﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title>experience Feed</title><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/RSS/All-News</link><description>An RSS feed of the News from PhocusWire</description><copyright>(c) 2026, PhocusWire - a brand of Phocuswright, Inc. All rights reserved.</copyright><ttl>60</ttl><atom:link href="https://www.phocuswire.com/RSS/All-News" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><item><title>Chaty AI raises $1.15 million seed round to expand AI assistant for travel experiences</title><description><![CDATA[The Australia-based startup plans to accelerate development of its conversational AI platform, which helps tours, activities and attractions operators automate customer service and bookings across voice and web channels.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/chaty-ai-raises-seed-round-expand-ai-assistant-travel-experiences</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/tours-attractions-conversational-ai-chaty.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:10:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62934</guid></item><item><title>Klook’s Wilfred Fan on using social to spread travel</title><description><![CDATA[Klook's chief commercial officer discusses using creator content and booking data to disperse tourism, drive social commerce and adapt to an AI-powered travel landscape.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/klook-wilfred-fan-social-spread-travel</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/wilfred-fan-wit-japan.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>WiT</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62930</guid></item><item><title>Travel's next operating system won't be built on search</title><description><![CDATA[At Phocuswright Europe 2026, OAG CEO Filip Filipov explored how AI agents could transform the traveler experience and what the industry must build to enable it. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/phocuswright-europe-2026-filip-filipov-oag</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/filip-phocuswright-europe-2026.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62926</guid></item><item><title>Business travel buyers look to AI for help managing disruption</title><description><![CDATA[Separate surveys from Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show highlight growing investment in artificial intelligence as travel companies look to manage disruption, improve traveler experiences and reduce costs.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/business-travel-buyers-ai-help-managing-disruption</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/ai-data-investment-excel-london.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62919</guid></item><item><title>OTAs lead, AI rises and travelers research less: New findings from three key European markets</title><description><![CDATA[How Europe’s travelers are planning&#160;differently&#160;in 2026.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/europe-consumer-travel-report-2026-phocuswright-research</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/pexels-helen1-6782234.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:30:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Phocuswright Research</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62918</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: HostProfit.ai targets STR intelligence layer</title><description><![CDATA[The startup combines pricing, listing analysis, distribution and AI visibility insights to help portfolio operators identify revenue opportunities.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/startup-stage-hostprofit-targets-str-intelligence-layer</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/June/vacation-rental-operator-hostprofit.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62911</guid></item><item><title>Cutting through the AI noise: Hospitality's next era</title><description><![CDATA[Stakeholders from Aimbridge Hospitality, In2 Consulting, Wyndham and Another Star shared their thoughts on the AI era at HITEC 2026]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hospitality-tech-future-hitec-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/IMG_2361.JPG?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62888</guid></item><item><title>Booking.com's James Waters on the human psyche, AI and shiny things</title><description><![CDATA[James Waters, chief business officer of Booking.com, spoke about the ways AI is impacting the travel industry and human behavior during an interview at Phocuswright Europe 2026.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/phocuswright-europe-2026-executive-interview-james-waters-booking</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/booking%20james%20waters%20phocuswright%20europe%202026.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:30:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62908</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Headlines from HITEC 2026</title><description><![CDATA[All the people, partner and product news from HITEC 2026.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hitec-travel-tech-news-briefs-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/IMG_2380.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62835</guid></item><item><title>RealTime Reservation acquires STAY, targeting end-to-end guest experience</title><description><![CDATA[The deal brings together pre-arrival commerce and in-stay engagement capabilities as hotels look to drive ancillary revenue and deepen guest relationships.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/realtime-reservation-acquires-stay-targeting-guest-experience</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/woman-smartphone-hotel-lobby-stay.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:55:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62905</guid></item><item><title>The hotel industry's real TikTok GO problem has nothing to do with TikTok</title><description><![CDATA[Boštjan Koželj argues that hotels risk missing the next wave of AI-driven distribution because many still lack the machine-readable infrastructure needed to compete in emerging channels. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/distribution/hotel-industry-real-tiktok-go-problem</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/June/video-influencer-hotel-tiktok-go.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Boštjan Koželj</author><category>Distribution</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62884</guid></item><item><title>Tripadvisor to sell TheFork to American Express for $700M</title><description><![CDATA[The deal would expand American Express' dining footprint in Europe while allowing Tripadvisor to focus more heavily on its experiences business.