This is a roundup of news and announcements related to travel systems in October 2017.

Wednesday 18 October

Alipay teams up with Nordic travel companies to deliver “smart tourism” to Chinese visitors.

• Alipay, the world’s largest online and mobile payment platform has signed separate MoUs with Finpro (Finland), Svensk Handel (Sweden) and the Scandinavian Tourist Board, to enable merchants across the Nordic region to accept payment via Alipay’s in-app marketing platform, making purchases of products and services easier and more familiar to visitors.

Fraport speeds up baggage recovery with SITA’s WorldTracer Tablet

• Fraport has adopted SITA’s WorldTracer Tablet giving agents a fast, mobile way to trace and return mishandled bags at Frankfurt Airport. The service uses standard iPad tablets, connected to handheld scanners and Bluetooth printers. The portability of this service allows agents to approach passengers directly to gather necessary details, avoiding queues at baggage desks. Receipts for mishandled bags can be printed or immediately sent to passengers electronically by SMS or email.

Cincinnati Airport plans improvements to BlipTrack measures at TSA checkpoints

• Adapting to growth, Cincinnati Airport has adopted BlipTrack’s queue and flow technology at TSA checkpoints, and has reported that wait times were reduced by one-third as a result, with average wait times of 11 minutes 28 seconds. CVG and BLIP are now working on expanding the solution throughout the airport grounds including in parking areas and throughout the terminal to measure dwell times.

Trainline for Business launches international API

• Trainline for Business has launched a single, unifying API designed to simplify sourcing of rail services for its business partners and customers, intended to easily integrate the service at corporate travel departments, travel management companies, online booking tools, and online travel agencies. The API grants access to 87 train companies across 24 countries in Eurpe. Early adopters include TMC, Travel Planet, which has completed integration and will launch a new rail booking service soon.