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.

 

mindsay-chatbot-funding
News / Startups
Mindsay adds $10M in Series A funding to expand chatbot service
By Linda Fox | May 29, 2019
Paris-based chatbot startup also took on a brand name after starting out as Destygo. Read More
Ctrip Trip Moments content sharing
News / Online
Ctrip’s Instagram-like platform attracts more than 1M daily users
By Mitra Sorrells | May 29, 2019
Ctrip's new "Trip Moments" content sharing platform is attracting more than one million users every day, and 70% of them are under 30 years old. Read More
VIDEO: Google on leveraging machine learning in travel search
News / Online
VIDEO: Google on leveraging machine learning in travel search
By Kevin May | May 28, 2019
Google is at the heart of the search experience and sits on enormous amounts of data that, it says, helps create a better search experience for travelers. Read More
Tencent leads $250M round into Mafengwo
News / Online
Tencent leads $250M round into Mafengwo
By Jill Menze | May 24, 2019
Chinese travel platform Mafengwo has raised a $250 million funding round led by Tencent Holdings Ltd, with General Atlantic, Qiming Venture Partners and Yuantai Evergreen Investment Partners also... Read More
business-travel-innovation-fail fast-2
Opinion / Technology
Why a fail fast mentality is key to tech innovation in business travel
By Frédéric Stark - KDS | May 23, 2019
Regardless of size, as an industry, we need to be able to try new things and at times, to test ideas and accept that they might fail, until we finally succeed. Read More
phocuswright research personalization
News / Technology
Tailoring the user experience: Personalization, customization or individualization?
By Phocuswright Research  | May 9, 2019
Three fundamental approaches are employed to tailor the user experience based on both explicit traveler preferences and inferred signals derived from past performance. Read More
Middle East, part 4: Aviation innovation
News / Technology
Middle East, part 4: Aviation innovation
By Mitra Sorrells | April 29, 2019
For the final piece in our monthlong series on the Middle East, we take a look at innovations in the airline sector. Read More
Middle East series part 3 distribution
News / Distribution
Middle East, part 3: How homegrown travel brands are diversifying distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | April 22, 2019
For the third part in our series on the Middle East, we analyze the distribution landscape and the role of homegrown online travel agencies. Read More
PwC opinion IoT for hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Why IoT is the “smart” solution for the hospitality industry
By Rob Mesirow and Jennie Blumenthal – PwC | April 18, 2019
IoT solutions can provide many benefits for the hospitality industry, including more efficient asset tracking and utilization, lowered energy costs and a better experience for guests.   Read More
Expedia-AI-ML
News / Technology
How Expedia is using deep learning to improve the hotel booking process
By Linda Fox | April 12, 2019
Expedia Partner Solutions is using deep learning models to improve the hotel booking process for partners and - ultimately - the end consumer. Read More
AI-driven-travel-guide
News / Technology
University stakes claim on first AI-powered travel guide
By Linda Fox | April 12, 2019
The University of Surrey and Open University have created an AI-driven app to enhance a travel guidebook with digital content. Read More
Zingle chatbot research
News / Technology
Chatbot usage on rise in travel, but effectiveness is tied to saving guests’ time
By Mitra Sorrells | April 11, 2019
A recent survey found consumers prefer human customer service rather than a chatbot, but they would use a chatbot if they believe it would save time. Read More
Amadeus CEO on how to manage the speed of innovation in travel
News / Technology
Amadeus CEO on how to manage the speed of innovation in travel
By Mitra Sorrells | April 4, 2019
Amadeus' Luis Maroto spoke about the pace of innovation in travel and finding the right talent to address that challenge during an interview at the World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in... Read More
Lonely Planet acquires TRILL to make its visual content bookable
News / Online
Lonely Planet acquires TRILL to make its visual content bookable
By Jill Menze | April 3, 2019
Lonely Planet will use TRILL's technology, which turns Instagram posts into bookable experiences, to cultivate a community of influencers. Read More
How smaller travel brands can ride the personalization wave
Opinion / Technology
How smaller travel brands can ride the personalization wave
By Matt Langie - Adara | April 2, 2019
Personalization is great for a global airline, or even a regional cruise line. For most smaller travel brands, even regular personalization can seem out of reach.  Read More
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