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/tripadvisor-sell-thefork-american-express</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/tripadvisor-sale-thefork.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:15:00 -0500</pubDate><author>msorrells@phocuswire.com (Mitra Sorrells)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62881</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: Loook wants to be the storytelling layer for in-destination discovery</title><description><![CDATA[Loook is building a GPS-enabled storytelling platform that automatically delivers location-based stories to travelers as they move through destinations, helping tourism organizations extend engagement beyond traditional attractions. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/startup-stage-look-storytelling-layer-destination-discovery</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/June/tourist-headphones-loook.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62872</guid></item><item><title>Mayumi Nakamura Birt on reinvention, resilience and the art of the imperfect</title><description><![CDATA[Veltra’s chief transformation officer explains how AI is challenging Japan’s culture of perfection—and why women may be uniquely suited to thrive in the AI era.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/mayumi-nakamura-birt-reinvention-resilience-art-imperfect</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/Mayumi-WiT-Japan-2026-03.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62870</guid></item><item><title>Top investors in travel tech 2026</title><description><![CDATA[PhocusWire has delved into who were the top investors in travel tech 2026 to uncover the startups getting funding and the sectors investors are passing on.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/top-investors-in-travel-tech</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/investor-4.jpg?n=3378&amp;tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Startups</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62734</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Travelport, Daytrip, Lighthouse and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/june-12</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire%20travel%20tech%20news%20briefs(19).png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62827</guid></item><item><title>AI is the next productivity shock: Can travel reap the gains?</title><description><![CDATA[Jamie Lane, chief economist for AirDNA, explores how AI could reshape travel demand, distribution and industry economics.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/ai-next-productivity-shock-travel-reap-gains</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/June/traveler-booking-trip-card-phone-airdna.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Jamie Lane - AirDNA</author><category>Technology</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62859</guid></item><item><title>Cloudbeds, Journey partner to help independent hotels compete with brand loyalty programs</title><description><![CDATA[Journey’s AI-driven loyalty engine will be integrated into the Cloudbeds platform, giving independent properties a new way to incentivize direct bookings.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/distribution/cloudbeds-journey-partner-independent-hotels-compete-brand-loyalty-programs</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/independent-hotel-cloudbeds-journey-facade.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62857</guid></item><item><title>UK investigates Ryanair over family seat fees</title><description><![CDATA[The UK regulator is examining whether the airline's mandatory family seat reservation fee breaches consumer law and obscures the true cost of travel.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/uk-investigates-ryanair-charges-parents-sit-children</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/ryanair-airline-uk-parent-fee.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:05:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62855</guid></item><item><title>Cendyn launches Wayfinder to help hotels avoid "OTA 2.0"</title><description><![CDATA[Wayfinder will help hotels gain, measure and boost visibility across AI platforms such as Gemini, ChatGPT and Perplexity.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/cendyn-wayfinder-ai-visibility</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/cendyn%20wayfinder.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62843</guid></item><item><title>Travel community reacts as ex-Sonder CEO raises $6M for Odessia</title><description><![CDATA[Some travel industry players were congratulatory, others poked holes in Odessia's model.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/odessia-ai-trip-planner-funding-sonder</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/AdobeStock_1586586095.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:45:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62854</guid></item><item><title>Early AI lessons, experiments at Expedia Group</title><description><![CDATA[Chief product officer Shilpa Ranganathan discussed Expedia Group’s AI innovation pace, early chatbot missteps and the organizational hurdles of scaling the technology.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/expedia-group-ai-lessons-experimentation-chatbot</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/AdobeStock_702344366.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62848</guid></item><item><title>Hotel distribution pushes beyond traditional channels</title><description><![CDATA[Industry analysis from Shiji tracks the evolving distribution ecosystem, mapping new categories including AI-driven visibility and direct-booking platforms, map-based commerce and social messaging.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/distribution/hotel-distribution-pushes-traditional-channels</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/hotel-ambitions-reality.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:30:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62837</guid></item><item><title>Hotels face speed problem as video platforms reshape the booking journey</title><description><![CDATA[Hospitality leaders say legacy operating models are ill-equipped for an era of AI-powered discovery and social commerce.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hotels-speed-problem-video-platforms-reshape-booking-journey</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/woman-watching-travel-video-amadeus.