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.

 

GuestReady boosts presence in Spain with acquisition of Lightbooking
News / Technology
GuestReady boosts presence in Spain with acquisition of Lightbooking
By Linda Fox | January 29, 2026
The acquisition is GuestReady’s 12th since the company was founded in 2016, which it says demonstrates its sustained expansion in Europe through M&A. Read More
Expedia's Ariane Gorin on AI visibility, traveler experience and activities growth
News / Online
Expedia's Ariane Gorin on AI visibility, traveler experience and activities growth
By Linda Fox | January 29, 2026
Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin says she is especially proud of how the OTA has been "going after AI" in recent years. Read More
Google launches AI-powered City Guide, Comic Postcards
News / Technology
Google launches AI-powered City Guide, Comic Postcards
By Morgan Hines | January 28, 2026
The experimental features extend inspiration beyond travel’s logistics, according to Google. Read More
Phocuswright to launch Travel Marketing AI Summit in March
News / Technology
Phocuswright to launch Travel Marketing AI Summit in March
By PhocusWire | January 28, 2026
The one-day event will be held in New York City on March 24. Read More
HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion
News / Startups
HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2026
The funding will go toward product development, including simplifying earning and redemption for consumers through AI and expansion into Japan, Taiwan and Australia in 2026. Read More
Inside airlines' expanding AI efforts
News / Technology
Inside airlines' expanding AI efforts
By Mark Frary | January 28, 2026
While OpenAI is racking up airline partnerships, AI adoption is also happening through existing tech suppliers. Read More
TripWorks lands $6M, plans AI development
News / Technology
TripWorks lands $6M, plans AI development
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2026
The company wants to expand AI-driven pricing and revenue optimization tools, move into new markets and add to its product, engineering and customer success teams. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Wendy Olson Killion of Rome2Rio
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Wendy Olson Killion of Rome2Rio
By Morgan Hines | January 27, 2026
Rome2Rio CEO Wendy Olson Killion explains why she believes multimodality is the heart of the travel industry and shares more about her transition from Expedia Group. Read More
Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio
News / Startups
Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio
By Morgan Hines | January 26, 2026
With Roamio, Tripesa aims to eliminate middlemen, provide better prices and increase ancillary bookings while putting more money in the hands of small operators. Read More
A new age of travel selling: AI, personalization and human touch
News / Distribution
A new age of travel selling: AI, personalization and human touch
By Abby Crotty | January 26, 2026
Fora's Jake Peters and Unravel's Maarten van Pijpen discuss travel selling strategies and how both tech and humans fit in. Read More
Enhancing luxury travel experiences with technology
News / Technology
Enhancing luxury travel experiences with technology
By Morgan Hines | January 23, 2026
Travel stakeholders from Loews and Skylark explore technology in luxury travel, from general friction removal to a new frontier of predictive services. Read More
Mews raises $300M to expand AI, fintech capabilities
News / Online
Mews raises $300M to expand AI, fintech capabilities
By Morgan Hines | January 22, 2026
The fresh capital brings the hospitality technology specialist’s valuation to $2.5 billion. Read More
Why seamless arrivals are critical to the connected trip
From Our Partners / Online
Why seamless arrivals are critical to the connected trip
By PhocusWire | January 22, 2026
Flights, accommodation and ground transportation still operate in silos, leaving travelers to navigate delays, missed connections and inconsistent service. Read More
MakeMyTrip reports profit growth, spike in ancillary sales in Q3
News / Online
MakeMyTrip reports profit growth, spike in ancillary sales in Q3
By Abby Crotty | January 21, 2026
The OTA saw significant growth in its "other" segment, which includes ancillaries, with the adjusted margin up 45.5% year over year. Read More
Making the case for hotels to enable AI 'crawlability'
News / Technology
Making the case for hotels to enable AI 'crawlability'
By Matthew Parsons | January 21, 2026
Opening up to AI crawlers can boost visibility and potentially direct bookings, but questions remain over security, compliance risks and longer-term benefits. Read More