businesses but harming struggling ones. A study found that high-performing companies increased their performance by 15% when following AI-generated advice. Struggling businesses saw a 10% decline in revenues and profits. “These findings suggest that AI advice may be amplifying existing advantages and disadvantages rather than leveling the playing field,” the researchers noted in their paper. The contrast raises questions about AI’s effectiveness in business consulting. Tech executives emphasize AI’s strengths but also highlight its limitations. Sidharth Ramsinghaney of Twilio told PYMNTS that AI’s prowess is in “pattern recognition, data analysis and predictive modeling” but noted it may not replace human consultants’ nuanced understanding.

To read what Ilia Badeev, head of data science at Trevolution Group, told PYMNTS, click here

Travel Experts: 3 Best Hidden Gems for Middle-Class Families in Latin America

If you want to plan a trip to Latin America on a budget, you have options that are safe, affordable and fun for the whole family. Some of the most popular destinations are located in Mexico. This includes Cancun, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. But there are other lesser-known places to visit both within Mexico and beyond. GOBankingRates asked travel experts to share their top hidden gems for middle-class families with kids to go in Latin America. Here’s what they said and some approximate costs for each destination.

If you’re looking to check something off your bucket list while still having a great, family friendly trip, Maya Kapoor-Miller, a travel manager at Dreamport, suggested Colombia. “Surrounded by the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines in the north and west and the Amazon rainforest in the south, it offers some of South America’s most picture-perfect views and breathtaking adventures,” she said. “Today, it is a lot safer and more developed than it once used to be and welcomes tourists from all around the world while still being very [affordable].”

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Trip.com Veteran Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld Becomes Oojo’s New CEO

Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld, former Trip.com executive, has been appointed CEO of Oojo, leading its growth strategy and expansion across North America and Europe. Trevolution Group has officially named Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld as the new CEO of its online travel platform, Oojo. In her new capacity, Karsli-Rozenveld will spearhead efforts to drive the company’s aggressive growth and expansion initiatives. Prior to this appointment, she held a key leadership position overseeing the European operations for the Trip.com brand. The decision to bring Karsli-Rozenveld on board aligns with Trevolution Group’s strategic goal of enhancing its digital footprint, providing customers with more convenient and flexible travel booking options.

Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld, the newly appointed CEO of Oojo, said, “As I join Oojo team, three specific objectives are set for us: driving global expansion of the OTA, increasing gross bookings by 30%, and further boosting the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is no small feat given that Oojo’s NPS is already twice larger than the industry average. The online travel sector is my passion, which I am happy to use taking Oojo into its next exciting chapter.”

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Former Trip.com Executive Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld Named CEO of Oojo

Trevolution Group today announced the appointment of Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld as the new CEO of its online travel agency, Oojo. In this role, Karsli-Rozenveld will be responsible for shaping the ambitious growth and expansion strategy. Previously she was leading the regional organization in Europe for Trip.com brand. 

The appointment of Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld reflects Trevolution Group’s vision of expanding its online presence, making it easier and more flexible for customers to book trips at their own convenience. 

Gulce Karsli-Rozenveld, the newly appointed CEO of Oojo, said, “As I join Oojo team, three specific objectives are set for us: driving global expansion of the OTA, increasing gross bookings by 30%, and further boosting the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is no small feat given that Oojo’s NPS is already twice larger than the industry average. The online travel sector is my passion, which I am happy to use taking Oojo into its next exciting chapter.” 

Karsli-Rozenveld’s experience spans multiple domains in the travel sector. Prior to her current role at Oojo, she held key positions at Trip.com, leading a team as a Senior Product and Marketing Director and Regional Director for Europe. She also led numerous teams at Travix International as the Global Strategy and Business Development Director as well as Customer Acquisition Director. At Oojo, Gulce will leverage her extensive background in travel to further develop the company’s offerings and continue its mission of delivering seamless and stress-free travel experiences for clients across North America and the UK. Oojo aims to launch in Germany by the end of 2024.    

Oojo is renowned for its user-friendly interface, which allows users to enjoy unbeatable flight deals, real-time quotes, and price-drop alerts. Known for its quick response times and efficient case resolution, Oojo customer excellence team offers 24/7 personalized support, ensuring every flight is smooth and well-coordinated.

“We are thrilled for Gulce to lead our OTA. Her strategic vision and dedication to client service perfectly align with our goals of increasing online presence, making it easier for customers to book travel services seamlessly. I am confident that under her leadership, the global Oojo team will continue to set new benchmarks in the travel industry. Since we are now amidst establishing the Trevolution Advisory Board, I am happy to announce that Gulce is also expected to join it as a chairman in 2025,” Alex Weinstein, the founder of Trevolution and Dyninno Group of Companies, commented.” 