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Matthew Parsons</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62841</guid></item><item><title>iWander pushes consumer app amid rapid AI developments</title><description><![CDATA[iWander said the company felt it needed its own "playground"with technology developing so rapidly right now.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/startups/iwander-ios-app</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/iWander%20Screenshot.png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:10:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Startups</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62828</guid></item><item><title>Where hotel AI ambitions meet structural reality</title><description><![CDATA[Executives from Choice, Minor and Ascott discuss AI implementation strategies and share how they are navigating existing tech stacks.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hotel-tech-stack-ai-minor-choice-ascott</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/AdobeStock_1457100745.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62825</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: Bliink targets Southeast Asia's SME business travel market</title><description><![CDATA[The startup is building an AI-powered corporate travel platform designed to bring managed travel services to small and medium-sized enterprises across Southeast Asia.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/startup-stage-bliink-targets-southeast-asia-sme-business-travel-market</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/June/business-traveler-sea-bliink.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62812</guid></item><item><title>OTA moats against AI disruption may be shallower than they appear</title><description><![CDATA[Christian Watts, founder and CEO of Magpie, argues that loyalty programs, unique inventory and bundling will offer less protection as travel discovery moves to AI platforms. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/ota-moats-ai-disruption-shallower-appear</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/June/castle-moat-otas-shallow-opinion.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Christian Watts - Magpie</author><category>Technology</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62807</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Yotel, IHG and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/june-5</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire%20travel%20tech%20news%20briefs(18).png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62794</guid></item><item><title>Expedia Group chairman Barry Diller says AI won't replace humans</title><description><![CDATA[Expedia Group is intent on pursuing AI opportunities, but the company’s chairman has expressed apprehension over the technology.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/barry-diller-rich-barton-expedia-group-ai-tech-revolution</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/Expedia-Explore-2026_5440.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62805</guid></item><item><title>Architecture, pace, culture: Navigating travel's AI transition</title><description><![CDATA[Executives from Hilton, Air Canada, Marriott and Evolve share what they have learned revamping legacy technology. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/legacy-tech-stack-ai-marriott-hilton-air-canada</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/AdobeStock_1911494960.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62802</guid></item><item><title>AI-powered Mindtrip expands to Europe</title><description><![CDATA[Mindtrip has signed contracts with two destination marketing organizations: Madeira Promotion Bureau and Norwegian Travel Cluster.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/startups/mindtrip-expands-europe-dmos-ai-trip-planning</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/AdobeStock_2001437320.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Startups</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62787</guid></item><item><title>Perk secures $300M in finance for product and technology investment</title><description><![CDATA[Perk said the new credit facility reflects lender confidence in its "vision and strategy."]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/perk-credit-facility-ai-product-investment</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/perk%20credit%20facility.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:35:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62797</guid></item><item><title>Priceline updates Penny AI assistant with Claude</title><description><![CDATA[Priceline said Claude models will support&#160;conversational reasoning and planning for its Penny AI assistant.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/priceline-penny-updates-claude-conversion-boost</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/priceline%20penny%20updates.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62795</guid></item><item><title>OTA marketing spend creeps up despite talk of AI-driven efficiency</title><description><![CDATA[Airbnb, Booking Holdings and Expedia Group upped sales and marketing investment in Q1 2026, with some sharing AI impact and others steering clear.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/ota-marketing-investment-q1-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/ota%20marketing%20q1%202026.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62789</guid></item><item><title>First Chair bets on former Vacasa ski and coastal properties for new venture</title><description><![CDATA[The vacation rental brand launches with 3,500 properties formerly in Vacasa’s portfolio that it acquired from Casago in December 2025.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/first-chair-destinations-bets-local-operations-ski-coastal-markets</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/vacation-rental-ski-destination-first-chair.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62785</guid></item><item><title>Are hotel CEOs overestimating their AI edge?</title><description><![CDATA[Hotel brands are touting AI as a competitive advantage, but long-term differentiation may hinge on data, execution speed and control over distribution. &#160;]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/are-hotel-ceos-overestimating-ai-edge</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/June/hotel-ai-competitive-advantage.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Matthew Parsons</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62777</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: Opally targets hotel communication overload with AI receptionist platform</title><description><![CDATA[The startup’s AI platform manages hotel guest inquiries across channels, aiming to reduce repetitive communication work for front-desk staff.