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.

 

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
Sabre reports Q1 revenue, air bookings gains
News / Distribution
Sabre reports Q1 revenue, air bookings gains
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2026
The company said its Q1 results had exceeded its outlook. Read More
Tripadvisor posts Q1 revenue and EBITDA declines
News / Online
Tripadvisor posts Q1 revenue and EBITDA declines
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2026
The company said it incurred Q1 restructuring costs of $3.3M. Read More
Trivago files antitrust suit against Google
News / Online
Trivago files antitrust suit against Google
By Morgan Hines | May 6, 2026
The company has raised concerns about Google’s use of its dominance in search to direct travelers away from other metasearch platforms. Read More
Journey acquires experiences platform Epicurate
News / Finance
Journey acquires experiences platform Epicurate
By Cathy Walsh | May 6, 2026
The deal adds dining, wellness and other services to Journey’s loyalty platform for independent hotels and short-term rentals. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar
By Linda Fox | May 6, 2026
Despegar's CEO Gonzalo Estebarena discusses the Prosus acquisition, internal and external AI developments and growth plans. Read More
Smartness raises €47M Series B for lodging AI growth
News / Finance
Smartness raises €47M Series B for lodging AI growth
By Cathy Walsh | May 5, 2026
The Italy-based lodging technology provider aims to expand across Europe through organic growth and acquisitions. Read More
How travel companies are approaching agentic AI
News / Technology
How travel companies are approaching agentic AI
By Mark Frary | May 5, 2026
Travel companies are exploring how AI agents can support internal workflows and operational tasks, while setting limits on autonomy for customer-facing tools. Read More