About Oojo 

Oojo is the ultimate online platform for hassle-free travel bookings and unbeatable flight savings. As an online travel platform, Oojo is easy to use and backed by tailored customer service, making your travel planning as efficient as a well-coordinated hive. 

Through partnerships with leading airlines and world-class travel providers, Oojo brings the best flight deals on the market. With real-time quotes and price-drop alerts, the customer is always one click away from the most valuable deal.    

About Trevolution Group 

Trevolution Group, which operates International Travel Network, ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, Dreamport, Oojo, and other travel brands, has established itself as the market leader in the travel business, specializing in the Visiting Friends and Relatives segment. Over 840,000 unique airline tickets and vacation packages were sold by the companies under the Trevolution Group brand in 2023, making it the fourth-largest airline ticket consolidator in the US. 

For further details, please contact pr@dyninno.com 

9 Best Fall Getaways for Couples on a Budget

Summer’s over and fall is just about here. While many of us had plenty of family time in the warmer season, we’re feeling antsy for some one-on-one with our significant other. GOBankingRates spoke with travel experts to find out where to head this fall if you’re trying to save money but also need to get away with your partner. Here are the nine best fall getaways for couples on a budget. If you’re set on taking a trip in the fall, here are six travel deals to jump on before they’re gone.

Who says California’s got to cost an arm and a leg? Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets, gave us in on a little secret: “Oxnard is a romantic and idyllic spot on California’s southern coast that can get pretty busy and overpriced during summertime. With the average weather temperature of around 74 to 75 degrees throughout September and October, fall truly is the best time to experience the authentic Oxnard vibes on a budget.” Zach shared what makes Oxnard special: “It is home to miles of pristine golden-duned beaches, including the famous Mandalay Beach, as well as historic Victorian-era architecture and some of the best taquerias in the state.”

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Phocuswire’s Weekly Travel Tech News Briefs: trip.biz, Hospitable, Outpayce and MoreWeekly Travel Tech News Briefs: Trip.biz, Hospitable, Outpayce and More

Here’s our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week.

 Trevolution Group has announced the launch of Dreampass Plus, a next-generation loyalty program. The program offers travel deals and personalized benefits including international emergency medical protection, a cash-back program, price drop coverage, e-sims and more. Dreampass Plus can be accessed by customers using Trevolution Group’s products through personal travel agents, as well as the Dreampass mobile app. Inntel, a corporate accommodation, travel, meeting and events management company, has announced it has become a Certified B Corporation, making it one of the first travel management companies in the United Kingdom to receive the certification. With a score of 94.2 on its BIA, well over the 80 point pass mark, Inntel scored particularly highly in the area of governance.

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How Trevolution Group’s Dreampass Plus Is Redefining Loyalty Programs for Global Travelers

Trevolution Group, the global powerhouse behind major travel brands like ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, and Oojo, has just launched Dreampass Plus, an innovative loyalty program designed to enhance and personalize the travel experience. This exclusive membership-based program offers an array of benefits, including International Emergency Medical Protection, Cashback Program, Price Drop Coverage, e-sims, and more. Currently available for customers of ASAP Tickets and Skylux Travel, Dreampass Plus will soon extend its perks to all Trevolution Group travel brands by the end of the year. The new loyalty program integrates seamlessly with Trevolution Group’s ecosystem, accessible through personal travel agents or the all-in-one Dreampass mobile app. The app allows customers to manage their cashback rewards (Dreamcoins), membership plans, and exclusive discounts in real-time, offering a streamlined travel experience from booking to landing. “Based on our client feedback and the increasing trend of repeat purchases, we have developed a single membership program to deliver personalized benefits to all our products; we are on our way to introducing several additional perks soon.

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Firm Eyes to Hire More Workers for Cebu Operation as ‘Revenge Travel’ Continues

MULTINATIONAL firm Dyninno Group of Companies announced its ambitious plans for the Philippines this year. Alex Weinstein, founder of Dyninno Group of Companies, said the company is focusing on expanding locally and plans to hire over a thousand people in Cebu and more than 500 in Manila driven by the ongoing “revenge travel” trend. Dyninno Philippines Cebu handles the Dyninno Group of Companies’ travel business arm called the Trevolution Group, which operates International Travel Network, ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, Dreamport, Oojo and other travel brands. Dyninno currently employs 800 employees in Cebu. Trevolution Group reported a steady 10 percent growth in flight sales across the Philippines in the first half of 2024, noting the country as a top destination for international travelers. It said that over 90,000 airline tickets have been sold across traditional leisure tourism, as well as the emerging visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) segment, resulting in more than US$120 million in gross bookings, or almost 20 percent of the company’s overall gross profit during the first half of the year.

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