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/startup-stage-opally-targets-hotel-communication-overload-ai-receptionist-platform</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/busy-hotel-front-desk-opally.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62771</guid></item><item><title>The Plaid moment hospitality can't afford to miss</title><description><![CDATA[Ira Vouk, founder of AI Hospitality Alliance, argues that OpenAI’s Plaid integration offers a blueprint for AI-era direct hotel distribution and urges hospitality to move quickly to build shared infrastructure.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/plaid-moment-hospitality-shared-infrastructure</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/May/ai-shared-infrastructure-layer-hospitality.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Ira Vouk - AI Hospitality Alliance</author><category>Technology</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62768</guid></item><item><title>Hotels should think beyond their walls for a greater share of the guest's wallet</title><description><![CDATA[Hotel industry executives discussed the potential for properties to make more revenue by getting more involved in a guest's whole trip.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hotels-revenue-opportunity-airbnb-mews-aahoa</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/hotels%20community%20revenue.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 04:40:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62766</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TUI Group, Mews, CarTrawler, Sabre and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/may-29</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire-travel-tech-news-briefs-0529.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62745</guid></item><item><title>Meet the 17 finalists of the 2026 Global Startup Pitch</title><description><![CDATA[Finalists will compete in person at Phocuswright Europe, and winners from each region will deliver showcase presentations at WiT Singapore.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/startups/meet-17-finalists-2026-global-startup-pitch</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/global-startup-pitch-2026-finalists.png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Startups</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62763</guid></item><item><title>Amadeus, Accenture partner on new agentic advertising platform</title><description><![CDATA[The platform is designed to help travel brands identify intent and demand signals earlier, then leverage Accenture’s agentic framework to execute campaigns.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/amadeus-accenture-agentic-advertising-platform</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/amadeus%20advertising%20platform.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Matthew Parsons</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62761</guid></item><item><title>Tony Fernandes: The art of never saying no and never wasting a crisis</title><description><![CDATA[AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes&#160;reflects on building&#160;the airline&#160;from a two-plane startup into a regional travel and aviation group, sharing lessons on crisis management, low-cost travel and artificial intelligence.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/tony-fernandes-art-never-saying-no-never-wasting-crisis</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/airasia-tony-fernandes-interview-wit.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62750</guid></item><item><title>Travel marketers prepare for the rise of AI agents</title><description><![CDATA[Executives from Expedia Group, OpenAI and The Trade Desk say travel marketers must adapt as AI agents become a bigger part of trip discovery and booking.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/b2a-artificial-intelligence-marketing-expedia-group-openai</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_1869322106(1).jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62752</guid></item><item><title>Spain fines Amadeus €14.4M over traveler profiling pilot</title><description><![CDATA[Spain’s data protection authority said Amadeus improperly used passenger booking data from its GDS in a traveler profiling pilot that combined airline and hotel customer records.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/spain-fines-amadeus-traveler-profiling-pilot</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/amadeus-it-group-laptop-fine-spain.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 13:10:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62753</guid></item><item><title>Airbnb leads $58M investment in WeRoad</title><description><![CDATA[The investment will go towards WeRoad's expansion to the U.S. marking its first push outside Europe.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/startups/weroad-series-c-funding-us-expansion</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/weroadfunding%20airbnb.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Startups</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62746</guid></item><item><title>Travel operators ramp up AI spending as search and discovery behaviors shift</title><description><![CDATA[TravelTech Show research points to rising investment in AI and travel technology as operators adapt to changing customer search, discovery and booking patterns.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/travel-operators-ai-spending-search-online-discovery-behaviors-shift</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/travel-planning-artificial-intelligence-travel-tech-show.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62742</guid></item><item><title>Why hoteliers should not vibe code their own software</title><description><![CDATA[HotelTechReport.com co-founder&#160;Jordan Hollander&#160;argues that while AI coding tools can support hotel operations, building proprietary core systems is a distraction from revenue-driving priorities. &#160;]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/why-hoteliers-should-not-vibe-code-own-software</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/May/hotel-vibe-coding-opinion-revenue-support.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Jordan Hollander - HotelTechReport</author><category>Technology</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62736</guid></item><item><title>Airbnb recruits VP of hotels amid category expansion</title><description><![CDATA[D’Amico previously spent 18 years at Booking.com rising to VP and managing director for EMEA.