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.

 

Uber eyes 'multitrillion-dollar opportunity' in AVs
News / Technology
Uber eyes 'multitrillion-dollar opportunity' in AVs
By Linda Fox | February 4, 2026
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said 2025 was the company's fifth consecutive year of more than 20% annual gross bookings growth. Read More
OpenClaw may be the 'Napster moment' for agentic e-commerce: What that means for travel
Opinion / Technology
OpenClaw may be the 'Napster moment' for agentic e-commerce: What that means for travel
By Mario Gavira | February 4, 2026
Mario Gavira explains why OpenClaw could mark a definitive pivot from conversation to autonomous, local-first action. Read More
Trivago turns a corner with strong 2025 results
News / Online
Trivago turns a corner with strong 2025 results
By Morgan Hines | February 3, 2026
Trivago credited its revenue growth to a rise in referral revenue in Q4 2025, its fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in this metric. Read More
Waymo raises $16B to scale internationally
News / Online
Waymo raises $16B to scale internationally
By Morgan Hines | February 3, 2026
The fresh funding brings the autonomous mobility company's valuation to $126 billion. Read More
Kayak CEO, co-founder Steve Hafner steps down
News / Online
Kayak CEO, co-founder Steve Hafner steps down
By Morgan Hines | February 3, 2026
Kayak's current CFO and COO Peer Bueller will take the reins.  Read More
4 signals from the front lines of AI investment
News / Technology
4 signals from the front lines of AI investment
By Phocuswright Research | February 3, 2026
Phocuswright asked senior travel executives how they are budgeting for technology, where generative and agentic AI is in use today, what’s blocking them from going further and what their outlook is for... Read More
Hotel direct bookings remain stable despite rise of AI
News / Distribution
Hotel direct bookings remain stable despite rise of AI
By Abby Crotty | February 2, 2026
SiteMinder's annual Hotel Booking Trends report found that direct booking remained largely unchanged in 2025. Read More
BizTrip AI raises $1.5 million for product development, hiring
News / Startups
BizTrip AI raises $1.5 million for product development, hiring
By Abby Crotty | February 2, 2026
The funding is the third tranche of the startup's pre-seed round. Read More
AI’s ongoing evolution in corporate travel
News / Technology
AI’s ongoing evolution in corporate travel
By Morgan Hines | February 2, 2026
Mat Orrego of Cornerstone Information Systems and Marilyn Markham of American Express GBT discuss AI progress in corporate travel. Read More
OpenAI, Booking.com launch program to boost AI adoption among Europe’s SMEs
News / Technology
OpenAI, Booking.com launch program to boost AI adoption among Europe’s SMEs
By Abby Crotty | January 30, 2026
The SME AI Accelerator is being launched in partnership with Booking.com. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: HTS, Kayak, Navan and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: HTS, Kayak, Navan and more...
By PhocusWire | January 30, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
What’s next for airline distribution?
News / Distribution
What’s next for airline distribution?
By Abby Crotty | January 30, 2026
Pkfare's Jesus Monzo Faubel and Mystifly's Jeremy Jameson talk about next steps in airline distribution amid increasing NDC adoption and AI. Read More
6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026
Opinion / Technology
6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026
By Sebastien Leitner - Cloudbeds | January 30, 2026
While the AI hype has been exhausting, Cloudbeds' Sebastien Leitner argues that there are some transformative shifts in hospitality.  Read More
Accor launches app in ChatGPT
News / Technology
Accor launches app in ChatGPT
By Abby Crotty | January 29, 2026
Users can enable the app in ChatGPT to search for Accor hotels using specific dates and guest details. Read More
Self-driving startup Waabi raises $1B, partners with Uber to expand into robotaxis
News / Technology
Self-driving startup Waabi raises $1B, partners with Uber to expand into robotaxis
By Abby Crotty | January 29, 2026
The funding includes $750 million from Waabi's Series C round and $250 million in milestone-based capital tied to its Uber partnership. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026