Hotel chains and airline websites lost ground versus online travel agencies (OTAs) in the first half of 2010, according to a new PhoCusWright report conducted in partnership with Compete Inc.

The U.S. travel activities market totaled nearly US$27 billion in 2009, making it almost twice as large as the car rental segment, according to a new PhoCusWright report. While less than one third of all travel activities, events, attractions and tours were booked online in 2009, a growing aggregator network and advancements in technology and commercial models will power significant growth in advance bookings and online distribution.

The convergence of social media and mobile applications will have a profound impact on corporate meetings and events, but not in the way one might expect. In a new report and upcoming Online Event, PhoCusWright examines the U.S. corporate groups and meetings market, and how meeting planners, travel companies and technology providers can leverage the mobile-social “sweetspot” to their advantage.

Kayak announced plans for an initial public offering today. While details around the deal are scarce, offering documents provide some illuminating financial detail and really set the stage for what is sure to be a big debate.

When travelers go online in search of vacation rental information, a search engine is often their go-to source. Search engines and portals generated over 50% of referrals to the vacation rental category from May 2009 – April 2010, with Google and Yahoo! together contributing four in 10 visitors.

Over the past several years, the use of social networks and mobile devices has become ubiquitous.