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’s next for airline distribution?
News / Distribution
What’s next for airline distribution?
By Abby Crotty | January 30, 2026
Pkfare's Jesus Monzo Faubel and Mystifly's Jeremy Jameson talk about next steps in airline distribution amid increasing NDC adoption and AI. Read More
6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026
Opinion / Technology
6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026
By Sebastien Leitner - Cloudbeds | January 30, 2026
While the AI hype has been exhausting, Cloudbeds' Sebastien Leitner argues that there are some transformative shifts in hospitality.  Read More
Accor launches app in ChatGPT
News / Technology
Accor launches app in ChatGPT
By Abby Crotty | January 29, 2026
Users can enable the app in ChatGPT to search for Accor hotels using specific dates and guest details. Read More
Self-driving startup Waabi raises $1B, partners with Uber to expand into robotaxis
News / Technology
Self-driving startup Waabi raises $1B, partners with Uber to expand into robotaxis
By Abby Crotty | January 29, 2026
The funding includes $750 million from Waabi's Series C round and $250 million in milestone-based capital tied to its Uber partnership. Read More
GuestReady boosts presence in Spain with acquisition of Lightbooking
News / Technology
GuestReady boosts presence in Spain with acquisition of Lightbooking
By Linda Fox | January 29, 2026
The acquisition is GuestReady’s 12th since the company was founded in 2016, which it says demonstrates its sustained expansion in Europe through M&A. Read More
Expedia's Ariane Gorin on AI visibility, traveler experience and activities growth
News / Online
Expedia's Ariane Gorin on AI visibility, traveler experience and activities growth
By Linda Fox | January 29, 2026
Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin says she is especially proud of how the OTA has been "going after AI" in recent years. Read More
Google launches AI-powered City Guide, Comic Postcards
News / Technology
Google launches AI-powered City Guide, Comic Postcards
By Morgan Hines | January 28, 2026
The experimental features extend inspiration beyond travel’s logistics, according to Google. Read More
Phocuswright to launch Travel Marketing AI Summit in March
News / Technology
Phocuswright to launch Travel Marketing AI Summit in March
By PhocusWire | January 28, 2026
The one-day event will be held in New York City on March 24. Read More
HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion
News / Startups
HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2026
The funding will go toward product development, including simplifying earning and redemption for consumers through AI and expansion into Japan, Taiwan and Australia in 2026. Read More
Inside airlines' expanding AI efforts
News / Technology
Inside airlines' expanding AI efforts
By Mark Frary | January 28, 2026
While OpenAI is racking up airline partnerships, AI adoption is also happening through existing tech suppliers. Read More
TripWorks lands $6M, plans AI development
News / Technology
TripWorks lands $6M, plans AI development
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2026
The company wants to expand AI-driven pricing and revenue optimization tools, move into new markets and add to its product, engineering and customer success teams. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Wendy Olson Killion of Rome2Rio
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Wendy Olson Killion of Rome2Rio
By Morgan Hines | January 27, 2026
Rome2Rio CEO Wendy Olson Killion explains why she believes multimodality is the heart of the travel industry and shares more about her transition from Expedia Group. Read More
Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio
News / Startups
Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio
By Morgan Hines | January 26, 2026
With Roamio, Tripesa aims to eliminate middlemen, provide better prices and increase ancillary bookings while putting more money in the hands of small operators. Read More
A new age of travel selling: AI, personalization and human touch
News / Distribution
A new age of travel selling: AI, personalization and human touch
By Abby Crotty | January 26, 2026
Fora's Jake Peters and Unravel's Maarten van Pijpen discuss travel selling strategies and how both tech and humans fit in. Read More
Enhancing luxury travel experiences with technology
News / Technology
Enhancing luxury travel experiences with technology
By Morgan Hines | January 23, 2026
Travel stakeholders from Loews and Skylark explore technology in luxury travel, from general friction removal to a new frontier of predictive services. Read More