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.

 

ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
News / Technology
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
By Morgan Hines | October 7, 2025
OpenAI said the system is using Model Context Protocol (MCP) to enable ChatGPT to connect to external tools and data. Read More
Rapid Fire with Eric DeLange of Reddit
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Eric DeLange of Reddit
By Morgan Hines | October 7, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
DerbySoft sees new airline distribution path with Global Data Network launch
News / Distribution
DerbySoft sees new airline distribution path with Global Data Network launch
By Linda Fox | October 7, 2025
DerbySoft said the GDN for flights will give airlines more control of their inventory and open up content to travel sellers. Read More
How AGI is building the tech for AI agents to book travel
From Our Partners / Technology
How AGI is building the tech for AI agents to book travel
By PhocusWire | October 7, 2025
The San Francisco-based startup has partners and investors including Visa, Point 72, Menlo Ventures and Anthropic. Read More
Reconciling airline retailing and channel innovation: The offer distribution platform
Opinion / Distribution
Reconciling airline retailing and channel innovation: The offer distribution platform
By Sebastien Gibergues | October 7, 2025
Sebastien Gibergues argues that the “offer distribution platform” concept could be the solution to address the limitations of current API-based distribution models. Read More
Travel trends in the Middle East: Experiences, Gen Z and technology
News / Online
Travel trends in the Middle East: Experiences, Gen Z and technology
By Abby Crotty | October 7, 2025
According to Phocuswright data, in 2024, the travel market in the Middle East exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 23%, with gross total bookings reaching $101.2 billion. Read More
Expedia partners with Perplexity for Comet launch
News / Technology
Expedia partners with Perplexity for Comet launch
By Morgan Hines | October 6, 2025
Expedia is offering Silver status in its OneKey loyalty program in exchange for users downloading Comet’s recently launched browser. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021
By Mileva Sapic | October 6, 2025
Zamna, Troop, Kyte and Tripkicks, which were selected as PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021, share their milestones for the past year and the technology they are most excited about. Read More
Amex GBT, Concur partner for integrated travel and expense offering
News / Technology
Amex GBT, Concur partner for integrated travel and expense offering
By Michael B. Baker - BTN | October 3, 2025
The offering, dubbed Complete, is a combined effort of both companies that will be available to joint clients later this month. Read More
Hotel chains struggle with AI strategy, independents see fast ROI
News / Technology
Hotel chains struggle with AI strategy, independents see fast ROI
By Marisa Garcia | October 3, 2025
Separate studies from H2c and TakeUp capture perspectives on artificial intelligence usage from more 370 hoteliers worldwide, encompassing luxury chains, mid-market brands and small, independent hotels. Read More
RateGain to acquire Sojern for $250M
News / Online
RateGain to acquire Sojern for $250M
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2025
The companies aim to create an AI-focused, digital marketing and distribution platform to help the travel industry boost guest acquisition, retention and engagement. Read More
Rapid fire with Paul Jacobs of Kayak
News / Online
Rapid fire with Paul Jacobs of Kayak
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
Airlines are evolving their innovation mindset
From Our Partners / Online
Airlines are evolving their innovation mindset
By Cara Whitehill - Thayer Investment Partners | October 2, 2025
Airline corporate venture capital teams are adopting a different line of sight when looking at investment and innovation, engaging outside their traditional aviation footprint and tapping into... Read More
From SEO to GEO, hotels confront the future of digital discovery
News / Online
From SEO to GEO, hotels confront the future of digital discovery
By Matthew Parsons | October 2, 2025
Hospitality brands and independent properties are trying to figure out how best to appear directly in the detailed answers large language models are returning. Read More
HTS adds AI-powered support tool for travel sellers
News / Technology
HTS adds AI-powered support tool for travel sellers
By Morgan Hines | October 1, 2025
HTS Assist is meant to offer end-to-end autonomous customer support through voice and chat communications. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026