Artificial Intelligence

PhocusWire’s in-depth coverage of generative AI including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and other solutions and how they are being used across the travel industry.

Gen AI is transforming the travel industry by enabling new levels of automation, personalization and decision-making. From AI-powered chat interfaces to dynamic content creation and predictive analytics, PhocusWire explores the growing influence of generative and agentic AI in travel—and what it means for suppliers, intermediaries, and travelers alike.

How AI tools are reshaping travel and tourism operations

Our coverage tracks how travel companies are implementing AI across customer service, marketing, product development, and internal workflows. Whether it's conversational commerce, itinerary generation, or fraud detection, generative AI is unlocking new operational efficiencies and guest experiences throughout the industry.

 

Loyalty API platform Odynn secures $9.5M
News / Online
Loyalty API platform Odynn secures $9.5M
By Abby Crotty | February 19, 2026
The company said fresh capital will be used to build its team, scale go-to-market efforts and "deepen integrations." Read More
Booking Holdings sees 20% rise in travelers booking multiple trip components
News / Online
Booking Holdings sees 20% rise in travelers booking multiple trip components
By Morgan Hines | February 18, 2026
The company also saw continued growth in both the U.S. and Asia in Q4 2025. Read More
India-based MakeMyTrip, Ixigo working with OpenAI to expand AI capabilities
News / Technology
India-based MakeMyTrip, Ixigo working with OpenAI to expand AI capabilities
By Abby Crotty | February 18, 2026
The travel companies are working with the U.S. AI giant to advance trip planning and AI capabilities across their platforms. Read More
Sabre shuffles leadership team for 'AI-native' future
News / Technology
Sabre shuffles leadership team for 'AI-native' future
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2026
Sabre does not see AI agents disintermediating its marketplace and believes it is well-placed as a transactional layer for AI platforms. Read More
Tripadvisor investor calls for management overhaul
News / Online
Tripadvisor investor calls for management overhaul
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2026
Starboard said it has provided feedback on Tripadvisor's strategy and AI initiatives but believes the "status quo pace of change is unacceptable."   Read More
WebMCP offers path for travel sites to become ‘agent-ready’
News / Technology
WebMCP offers path for travel sites to become ‘agent-ready’
By Morgan Hines | February 18, 2026
Travel was highlighted as a use case for the WebMCP standard driven by Google and Microsoft. Read More
IHG plans AI-compatible hotel content platform
News / Technology
IHG plans AI-compatible hotel content platform
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2026
IHG, whose brands include Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, is grouping AI into three areas: guest acquisition, commercial optimization and cost efficiency.  Read More
Chief AI officer or CTO? Travel’s evolving executive playbook
News / Technology
Chief AI officer or CTO? Travel’s evolving executive playbook
By Morgan Hines | February 17, 2026
Amex GBT, Kayak, Expedia Group and Airbnb have adjusted their leadership teams to account for AI evolution. Read More
Google testing ad formats for travel in AI Mode
News / Online
Google testing ad formats for travel in AI Mode
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2026
Google is testing ad formats in retail and said similar tests were happening in other industries such as travel. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Datalex, SITA and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Datalex, SITA and more...
By PhocusWire | February 13, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Airbnb confirms hotels expansion plans amid 'strong' early momentum
News / Online
Airbnb confirms hotels expansion plans amid 'strong' early momentum
By Morgan Hines | February 12, 2026
Airbnb reported solid Q4 and full-year results and shared updates on its progress in the hotel vertical. Read More
Expedia Group sees double-digit growth in revenue, gross bookings as AI push continues
News / Technology
Expedia Group sees double-digit growth in revenue, gross bookings as AI push continues
By Abby Crotty | February 12, 2026
Revenue was up 11% year over year to $3.5 billion, while total gross bookings were up 11% to $27 billion in Q4 2025. Read More
Sabre, Mindtrip, PayPal partner to launch agentic AI assistant for travel
News / Technology
Sabre, Mindtrip, PayPal partner to launch agentic AI assistant for travel
By Abby Crotty | February 12, 2026
The product is set to launch in the second quarter and will live on the Mindtrip platform. Read More
Tripadvisor pleased with experiences revenue contribution, early AI MVP tests
News / Online
Tripadvisor pleased with experiences revenue contribution, early AI MVP tests
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2026
The experiences business reported revenue of $204 million in the quarter, up from $186 million during the same period in 2024. Full-year revenue rose 10% to $924 million. Read More
Travel tech at ITB Berlin 2026: Key tracks and voices shaping the future of travel
From Our Partners / Technology
Travel tech at ITB Berlin 2026: Key tracks and voices shaping the future of travel
By ITB Berlin | February 12, 2026
New this year at ITB Berlin is the Travel Tech Track, connecting traditional travel distribution systems with modern technologies. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026