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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.

Google launches Google Maps in Gemini API
News / Technology
Google launches Google Maps in Gemini API
By Morgan Hines | October 20, 2025
Google said the mechanism will be similar to grounding with Google Search, which provides increased accuracy, real-time information and citations. Read More
Kayak rolls out AI Mode for travel search
News / Technology
Kayak rolls out AI Mode for travel search
By Abby Crotty | October 15, 2025
The tool allows for natural-language search and combines Kayak’s data with ChatGPT.   Read More
American Airlines launches gen AI tool
News / Technology
American Airlines launches gen AI tool
By Abby Crotty | October 14, 2025
Customers can type in their trip idea, with the tool then providing “curated destination suggestions” from American’s network.   Read More
The next generation of travel in Asia: Trust, experience and the coming AI wave
News / Online
The next generation of travel in Asia: Trust, experience and the coming AI wave
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | October 13, 2025
Four voices from across Asia’s travel ecosystem examined how the new travel landscape is being reshaped by AI, authenticity and the fight for trust. Read More
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
News / Technology
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
By Morgan Hines | October 7, 2025
OpenAI said the system is using Model Context Protocol (MCP) to enable ChatGPT to connect to external tools and data. Read More
Rapid Fire with Eric DeLange of Reddit
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Eric DeLange of Reddit
By Morgan Hines | October 7, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
Travel trends in the Middle East: Experiences, Gen Z and technology
News / Online
Travel trends in the Middle East: Experiences, Gen Z and technology
By Abby Crotty | October 7, 2025
According to Phocuswright data, in 2024, the travel market in the Middle East exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 23%, with gross total bookings reaching $101.2 billion. Read More
Expedia partners with Perplexity for Comet launch
News / Technology
Expedia partners with Perplexity for Comet launch
By Morgan Hines | October 6, 2025
Expedia is offering Silver status in its OneKey loyalty program in exchange for users downloading Comet’s recently launched browser. Read More
From SEO to GEO, hotels confront the future of digital discovery
News / Online
From SEO to GEO, hotels confront the future of digital discovery
By Matthew Parsons | October 2, 2025
Hospitality brands and independent properties are trying to figure out how best to appear directly in the detailed answers large language models are returning. Read More
In the age of AI, experience is the real product
Opinion / Technology
In the age of AI, experience is the real product
By Rajnish Kumar - Ixigo | September 29, 2025
According to Ixigo group co-CEO, the frontier of AI is shifting, and experience is a sustainable advantage. Read More
GetYourGuide launches new, upgraded partner features
News / Technology
GetYourGuide launches new, upgraded partner features
By Morgan Hines | September 25, 2025
The new and updated features include artificial intelligence-powered review management, a redesigned listing page, category expansion and enhanced discovery. Read More
Exploring the intersection of digital identity and AI in travel
News / Technology
Exploring the intersection of digital identity and AI in travel
By Abby Crotty | September 22, 2025
In the fifth and final installment of The New Age(nts) Trend Series, panelists discussed the future of generative AI, autonomous agents and digital ID in travel. Read More
OpenAI chairman shares vision on travel’s AI future
News / Technology
OpenAI chairman shares vision on travel’s AI future
By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2025
Bret Taylor, chairman of the board for OpenAI and co-founder of AI startup Sierra, discussed how he uses AI, how it might impact travel intermediaries and more. Read More
64% of travelers would pay for AI assistant to provide in-trip information
News / Technology
64% of travelers would pay for AI assistant to provide in-trip information
By Abby Crotty | September 18, 2025
The Amadeus study investigates the role new technology plays in transforming the travel industry with responses from 9,500 global travelers across countries including China, the U.K. and the U.S. Read More
The U.S. travel booking path fractured by social media, technology
News / Technology
The U.S. travel booking path fractured by social media, technology
By Morgan Hines | September 17, 2025
Younger travelers are straying from the traditional booking path in favor of technology-fueled discovery. Read More
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