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.

 

Exploring the travel payments landscape in Asia
News / Online
Exploring the travel payments landscape in Asia
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2024
PhocusWire discusses the complexities of travel payments in Asia with Agoda chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch. Read More
Concur aims to drive automation, improve user experience with updates
News / Technology
Concur aims to drive automation, improve user experience with updates
By Linda Fox | March 19, 2024
Key elements of the updates, launched at its Fusion event in the U.S. this week, include enhancing Concur Travel, a partnership with Mastercard and further automating Concur Expense. Read More
GetYourGuide adds tools to help partners tap into growing traveler interest in experiences
News / Distribution
GetYourGuide adds tools to help partners tap into growing traveler interest in experiences
By Mitra Sorrells | March 19, 2024
GetYourGuide's is unveiling multiple new capabilities to help operators "create, manage and grow" their businesses, including artificial intelligence-powered keyword and location suggestions for product... Read More
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
News / Technology
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
By Morgan Hines | March 19, 2024
Personalized videos are driving high open rates and creating opportunities for travel brands to connect with customers before, during and after a trip. Read More
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
News / Technology
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2024
During its Q4 and full-year 2023 results, the company said it had achieved its highest gross bookings since its IPO in 2017 and shared further details of its AI trip assistant Sofia. Read More
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
News / Technology
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
By Linda Fox | March 14, 2024
New research identified machine learning, data analytics and digital payments as the tecnology priorities for travel companies this year. Read More
Airbnb's Stephenson on expansion beyond the core and AI
News / Online
Airbnb's Stephenson on expansion beyond the core and AI
By PhocusWire | March 12, 2024
Airbnb announced CFO Dave Stephenson would be taking up the newly created role of chief business officer to oversee its growth plans. Read More
AI Insights: Generative AI to drive personalization in hotels
News / Technology
AI Insights: Generative AI to drive personalization in hotels
By PhocusWire | March 11, 2024
Juanjo Rodriguez of the Hotels Network answers our questions on how the company is working with generative artificial intelligence. Read More
How travel brands can leverage first-party data to activate customers
From Our Partners / Online
How travel brands can leverage first-party data to activate customers
By PhocusWire | March 11, 2024
Founded in 2010, performance marketing solution Wunderkind works with brands in a variety of verticals, including travel, to strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Wertu uses artificial intelligence to improve sports travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wertu uses artificial intelligence to improve sports travel itineraries
By Morgan Hines | March 8, 2024
Wertu, founded in October 2023 in Tel Aviv, aims to help travelers plan their ideal sports-focused itinerary with personalized elements by using artificial intelligence. Read More
Accor’s Maud Bailly on how AI can enhance the luxury hotel experience
News / Online
Accor’s Maud Bailly on how AI can enhance the luxury hotel experience
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2024
Especially in the luxury sector, Accor's Maud Bailly said, “digital is an enabler” for hotel staff to create an enhanced, more emotional connection with guests.   Read More
How AI can prepare travel and tourism’s workforce for the green transition
Opinion / Technology
How AI can prepare travel and tourism’s workforce for the green transition
By James Lever - Weeva | March 6, 2024
AI has the potential to catalyze a skills revolution that could help address one of the travel’s most pressing challenges — reaching net-zero targets.   Read More
Kayak launches image recognition tool to compare flight prices from a screenshot
News / Technology
Kayak launches image recognition tool to compare flight prices from a screenshot
By Derek Catron and Morgan Hines | March 5, 2024
Extensive training of ChatGPT’s AI model on Kayak’s database of billions of consumer travel queries helped produce the metasearch site’s new features. Read More
Despegar debuts GenAI travel assistant for trip inspiration and booking
News / Technology
Despegar debuts GenAI travel assistant for trip inspiration and booking
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Customers can use the "Sofia" tool through text or voice or by clicking on visual options and can return to chats even days later with the interaction saved in the system. Read More
TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals
News / Online
TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals
By D.J. Catron | March 1, 2024
After acquiring the domain name of the Latin American short-term rental startup, TravelAI will use the site to target travelers interested primarily in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.   Read More