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.

 

CEO Spotlight: Jeremy Sampson of The Travel Foundation
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Jeremy Sampson of The Travel Foundation
By Linda Fox | April 22, 2026
Jeremy Sampson of The Travel Foundation shares where the industry is with its sustainability attitudes and efforts. Read More
South Africa’s tourism reset: Infrastructure, fintech, regional strength set stage for growth
News / Online
South Africa’s tourism reset: Infrastructure, fintech, regional strength set stage for growth
By Phocuswright Research | April 21, 2026
The market is one of contrasts: digital momentum and rising demand paired with ongoing infrastructure, cost and safety challenges. Read More
What it takes to make AI work at scale in travel
From Our Partners / Technology
What it takes to make AI work at scale in travel
By Gaëlle Bristiel, Amadeus | April 21, 2026
As AI reaches an inflection point in travel, success will depend on reliable execution, neutral orchestration and systems built to operate accurately at scale. Read More
SAA’s Tebogo Tsimane: On survival, looking east and fixing tech in small steps
News / Online
SAA’s Tebogo Tsimane: On survival, looking east and fixing tech in small steps
By WIT | April 21, 2026
South African Airways’ chief commercial officer discusses the Middle East crisis, rebuilding from business rescue and why open skies in Africa requires cheaper fares. Read More
The AI cost trap: Why travel's big bet is getting expensive
News / Technology
The AI cost trap: Why travel's big bet is getting expensive
By Matthew Parsons | April 21, 2026
AI can improve efficiency in travel, but rising costs are complicating the value equation. Read More
Fliggy launches FlyAI developer platform for AI-powered travel applications
News / Technology
Fliggy launches FlyAI developer platform for AI-powered travel applications
By Cathy Walsh | April 20, 2026
The platform gives developers access to live travel data and a way to earn commissions from AI-driven bookings. Read More
Hyatt opens up ChatGPT to employees
News / Technology
Hyatt opens up ChatGPT to employees
By Linda Fox | April 20, 2026
Employees across finance, marketing and operations can access the artificial intelligence (AI) platform's capabilities to improve the customer experience. Read More
Startup Stage: First Wave AI automates hotel guest communications and revenue intelligence
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: First Wave AI automates hotel guest communications and revenue intelligence
By Cathy Walsh | April 20, 2026
The startup offers an AI platform that manages guest interactions across channels while providing staff support and operational insights. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Omio, Mews, Spotnana and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Omio, Mews, Spotnana and more...
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
The biggest AI skills gap hotel teams can't afford to ignore
News / Technology
The biggest AI skills gap hotel teams can't afford to ignore
By Florian Montag - Apaleo | April 17, 2026
Florian Montag, SVP of revenue at Apaleo, argues that hotels must close the AI skills gap to adopt agentic AI successfully. Read More
Hotels are learning that ease is the new amenity
From Our Partners / Online
Hotels are learning that ease is the new amenity
By Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, Amadeus Hospitality | April 16, 2026
New Amadeus research shows how traveler expectations are shifting toward ease, personalization and wellbeing—and what that means for hotels investing in AI and guest experience. Read More
AI-powered airline pricing: Weathering Iran war volatility
News / Technology
AI-powered airline pricing: Weathering Iran war volatility
By Morgan Hines | April 16, 2026
Industry stakeholders discuss how airline pricing models are holding up amid Middle East volatility. Read More
SiteMinder links hotel inventory to AI booking channels via MCP
News / Technology
SiteMinder links hotel inventory to AI booking channels via MCP
By Cathy Walsh | April 15, 2026
Platform updates connect supplier and intermediary channels to AI-powered booking environments. Read More
WiT Phocuswright Middle East moves to Barcelona
News / Technology
WiT Phocuswright Middle East moves to Barcelona
By PhocusWire | April 15, 2026
WiT Phocuswright Middle East's move to Barcelona reflects the uncertainty in the region but also allows for broader discussion and a wider range of perspectives. Read More
Hoteliers feel pressure to transform as technology evolves
News / Technology
Hoteliers feel pressure to transform as technology evolves
By Morgan Hines | April 15, 2026
In its “Travel Dreams 2026” report, Amadeus explores hoteliers’ challenges, investment areas and more. Read More