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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.

Could generative AI make Google Maps a full travel app?
News / Technology
Could generative AI make Google Maps a full travel app?
By Linda Fox | June 16, 2023
A Lufthansa Innovation Hub study explores how generative AI could be the final piece of the map-based travel planning puzzle. Read More
European regulators charge Google with breaching antitrust laws
News / Technology
European regulators charge Google with breaching antitrust laws
By Linda Fox | June 15, 2023
The regulatory body said it "takes issue" with the search giant giving preference to its own display advertising technology. Read More
Kayak launches “best time to travel” tool
News / Online
Kayak launches “best time to travel” tool
By Derek Catron | June 2, 2023
The “Best Time to Travel” tool incorporates predictive data from Kayak’s billions of travel queries to forecast future flight and hotel prices, allowing travelers to compare predicted pricing against... Read More
Google unveils generative AI boost to search
News / Online
Google unveils generative AI boost to search
By Linda Fox | May 24, 2023
During its Google Marketing Live event this week the company shared a number of updates including an example of how its search generative experience could work. Read More
ChatGPT plugins' potential impact on the travel booking experience
Opinion / Technology
ChatGPT plugins' potential impact on the travel booking experience
By Mario Gavira | May 22, 2023
Can chatbot plugins bring a new, conversational layer to the decade-old search and booking interface in travel? Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Roam Around uses ChatGPT to tailor free travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Roam Around uses ChatGPT to tailor free travel itineraries
By Derek Catron | May 18, 2023
Built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Roam Around claims to be the world’s first viral AI travel planner, crafting free personalized itineraries for its users.   Read More
Google looks to social media for some travel searches
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
HomeToGo launches OpenAI-powered curated search
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
How ChatGPT levels the playing field for travel companies
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
The seven deadly sins of hotel distribution
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
How more travel companies make “magic” with ChatGPT
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
Big Red Group, Ecotourism Australia partner for sustainable tourism
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
STARTUP STAGE: Roame lets travelers search flights based on credit card points
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
chatgpt laptop
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
Journera TripSignals
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