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/airbnb-vp-hotels-andrea-damico</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/airbnb%20vp%20hotels.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 13:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62738</guid></item><item><title>Mews partners with Uber to bring ride booking into hotel operations</title><description><![CDATA[The integration will allow hotels to book, track and bill Uber rides through the Mews platform, as hospitality companies look to expand guest services and ancillary revenue opportunities.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/distribution/mews-partners-uber-ride-booking-hotel-operations</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/tourist-hotel-ride-pickup-uber-mews.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 09:35:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62723</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: TravelOne targets luxury travel with behavior profiling platform</title><description><![CDATA[The platform matches travelers with destinations and itineraries based on psychological and personality markers.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/startup-stage-travelone-luxury-travel-behavioral-profiling-platform</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/traveler-behavioral-profile-luxury-travelone.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62717</guid></item><item><title>Spain’s Digital ID rollout goes live as hotels remain cautiously optimistic</title><description><![CDATA[Spain’s Digital ID rollout is reshaping hotel check-in and guest registration as operators navigate fragmented systems and slow adoption.&#160;]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/spain-digital-id-rollout-live-hotels-cautiously-optimistic</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/spain-digital-id-app-hotel-implications.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Marisa Garcia</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62715</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Visa, Trip.com Group, Navan and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/may-22</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire%20travel%20tech%20news%20briefs(17).png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62691</guid></item><item><title>3 key takeaways from Google I/O 2026</title><description><![CDATA[New agentic AI features unveiled at Google I/O 2026 could reshape how travelers search, shop and book trips, increasing pressure on travel brands to become machine-readable and agent-accessible.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/key-takeaways-google-developer-conference-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/google-io-conference-2026-key-takeaways(1).jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 15:40:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Matthew Parsons</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62714</guid></item><item><title>Airbnb piloting creator experiences as local demand driver</title><description><![CDATA[Airbnb has seen good conversion rates from creator-led experiences following pilots.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/airbnb-creator-experiences</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/airbnb%20creator%20experiences.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 19:30:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62708</guid></item><item><title>Airbnb's updates build towards wider personalization and community ambitions</title><description><![CDATA[Airbnb's AI-driven app updates and additions to Services and Experiences point to its wider strategy.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/airbnb-ai-app-updates-experiences-services</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/airbnb%20summer%20release.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62675</guid></item><item><title>Kayak for Business, Blockskye and FCM partner on global business travel platform</title><description><![CDATA[The companies plan to integrate booking, payments and servicing into a single offering designed to reduce friction in corporate travel programs.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/kayak-blockskye-flight-centre-global-business-travel-platform</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/kayak-blockskye-fcm-platform-partnership.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 12:50:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62704</guid></item><item><title>Expedia Group to acquire CarTrawler in bid to become B2B ‘one-stop shop’</title><description><![CDATA[Expedia Group announced the acquisition and a number of AI products at its Explore event in Las Vegas.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/expedia-b2b-car-trawler-acquisition-ai-features</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_442275541.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62699</guid></item><item><title>Expedia Group expands Meta partnership amid push to connect social, booking</title><description><![CDATA[&#160;The expanded collaboration follows the recent news that Expedia is a partner with TikTok for its new in-app booking, a sign of the OTA's focus on growing its B2B distribution strategy.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/expedia-explore-meta-in-feed-planning-clear</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/expedia-30-years-onstage-event.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 17:15:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62681</guid></item><item><title>World Travel Holdings gets investment from Citation Capital</title><description><![CDATA[World Travel Holdings, which was founded in 2005, said it generates more than $2.5 billion in annual booking volume.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/distribution/world-travel-holdings-citation-capital</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/world%20travel%20holdings%20citation.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:15:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62686</guid></item><item><title>Wellness tourism hits $894B, with more growth ahead</title><description><![CDATA[Wellness tourism is at “the powerful intersection of two large and growing multi-trillion-dollar industries."]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/wellness-tourism-growth-phocuswright-wit</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/pexels-olly-1418519.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Phocuswright Research</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62664</guid></item><item><title>I almost deleted the email—the travel industry can't afford to</title><description><![CDATA[Timothy O'Neil-Dunne, principal of tech consultancy T2Impact, explains what suppliers, OTAs and intermediaries need to know about OpenAI's April privacy update.