Travel Planning

Hotels push live ChatGPT integrations as AI search goes bookable
News / Technology
Hotels push live ChatGPT integrations as AI search goes bookable
By Matthew Parsons | October 23, 2025
Following OpenAI’s launch of “ChatGPT apps,” experts predict that AI search platforms will soon be able to display hotels' real-time availability and rates. Read More
Grab introduces third-party partner apps
News / Online
Grab introduces third-party partner apps
By Abby Crotty | October 22, 2025
Grab has partnered with five service apps that are now available on Grab's app in Singapore and Malaysia. Read More
When travel isn’t first: How economic strains are changing consumer behavior
News / Online
When travel isn’t first: How economic strains are changing consumer behavior
By Phocuswright Research | October 22, 2025
While major trip components continue to be booked at similar rates, the way travelers research, plan and choose is shifting beneath the surface. Read More
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
News / Startups
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
By Morgan Hines | October 22, 2025
As the Middle East sees rapid travel growth, its startup environment is characterized by ambition and innovation with government support, according to travel stakeholders. Read More
Airbnb adds social tools for experiences and updates host capabilities
News / Technology
Airbnb adds social tools for experiences and updates host capabilities
By Abby Crotty | October 21, 2025
Guests can now interact with other travelers they meet on experiences, while hosts can set new cancellation policies and access price tips. Read More
AI’s new gatekeepers: How Booking.com and Expedia are hijacking the future of travel
Opinion / Technology
AI’s new gatekeepers: How Booking.com and Expedia are hijacking the future of travel
By Brad Brewer - Agentic Hospitality | October 21, 2025
The EU’s Digital Markets Act forces the biggest online “gatekeepers” to play fair, but it doesn’t yet cover standalone AI assistants—like ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity. Read More
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
Phocuswright names winners of the 2025 Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship
News / Online
Phocuswright names winners of the 2025 Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship
By PhocusWire | October 20, 2025
Sebastián Muñoz, co-founder of Rutopía, and Jen Wong, founder and CEO of Laasie, received this year's award. Read More
European Commission's tourism strategy will focus on 3 priorities
News / Online
European Commission's tourism strategy will focus on 3 priorities
By Morgan Hines | October 20, 2025
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, shared Europe’s upcoming strategic goals for travel. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By Mileva Sapic | October 20, 2025
Many of our Hot 25 Startups for 2023 have undergone major transformations, including significant funding rounds and strategic acquisitions. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group and more
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group and more
By PhocusWire | October 17, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
Mindtrip launches AI-powered tools for travel inspiration, organization
News / Technology
Mindtrip launches AI-powered tools for travel inspiration, organization
By Morgan Hines | October 16, 2025
With the new features, travelers can share articles, Instagram posts, TikTok videos, YouTube clips and Google Pins directly to Mindtrip’s app. 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
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
News / Startups
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2025
Swifty, which launched in 2023, uses LLMs and a conversational interface to help plan and book corporate travel, including payment and invoicing. Read More