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.

 

Wyndham working across AI platforms to drive direct bookings
News / Online
Wyndham working across AI platforms to drive direct bookings
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2026
Wyndham's CEO Geoffrey Ballotti discussed how the company's AI initiatives will help customers find its properties, boost the guest experience and increase direct bookings. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: HomeToGo, Hospitable, BCD Travel and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: HomeToGo, Hospitable, BCD Travel and more...
By PhocusWire | February 20, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Always-on resilience: Why airlines must rethink disruption at scale
Opinion / Distribution
Always-on resilience: Why airlines must rethink disruption at scale
By Jitender Mohan - WNS | February 20, 2026
Jitender Mohan, business unit head of travel and leisure at WNS, discusses irregular operations in the airline industry and the need to focus on operational resilience. Read More
German RMS Happyhotel raises €6.5M in Series A round
News / Online
German RMS Happyhotel raises €6.5M in Series A round
By Abby Crotty | February 19, 2026
The funding will be used to expand across Europe and build an autonomous commercial AI agent. Read More
Loyalty API platform Odynn secures $9.5M
News / Online
Loyalty API platform Odynn secures $9.5M
By Abby Crotty | February 19, 2026
The company said fresh capital will be used to build its team, scale go-to-market efforts and "deepen integrations." Read More
Booking Holdings sees 20% rise in travelers booking multiple trip components
News / Online
Booking Holdings sees 20% rise in travelers booking multiple trip components
By Morgan Hines | February 18, 2026
The company also saw continued growth in both the U.S. and Asia in Q4 2025. Read More
India-based MakeMyTrip, Ixigo working with OpenAI to expand AI capabilities
News / Technology
India-based MakeMyTrip, Ixigo working with OpenAI to expand AI capabilities
By Abby Crotty | February 18, 2026
The travel companies are working with the U.S. AI giant to advance trip planning and AI capabilities across their platforms. Read More
Sabre shuffles leadership team for 'AI-native' future
News / Technology
Sabre shuffles leadership team for 'AI-native' future
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2026
Sabre does not see AI agents disintermediating its marketplace and believes it is well-placed as a transactional layer for AI platforms. Read More
Tripadvisor investor calls for management overhaul
News / Online
Tripadvisor investor calls for management overhaul
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2026
Starboard said it has provided feedback on Tripadvisor's strategy and AI initiatives but believes the "status quo pace of change is unacceptable."   Read More
WebMCP offers path for travel sites to become ‘agent-ready’
News / Technology
WebMCP offers path for travel sites to become ‘agent-ready’
By Morgan Hines | February 18, 2026
Travel was highlighted as a use case for the WebMCP standard driven by Google and Microsoft. Read More
IHG plans AI-compatible hotel content platform
News / Technology
IHG plans AI-compatible hotel content platform
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2026
IHG, whose brands include Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, is grouping AI into three areas: guest acquisition, commercial optimization and cost efficiency.  Read More
Chief AI officer or CTO? Travel’s evolving executive playbook
News / Technology
Chief AI officer or CTO? Travel’s evolving executive playbook
By Morgan Hines | February 17, 2026
Amex GBT, Kayak, Expedia Group and Airbnb have adjusted their leadership teams to account for AI evolution. Read More
Google testing ad formats for travel in AI Mode
News / Online
Google testing ad formats for travel in AI Mode
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2026
Google is testing ad formats in retail and said similar tests were happening in other industries such as travel. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Datalex, SITA and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Datalex, SITA and more...
By PhocusWire | February 13, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Airbnb confirms hotels expansion plans amid 'strong' early momentum
News / Online
Airbnb confirms hotels expansion plans amid 'strong' early momentum
By Morgan Hines | February 12, 2026
Airbnb reported solid Q4 and full-year results and shared updates on its progress in the hotel vertical. Read More