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/openai-april-privacy-update-travel-industry-implications</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/May/openai-chatgpt-logos-terms-conditions-opinion.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Timothy O'Neil-Dunne - T2 Impact</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62669</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: Globe Thrivers turns creator travel content into bookable trips</title><description><![CDATA[The startup is building AI-powered infrastructure that turns creator content into structured itineraries, collaborative planning and attributed bookings.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/startup-stage-globe-thrivers-social-travel-inspiration-bookable-trips</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/happy-travel-influencer-camera-globe-thrivers.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62658</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Emburse, Agoda, NextTrip and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/may-15</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire%20travel%20tech%20news%20briefs(16).png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62625</guid></item><item><title>FCM to relaunch AI assistant Sam with expanded features, guardrails</title><description><![CDATA[The updated tool combines conversational trip management, corporate travel policy controls and live agent handoff.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/fcm-sam-ai-tool-global-deployment</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/business-travel-woman-lobby-mobile-fcm-sam.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Michael B. Baker - BTN</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62629</guid></item><item><title>Gharage Ventures on why it's a good time to launch a fund</title><description><![CDATA[Gharage Ventures founding partner Lennard Niemann and general partner Darren Soh discuss their thesis-driven approach and&#160;ideal investment.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/gharage-ventures-travel-startup-investment-landscape</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/gharage%20ventures%20fund%20I.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62638</guid></item><item><title>Ixigo launches travel app with conversational booking and agentic AI</title><description><![CDATA[The app includes natural language trip planning through Ixigo’s AI assistant TARA and AI-powered tools for flight alerts, boarding passes and post-booking support. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/ixigo-launches-travel-app-conversational-booking-agentic-ai</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/ixigo-mobile-app-pink-agentic(1).jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62634</guid></item><item><title>Reframing travel plumbing: NDC, MCP as tech stack allies</title><description><![CDATA[MCP has the potential to bolster NDC’s impact, enhancing access to content and streamlining integration, according to industry stakeholders.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/ndc-mcp-travel-tech-stack-ai</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_1978959242.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62627</guid></item><item><title>HBX builds out experiences offering with Bridgify acquisition</title><description><![CDATA[Bridgify, which was founded in 2019, offers an AI-powered platform providing access to more than a million experiences from global suppliers.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hbx-group-acquires-bridgify</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/hbx%20bridgify%20acquisition.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 08:50:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62632</guid></item><item><title>Trip.com plans digital ID pilot using Google and Apple wallets</title><description><![CDATA[Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, as well as digital identity infrastructure platform Hopae,&#160;are expected to be involved in the pilot.&#160;]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/trip-com-digital-id-google-apple-wallets</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/trip%20com%20digital%20id%20concept.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 05:55:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Mark Frary</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62630</guid></item><item><title>Direct Ferries launches ChatGPT app for search, discovery</title><description><![CDATA[Bringing Direct Ferries into ChatGPT marks the next step in addressing the ferry segment’s fragmentation, according to CEO Niall Walsh.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/direct-ferries-chatgpt-app-ai-search-ferry</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_270294567.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62619</guid></item><item><title>Airline retailing realities in 2026</title><description><![CDATA[Interaction between systems and seamless integration with passenger service systems are top challenges for airlines trying to become better retailers.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/state-airline-retailing-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/state%20airline%20retailing%202026.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62605</guid></item><item><title>TikTok formalizes in-app travel bookings with Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com among partners</title><description><![CDATA[TikTok GO brings in-app travel booking to 200 million U.S. users, compressing the path from video discovery to reservation.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/tiktok-go-travel-booking-expedia-getyourguide-viator</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_382769229_Editorial_Use_Only(1).jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62615</guid></item><item><title>Spain’s surge signals a structural shift in global travel demand</title><description><![CDATA[Spain once again surpassed its previous tourism records in 2025, reaching 96.8 million international visitors, a 3.2% increase over 2024.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/spain-travel-market-report-phocuswright-research-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/pexels-wilfredlazz-37386898.