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.

 

Beyond the app: How wearable AI is rewiring the global travel tech stack
News / Technology
Beyond the app: How wearable AI is rewiring the global travel tech stack
By Alex Levin - L+R | July 6, 2026
Alex Levin, founding partner at L+R, argues that wearable artificial intelligence will replace mobile apps as the primary interface for travel, requiring the industry to rethink its technology... Read More
Weighing build versus buy in travel's AI era
News / Distribution
Weighing build versus buy in travel's AI era
By Linda Fox | July 6, 2026
Executives from Amadeus, Etraveli and HTS discussed acquisition strategy and in-house development during a session at Phocuswright Europe 2026. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TSA, Google, Mindtrip and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TSA, Google, Mindtrip and more...
By PhocusWire | July 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Naren Shaam of Omio
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Naren Shaam of Omio
By Morgan Hines | July 2, 2026
Naren Shaam discusses AI, scaling Omio, operations and more in a wide-ranging conversation with PhocusWire. Read More
Why traveler loyalty depends on what happens when things go wrong
From Our Partners / Online
Why traveler loyalty depends on what happens when things go wrong
By PhocusWire | July 1, 2026
Allianz Partners’ Anna Kofoed discusses why travel loyalty depends not only on points and perks but also on how brands respond when disruption, illness or emergencies affect the traveler journey. Read More
AI debate continues: Will travel's biggest brands thrive or falter?
Interview / Technology
AI debate continues: Will travel's biggest brands thrive or falter?
By Cathy Walsh | July 1, 2026
Mario Gavira and Christian Watts brought their ongoing PhocusWire debate to the studio at Phocuswright Europe 2026, offering sharply different views on how artificial intelligence will reshape travel... Read More
Holibob launches conversational booking platform for travel experiences
News / Technology
Holibob launches conversational booking platform for travel experiences
By Cathy Walsh | June 30, 2026
The launch brings Holibob's natural language booking technology directly to travelers and includes an integration with Google's Things to Do. Read More
U.S. Hotel and Lodging 2026: Slow growth, a stable split and AI waiting at the door
News / Online
U.S. Hotel and Lodging 2026: Slow growth, a stable split and AI waiting at the door
By Phocuswright Research | June 30, 2026
The 2026 outlook is cautiously optimistic for the hotel sector. Read More
Skyscanner launches AI travel discovery, road trip planning tools
News / Technology
Skyscanner launches AI travel discovery, road trip planning tools
By Cathy Walsh | June 30, 2026
The company is testing personalized destination recommendations and road trip itineraries while also expanding flight tracking, price alerts and accommodations. Read More
Hostelworld’s Gary Morrison on building for the social traveler
News / Online
Hostelworld’s Gary Morrison on building for the social traveler
By Cathy Walsh | June 30, 2026
Hostelworld CEO Gary Morrison discussed how the industry misunderstands hostel travelers, the company's strategy and more at Phocuswright Europe. Read More
Startup Stage: Pintours is building AI-powered tours that adapt to every traveler
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Pintours is building AI-powered tours that adapt to every traveler
By Cathy Walsh | June 29, 2026
Pintours combines audio narration, navigation, augmented reality and conversational AI to tailor experiences to each traveler's interests, location and language. Read More
Almost right isn't good enough for travel's agentic future
News / Technology
Almost right isn't good enough for travel's agentic future
By Linda Fox | June 29, 2026
Executives from Anthropic, Kismet and Travelport discuss where the travel industry is in its journey to agentic commerce and what's holding things up. Read More
The architecture of truth: Why ‘AI SEO’ for hotels is snake oil
Opinion / Technology
The architecture of truth: Why ‘AI SEO’ for hotels is snake oil
By Fred Bean - HotelPORT | June 29, 2026
Fred Bean, founder and CEO of HotelPORT, argues that AI search rewards data accuracy and consistency—not AI SEO tactics or technical shortcuts. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Marriott, Lake.com, RateGain and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Marriott, Lake.com, RateGain and more...
By PhocusWire | June 26, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
TravelTech Show, Business Travel Show Europe name 2026 innovation award winners
News / Technology
TravelTech Show, Business Travel Show Europe name 2026 innovation award winners
By Cathy Walsh | June 26, 2026
Arcube, ImpersonAlly, Acai and Nowadays were recognized in separate competitions for travel technology innovations spanning airline retailing, brand protection, contact center automation and meetings... Read More