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.

 

What does ‘AI-native’ really mean in travel?
News / Technology
What does ‘AI-native’ really mean in travel?
By Morgan Hines | March 18, 2026
Travel companies are shifting to an "AI-native" model—what that means for legacy brands and startups varies. Read More
Two operational priorities that define AI success
News / Technology
Two operational priorities that define AI success
By Phocuswright Research | March 17, 2026
Travel leaders need to prioritize evaluation and data to use artificial intelligence successfully. Read More
MCP vs. NDC and other challenges facing airline distribution
News / Distribution
MCP vs. NDC and other challenges facing airline distribution
By Linda Fox | March 17, 2026
Airline, intermediary and travel technology executives shared thoughts on NDC, evolution with orders and the impact of AI at UATP's Airline Distribution 2026 conference. Read More
AI's potential to drive digitalization in tours and activities
News / Technology
AI's potential to drive digitalization in tours and activities
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2026
During a session at ITB Berlin, executives from Civitatis, Expedia Group and Nezasa discussed where AI could have the most impact on tours and activities. Read More
Google Maps adds Gemini-powered conversational interface
News / Technology
Google Maps adds Gemini-powered conversational interface
By Abby Crotty | March 13, 2026
The company also revamped the visual and functional aspects of Google Maps via its Immersive Navigation update. Read More
Expedia helps hotels with revenue strategy through data partnership
News / Online
Expedia helps hotels with revenue strategy through data partnership
By Linda Fox | March 13, 2026
PredictHQ data is integrated with Expedia Partner Center and aims to give hotels access to insights such as event-specific demand data. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, RateGain, Lighthouse and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, RateGain, Lighthouse and more...
By PhocusWire | March 13, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Airbnb CSO on hotels, AI, nature travel and what's next for the industry
News / Online
Airbnb CSO on hotels, AI, nature travel and what's next for the industry
By Abby Crotty | March 13, 2026
Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb co-founder and chief strategy officer, sat down with Phocuswright's Mitra Sorrells at ITB Berlin to discuss the next era of travel. Read More
Short-term rental sector bets on AI search to drive direct bookings
News / Technology
Short-term rental sector bets on AI search to drive direct bookings
By Matthew Parsons | March 12, 2026
Direct rental bookings are modest today, but AI could help change that. Read More
Agentic AI could do for travel what Amazon did for online shopping
Opinion / Technology
Agentic AI could do for travel what Amazon did for online shopping
By Aviel Siman-Tov - Oversee | March 11, 2026
Aviel Siman-Tov, CEO and co-founder of Oversee (formerly FairFly), discusses how agentic AI could transform travel companies’ response to disruption. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Caecilia Chu of YouTrip
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Caecilia Chu of YouTrip
By Abby Crotty | March 11, 2026
Caecilia Chu has been leading YouTrip since co-founding the company in 2018, describing the travel payments specialist as her "life's mission."   Read More
Hilton rolls out AI trip-planning tool
News / Technology
Hilton rolls out AI trip-planning tool
By Abby Crotty | March 10, 2026
Hilton launched a beta version of the tool to a small group of users on Hilton.com. Read More
OpenAI’s shift shows travel is too complex for quick-fix distribution
News / Technology
OpenAI’s shift shows travel is too complex for quick-fix distribution
By Morgan Hines | March 10, 2026
According to a report from The Information, OpenAI has moved purchasing to ChatGPT apps. Read More
Startup Stage: BizTrip AI wants to replace fragmented booking systems for business travelers
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: BizTrip AI wants to replace fragmented booking systems for business travelers
By Abby Crotty | March 9, 2026
In February, startup announced $1.5 million in pre-seed funding. Read More
AI-driven pricing and operations deliver measurable hotel gains
News / Technology
AI-driven pricing and operations deliver measurable hotel gains
By Cathy Walsh | March 9, 2026
Early adopters report improvements in areas including revenue, efficiency and resource management. Read More