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Phocuswright Research</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62612</guid></item><item><title>Expedia Group combines B2B and supply organizations under Alfonso Paredes</title><description><![CDATA[The move brings Expedia Group’s supply and partner distribution teams together as the company pushes further into platform and B2B growth.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/expedia-group-b2b-supply-alfonso-paredes</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/paredes-schulze-headshots-expedia.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62604</guid></item><item><title>Hotel groups mull app versus AI-ready strategies</title><description><![CDATA[In the past week Wyndham unveiled a ChatGPT app while Choice Hotels unveiled a series of internal AI tools.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hotels-ai-apps-content-ai-ready</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/hotel%20ai%20ihg%20q1%202026.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62596</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: Voyagier targets luxury travel with AI-powered trip planning and booking</title><description><![CDATA[The early-stage startup brings together AI-powered trip planning, luxury travel advisors and booking infrastructure.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/startups/voyagier-targets-luxury-travel-ai-travel-planning-booking</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/luxury-startup-hat-influencer-voyagier.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62600</guid></item><item><title>Agentic commerce in travel: Who wins, who loses and what to do about it</title><description><![CDATA[Mario Gavira argues that travel companies face sharply different levels of exposure to agentic AI disruption, with loyalty, unique inventory and human expertise emerging as key defenses.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/agentic-commerce-travel-wins-loses-what-to-do</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/May/ai-agent-purple-pink-ai-risk-matrix.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Mario Gavira</author><category>Technology</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62594</guid></item><item><title>Amadeus reports Q1 revenue, operating profit increases</title><description><![CDATA[The company said its growth slowed in March because of the conflict in the Middle East adding that the short-term future is hard to call.&#160;]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/amadeus-q1-2026-earnings</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/amadeus%20q1%202026.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 06:10:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62592</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Agoda, BizTrip AI and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/may-8</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire%20travel%20tech%20news%20briefs(15).png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62575</guid></item><item><title>Airbnb targets guest-centric ecosystem as Q1 revenue rises 18% YoY</title><description><![CDATA[The company pointed to momentum from flexible payments, localization and hotels as it builds a more personalized platform.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/airbnb-q1-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/airbnb-laptop-mobile-app-map-earnings.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 23:50:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62589</guid></item><item><title>Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul</title><description><![CDATA[CEO Ariane Gorin shared concrete examples of how AI has driven performance across the business. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/expedia-group-q1-2026-financial-earnings</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_1900859125_Editorial_Use_Only.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 21:20:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62586</guid></item><item><title>MSC Cruises adds AI concierge to mobile app</title><description><![CDATA[The tool, available in more than 90 languages, can answer guest questions and handle tasks such as restaurant reservations, spa bookings and shore excursions.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/msc-cruises-ai-concierge-mobile-app</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/msc-cruises-big-ship-splendida-ai-assistant.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62578</guid></item><item><title>Tripadvisor posts Q1 revenue and EBITDA declines</title><description><![CDATA[The company said it incurred Q1 restructuring costs of $3.3M.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/tripadvisor-q1-2026</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/tripadvisor%20q1%202026.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 07:40:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62582</guid></item><item><title>The Weather Company, Steller partner for travel discovery on weather.com</title><description><![CDATA[The collaboration combines Weather Company’s scale and data with Steller’s creator-led travel video.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/weather-company-steller-travel-discovery-social-media</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/AdobeStock_266381525.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 09:05:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62571</guid></item><item><title>Journey acquires experiences platform Epicurate</title><description><![CDATA[The deal adds dining, wellness and other services to Journey’s loyalty platform for independent hotels and short-term rentals. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/finance/journey-acquires-experiences-platform-epicurate</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/luxury-dining-experience-journey-epicurate.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Finance</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62572</guid></item><item><title>CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar</title><description><![CDATA[Despegar's CEO Gonzalo Estebarena discusses the Prosus acquisition, internal and external AI developments and growth plans.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/interviews/online/despegar-ceo-gonzalo-estebarena</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/gonzalo%20estebarena%20despegar.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Online</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62563</guid></item><item><title>Top-level takeaways on the Italy travel market</title><description><![CDATA[Even amid geopolitical uncertainty, Italy’s broad appeal, strong domestic alternatives and ongoing digitalization continue to support long-term growth. