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PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of travel search, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on Google, other search engines, strategies, executives and role in the market.

News / Online

Google looks to social media for some travel searches

By Mitra Sorrells | May 12, 2023

The new Perspectives filter will show results from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and other social sites for some travel queries when the user “may benefit from the experience of other people.”... Read More

News / Online

HomeToGo launches OpenAI-powered curated search

By Linda Fox | May 10, 2023

HomeToGo’s first "Mode" is AI Mode, which enables anyone planning travel to receive personalized recommendations via OpenAI's GPT technology. Read More

News / Technology

How ChatGPT levels the playing field for travel companies

By Derek Catron | May 4, 2023

ChatGPT’s relative simplicity has benefited travel companies ranging in size from Expedia to Sailsquare, an Italy-based sailing cruise marketplace that used the tool to monitor communications on its... Read More

Opinion / Distribution

The seven deadly sins of hotel distribution

By Marta Romero - Mirai | May 2, 2023

While there’s no universal formula to achieve the perfect channel mix in hotel distribution, it’s also important to avoid temptation offered by the seven deadly sins of distribution. Read More

News / Technology

How more travel companies make “magic” with ChatGPT

By Derek Catron | May 1, 2023

We've gathered information from more companies that are integrating ChatGPT, including Hospitable which is using it to respond to guest messages. Read More

News / Online

Big Red Group, Ecotourism Australia partner for sustainable tourism

By Derek Catron | April 28, 2023

Experience operators on Big Red Group’s platform will be able to demonstrate their sustainable credentials by showcasing certifications from Ecotourism Australia, a not-for-profit that promotes... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Roame lets travelers search flights based on credit card points

By Derek Catron | April 25, 2023

Roame is like Google Flights for award travel; it lets users search for flights based on credit card points/miles. Read More

News / Technology

ChatGPT: A chatty dozen of travel tools and services

By Derek Catron | April 18, 2023

Travel companies are using ChatGPT for everything from personalized itinerary recommendations to social media marketing and 24/7 customer support. Read More

News / Technology

Journera debuts TripSignals platform to connect travel data

By Derek Catron | April 14, 2023

Journera CEO Jeff Katz sees benefits for travelers as well as the airlines and hotels that want their business from journey’s start to finish. Read More

Opinion / Technology

ChatGPT means radically improved travel sales conversion

By Terry Jones | April 7, 2023

Travelocity founder Terry Jones says his past work creating Wayblazer makes him confident ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI will permanently disrupt the user interface in travel. Read More

News / Online

Google redesigns hotel browsing on mobile

By Derek Catron | April 3, 2023

Google also confirmed PhocusWire reports of a pilot program in which it is offering to give consumers a refund on flights if the airfare purchased drops before departure. Read More

News / Online

Google is testing free price guarantee for flights

By Mitra Sorrells | March 23, 2023

For fares that include the guarantee, Google automatically monitors prices and refunds the difference to the traveler's Google Pay account if it drops. Read More

News / Online

Citi’s new travel portal powered by Booking Holdings goes live

By Mitra Sorrells | March 21, 2023

The site includes supply from Booking.com – such as 1.4 million hotels around the world - and is powered by technology from Rocket Travel by Agoda, another of Booking Holdings’ brands. Read More