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.

 

FCM to relaunch AI assistant Sam with expanded features, guardrails
News / Technology
FCM to relaunch AI assistant Sam with expanded features, guardrails
By Michael B. Baker - BTN | May 15, 2026
The updated tool combines conversational trip management, corporate travel policy controls and live agent handoff. Read More
Gharage Ventures on why it's a good time to launch a fund
Interview / Startups
Gharage Ventures on why it's a good time to launch a fund
By Linda Fox | May 15, 2026
Gharage Ventures founding partner Lennard Niemann and general partner Darren Soh discuss their thesis-driven approach and ideal investment. Read More
Ixigo launches travel app with conversational booking and agentic AI
News / Technology
Ixigo launches travel app with conversational booking and agentic AI
By Cathy Walsh | May 14, 2026
The app includes natural language trip planning through Ixigo’s AI assistant TARA and AI-powered tools for flight alerts, boarding passes and post-booking support. Read More
Reframing travel plumbing: NDC, MCP as tech stack allies
News / Technology
Reframing travel plumbing: NDC, MCP as tech stack allies
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2026
MCP has the potential to bolster NDC’s impact, enhancing access to content and streamlining integration, according to industry stakeholders. Read More
HBX builds out experiences offering with Bridgify acquisition
News / Technology
HBX builds out experiences offering with Bridgify acquisition
By Linda Fox | May 13, 2026
Bridgify, which was founded in 2019, offers an AI-powered platform providing access to more than a million experiences from global suppliers. Read More
Trip.com plans digital ID pilot using Google and Apple wallets
News / Technology
Trip.com plans digital ID pilot using Google and Apple wallets
By Mark Frary | May 13, 2026
Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, as well as digital identity infrastructure platform Hopae, are expected to be involved in the pilot.  Read More
Direct Ferries launches ChatGPT app for search, discovery
News / Technology
Direct Ferries launches ChatGPT app for search, discovery
By Morgan Hines | May 13, 2026
Bringing Direct Ferries into ChatGPT marks the next step in addressing the ferry segment’s fragmentation, according to CEO Niall Walsh. Read More
Airline retailing realities in 2026
News / Technology
Airline retailing realities in 2026
By Linda Fox | May 13, 2026
Interaction between systems and seamless integration with passenger service systems are top challenges for airlines trying to become better retailers. Read More
Hotel groups mull app versus AI-ready strategies
News / Technology
Hotel groups mull app versus AI-ready strategies
By Linda Fox | May 11, 2026
In the past week Wyndham unveiled a ChatGPT app while Choice Hotels unveiled a series of internal AI tools. Read More
Startup Stage: Voyagier targets luxury travel with AI-powered trip planning and booking
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Voyagier targets luxury travel with AI-powered trip planning and booking
By Cathy Walsh | May 11, 2026
The early-stage startup brings together AI-powered trip planning, luxury travel advisors and booking infrastructure. Read More
Agentic commerce in travel: Who wins, who loses and what to do about it
Opinion / Technology
Agentic commerce in travel: Who wins, who loses and what to do about it
By Mario Gavira | May 11, 2026
Mario Gavira argues that travel companies face sharply different levels of exposure to agentic AI disruption, with loyalty, unique inventory and human expertise emerging as key defenses. Read More
Amadeus reports Q1 revenue, operating profit increases
News / Distribution
Amadeus reports Q1 revenue, operating profit increases
By Linda Fox | May 8, 2026
The company said its growth slowed in March because of the conflict in the Middle East adding that the short-term future is hard to call.  Read More
Airbnb targets guest-centric ecosystem as Q1 revenue rises 18% YoY
News / Finance
Airbnb targets guest-centric ecosystem as Q1 revenue rises 18% YoY
By Cathy Walsh | May 7, 2026
The company pointed to momentum from flexible payments, localization and hotels as it builds a more personalized platform. Read More
Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul
News / Finance
Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul
By Morgan Hines | May 7, 2026
CEO Ariane Gorin shared concrete examples of how AI has driven performance across the business. Read More
MSC Cruises adds AI concierge to mobile app
News / Technology
MSC Cruises adds AI concierge to mobile app
By Cathy Walsh | May 7, 2026
The tool, available in more than 90 languages, can answer guest questions and handle tasks such as restaurant reservations, spa bookings and shore excursions. Read More