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/online/italy-travel-market-phocuswright-research</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/0430-italy.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Phocuswright Research</author><category>Online</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62557</guid></item><item><title>How travel companies are approaching agentic AI</title><description><![CDATA[Travel companies are exploring how AI agents can support internal workflows and operational tasks, while setting limits on autonomy for customer-facing tools.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/how-travel-companies-approaching-agentic-ai</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/agentic-ai-adoption-company-perspective.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Mark Frary</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62560</guid></item><item><title>Startup Stage: Altitude AI wants to modernize unmanaged business travel</title><description><![CDATA[The startup is building an AI-powered business travel platform designed to help companies without dedicated travel teams book trips and control travel spend.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/startup-stage-altitude-ai-modernize-unmanaged-business-travel</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Interviews/2026/May/business-travelers-airport-smiling-altitude.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Startups</category><category>Interview</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62544</guid></item><item><title>DMOs shift toward destination-as-a-service model in AI era</title><description><![CDATA[As travelers lean into AI travel planning, how can DMOs maintain and gain visibility?]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/dmo-destination-as-a-service-ai</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/futuristic-map-location-pins-destination-service.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62541</guid></item><item><title>PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Kayak, Roomex, Fareportal and more...</title><description><![CDATA[Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/travel-tech-news-briefs/2026/may-1</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Travel_Tech_News_Briefs/2026/phocuswire%20travel%20tech%20news%20briefs(14).png?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 03:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>editor@phocuswire.com (PhocusWire)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62533</guid></item><item><title>Trifork acquires VION AI to expand airline operations tech</title><description><![CDATA[The deal brings VION AI’s turnaround intelligence tools into Trifork’s aviation business as airlines push for tighter operations and fewer delays.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/trifork-acquires-vion-ai-expand-airline-operations-tech</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/airline-tarmac-turnaround-operations-ai.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62535</guid></item><item><title>Vibe coding in STR tech: Hype vs. reality</title><description><![CDATA[Shahar Goldboim, CEO and founder of Boom, argues that while vibe coding gives short-term rental operators more flexibility, the real opportunity lies in AI systems that can execute reliably without turning operators into system architects.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/opinion/technology/vibe-coding-in-str-tech-hype-reality</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/Opinion/2026/May/vibe-coding-laptop-hands-opinion.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>Shahar Goldboim - Boom</author><category>Technology</category><category>Opinion</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62539</guid></item><item><title>Hyatt talks up internal AI uses cases, efficiency</title><description><![CDATA[Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian discussed the opportunity for AI to make the company more efficient and more effective in Q1 2026 earnings.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/hyatt-q1-2026-ai-efficiency</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/May/hyatt%20q1%202026%20ai%20efficiency.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:10:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62536</guid></item><item><title>DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app</title><description><![CDATA[DirectBooker, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2026, has also launched an app in ChatGPT and a connector in Claude.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/distribution/directbooker-bwh-radisson-chatgpt-claude</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/April/directbooker%20hotel%20partners%20.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62531</guid></item><item><title>Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps</title><description><![CDATA[The India-based online travel company has added ChatGPT apps across ixigo, AbhiBus and ConfirmTkt, allowing users to search and compare travel options in a conversational interface. ]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/ixigo-launches-chatgpt-apps-flight-rail-bus-shopping</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/April/ixigo-smartphone-orange-chatgpt-apps.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>CWalsh@phocuswright.com (Cathy Walsh)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62529</guid></item><item><title>Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings</title><description><![CDATA[Uber is pushing to become a super app as it expands to offer hotels, voice booking and more.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/technology/uber-hotel-booking-expedia-group</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/April/AdobeStock_164346611.jpeg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>mhines@phocuswire.com (Morgan Hines)</author><category>Technology</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62523</guid></item><item><title>Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms</title><description><![CDATA[Hilton unveiled an Anthropic-powered AI trip planner in March.]]></description><link>https://www.phocuswire.com/news/distribution/hilton-ai-developments-q1-2026-earnings</link><image>https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/PCWW/uploadedImages/Articles/News/2026/April/hilton%20ai%20developments.jpg?tr=w-400%2Ch-300%2Cfo-auto</image><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate><author>lfox@phocuswire.com (Linda Fox)</author><category>Distribution</category><category>News</category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.phocuswire.com/rssitem.aspx?id=62527</guid></item></channel></rss>