Artificial Intelligence

PhocusWire’s in-depth coverage of generative AI including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and other solutions and how they are being used across the travel industry.

Gen AI is transforming the travel industry by enabling new levels of automation, personalization and decision-making. From AI-powered chat interfaces to dynamic content creation and predictive analytics, PhocusWire explores the growing influence of generative and agentic AI in travel—and what it means for suppliers, intermediaries, and travelers alike.

How AI tools are reshaping travel and tourism operations

Our coverage tracks how travel companies are implementing AI across customer service, marketing, product development, and internal workflows. Whether it's conversational commerce, itinerary generation, or fraud detection, generative AI is unlocking new operational efficiencies and guest experiences throughout the industry.

 

PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
AI transformation in travel: Kara Franker of Visit Florida Keys & Key West
News / Technology
AI transformation in travel: Kara Franker of Visit Florida Keys & Key West
By Abby Crotty | October 2, 2026
Kara Franker, CEO of Visit Florida Keys & Key West, shares her thoughts on tech innovation in the DMO space in PhocusWire's latest AI Transformation in Travel installment. Read More
AI agents are having their 'Spotify moment': Why travel needs to take note
Opinion / Technology
AI agents are having their 'Spotify moment': Why travel needs to take note
By Mario Gavira | October 2, 2026
Mario Gavira discusses Instinct, a new agent operating straight out of WhatsApp and iMessage, which he calls "the breakout surprise of the agentic era." Read More
Juniper Group acquires Bookassist
News / Technology
Juniper Group acquires Bookassist
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2026
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Ireland-based Bookassist will join Juniper Group in January 2027. Read More
Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption
News / Technology
Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption
By Abby Crotty | October 1, 2026
The latest State of Distribution report from NYU, RateGain and HEDNA suggests that midsize chains are best positioned to benefit from AI. Read More
Airbnb rolls out travel map and social connections to drive discovery
News / Online
Airbnb rolls out travel map and social connections to drive discovery
By Abby Crotty | September 30, 2026
Airbnb users can now connect with other users on the platform to see where they've stayed and share recommendations. Read More
Tryp secures €1.9M for geographic expansion and product development
News / Technology
Tryp secures €1.9M for geographic expansion and product development
By Linda Fox | September 30, 2026
Tryp.com is preparing for expansion to the Americas and Asia and also plans to add activities to the platform. Read More
'Constant intention to buy' forces hotels to rethink the marketing funnel
News / Online
'Constant intention to buy' forces hotels to rethink the marketing funnel
By Matthew Parsons | September 30, 2026
Rather than guiding consumers along a linear path to booking, hotels should pull them in from multiple “orbits,” new research suggests. Read More
Princess Cruises launches ChatGPT app in partnership with Mobi
News / Online
Princess Cruises launches ChatGPT app in partnership with Mobi
By Linda Fox | September 29, 2026
The Princess ChatGPT app enables cruise customers to explore destinations, check pricing and availability and get help with planning a cruise. Read More
Booking Holdings-backed Lola unveils membership model for AI travel and experiences assistant
News / Technology
Booking Holdings-backed Lola unveils membership model for AI travel and experiences assistant
By Abby Crotty | September 29, 2026
Kayak founders Steve Hafner and Paul English share new details on Lola, the new AI assistant they are building with paid memberships, booking capabilities and ad-free recommendations. Read More
Dextr AI secures $6.7M for agentic hospitality platform
News / Finance
Dextr AI secures $6.7M for agentic hospitality platform
By Linda Fox | September 29, 2026
The startup provides hotel employees with teams of artificial intelligence (AI) agents covering voice AI, guest management, back office operations, staff management and sales and marketing. Read More
HyperGuest lands $25M investment, plans international growth
News / Finance
HyperGuest lands $25M investment, plans international growth
By Linda Fox | September 29, 2026
The investment comes from Apax Partners, which has previously invested in Guesty and acquired a minority stake in IBS Software. Read More
Startup Stage: FigFinder AI wants to simplify trip planning for travelers and agents
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: FigFinder AI wants to simplify trip planning for travelers and agents
By Abby Crotty | September 28, 2026
FigFinder AI creates personalized trip guides for travelers, while FigFinder Pro helps travel agents turn client inquiries into structured briefs. Read More
As tourism races to adopt AI, the industry must hear workers’ voices
Opinion / Technology
As tourism races to adopt AI, the industry must hear workers’ voices
By Stroma Cole - University of Westminster | September 28, 2026
University of Westminster professor Stroma Cole argues that travel workers deserve say as AI reshapes their jobs. Read More
AIHG secures $7.5M to implement AI-powered hotel management system
News / Finance
AIHG secures $7.5M to implement AI-powered hotel management system
By Linda Fox | September 25, 2026
The investment will go towards further developing AIHG's agentic technology and onboarding its first hotels. Read More