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.

 

STARTUP STAGE: Boom wants to revolutionize property management with AI
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Boom wants to revolutionize property management with AI
By Morgan Hines | February 19, 2025
Boom alleviates the burden of manual operations for property managers by automating guest communications, task management, reporting and more. Read More
Evolution in eVTOL — are they finally taking off?
News / Technology
Evolution in eVTOL — are they finally taking off?
By Mark Frary | February 19, 2025
While some eVTOL companies have struggled, others are continuing to grow and targeting widespread launches with the hope consumers will get on board. Read More
The future of travel is arriving faster than you think
News / Technology
The future of travel is arriving faster than you think
By Phocuswright Research | February 18, 2025
Phocuswright's latest report, "Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2025," reveals how the convergence of generative AI and digital ID will change how we search, book and experience travel. Read More
Is 2025 the year of payments transformation?
Opinion / Technology
Is 2025 the year of payments transformation?
By David Doctor - Outpayce from Amadeus | February 18, 2025
Predictions from Outpayce CEO David Doctor who believes many travel companies will put payments at the top of their priority list in 2025. Read More
Airbnb to spend up to $250M on new businesses in 2025
News / Online
Airbnb to spend up to $250M on new businesses in 2025
By Morgan Hines | February 13, 2025
Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky and his team stopped short of sharing what those new businesses will be specifically. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Mendel wants to be the go-to corporate travel platform for Latin America
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Mendel wants to be the go-to corporate travel platform for Latin America
By Morgan Hines | February 13, 2025
Founded in 2021 and based in Mexico City, the company provides a corporate travel platform that includes online booking, expense management and payments. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Sean Fitzpatrick of Lighthouse
Interview / Technology
CEO Spotlight: Sean Fitzpatrick of Lighthouse
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2025
The company raised $370 million in Series C funding in November, and Fitzpatrick sees huge opportunity for the company to grow, particularly in the independent hotel sector. Read More
Klook lands $100M to expand in Asia and beyond
News / Online
Klook lands $100M to expand in Asia and beyond
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2025
The latest funding for the Asia-based platform comes 14 months after the company raised $210 million in a Series E+ round in December 2023. Read More
Exoticca receives €25M to expand presence, build out AI technology
News / Technology
Exoticca receives €25M to expand presence, build out AI technology
By Morgan Hines | February 11, 2025
The €25 million comes in the form of a venture debt facility from BBVA Spark, following the company’s recently completed €60 million Series D round which was headed up by Quadrille Capital. Read More
Young travelers transitioning to AI trip planning in Southeast Asia
News / Technology
Young travelers transitioning to AI trip planning in Southeast Asia
By Phocuswright Research | February 11, 2025
Southeast Asia's booking pathway is online, increasingly mobile and with a high potential to be influenced and/or disrupted by artificial intelligence agents and applications.  Read More
How AI is impacting travel startups
News / Technology
How AI is impacting travel startups
By Mark Frary | February 11, 2025
Appetite for AI-driven travel startups from savvy investors alongside the potential for costs come down could help level the playing field for new businesses. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2025: New Age(nts) in the spotlight
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2025: New Age(nts) in the spotlight
By PhocusWire | February 7, 2025
Join the industry's leading thinkers at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona from June 10-12 to debate and dissect the latest developments, share insights and help formulate strategy. Read More
Expedia Group CEO outlines three strategies for using AI in the year ahead
News / Online
Expedia Group CEO outlines three strategies for using AI in the year ahead
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2025
 The company finished 2024 strong with double-digit percentage growth in room nights, gross bookings and revenue in the final quarter.   Read More
Lufthansa's AI assistant Swifty integrated into LINE messenger
News / Technology
Lufthansa's AI assistant Swifty integrated into LINE messenger
By Morgan Hines | February 6, 2025
Lufthansa Group customers in Japan will be able to book flights on select airlines in the LINE messenger app thanks to the integration of Swifty into the platform. Read More
How "Operator" changed the travel shopping game
Opinion / Online
How "Operator" changed the travel shopping game
By Christian Watts - Magpie | February 6, 2025
OpenAI's "Operator" has the potential to remove much of the manual work from travel search and booking as well as enable deeper research and more flexibility. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026