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.

 

Travelport demonstrates agentic booking, pitching airline control
News / Distribution
Travelport demonstrates agentic booking, pitching airline control
By Cathy Walsh | November 12, 2026
Travelport and its partners completed a live AI-powered flight purchase using existing airline distribution and payment infrastructure. Read More
WeRoad kicks off M&A strategy with acquisition of TravelTribe
News / Finance
WeRoad kicks off M&A strategy with acquisition of TravelTribe
By Linda Fox | November 12, 2026
WeRoad plans to add $70M through acquisitions in the next three years. Read More
Why travel marketers need to look beyond search
From Our Partners / Online
Why travel marketers need to look beyond search
By PhocusWire | November 12, 2026
The Trade Desk's Kelly Covato discusses how AI, travel media networks and new approaches to measurement are reshaping travel advertising. Read More
Big prospects, few bookings: Travel execs weigh in on personal AI assistants
News / Technology
Big prospects, few bookings: Travel execs weigh in on personal AI assistants
By Cathy Walsh | November 12, 2026
During quarterly earnings calls, travel industry leaders weighed the early impact of emerging AI agents, including Meta's Muse and Instinct, and their implications for travel distribution. Read More
United blocks third-party AI agents from app, website
News / Technology
United blocks third-party AI agents from app, website
By Abby Crotty | November 11, 2026
The airline said the move is part of an effort to protect customers' data and accounts. Read More
Qantas to cut jobs through modernization drive
News / Technology
Qantas to cut jobs through modernization drive
By Linda Fox | November 11, 2026
A strategic partnership has been signed with Accenture. Read More
BizTrip AI adds trip planning in Slack, Teams and iMessage
News / Technology
BizTrip AI adds trip planning in Slack, Teams and iMessage
By Linda Fox | November 11, 2026
The beta launch follows BizTrip AI's launch on ChatGPT and Claude earlier this year. Read More
Why the next airline tech race will reward commercial discipline over spending
Opinion / Finance
Why the next airline tech race will reward commercial discipline over spending
By Vusala Isayeva - Azerbaijan Airlines | November 11, 2026
Azerbaijan Airlines' Vusala Isayeva argues airline technology investments can broadly be viewed through two layers, the edge and the core. Read More
OpenAI acquires AI travel agent Odessia
News / Startups
OpenAI acquires AI travel agent Odessia
By Abby Crotty | November 10, 2026
Francis Davidson, founder and CEO of Odessia, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2027, announced the news on LinkedIn. Read More
Priceline brings Penny AI assistant to Snapchat ads
News / Online
Priceline brings Penny AI assistant to Snapchat ads
By Abby Crotty | November 10, 2026
Some Snapchat users now receive a message directly from Priceline when they open the app. Read More
Bilt launches AI platform to connect local businesses, expand loyalty
News / Technology
Bilt launches AI platform to connect local businesses, expand loyalty
By Cathy Walsh | November 10, 2026
Bilt's local commerce platform and expanded membership offering could allow hotel loyalty programs to reward members through experiences at neighborhood businesses. Read More
Business travelers hesitant to let AI handle client bookings
News / Technology
Business travelers hesitant to let AI handle client bookings
By Abby Crotty | November 10, 2026
A survey of 1,000 U.S. business travelers found that 86% would let AI handle "routine" arrangements. Read More
Brand loyalty retains influence as personal AI agents take on travel booking
News / Technology
Brand loyalty retains influence as personal AI agents take on travel booking
By Cathy Walsh | November 10, 2026
Research from Propellic analyzes travel booking requests in Muse and Instinct to uncover what influences outcomes and why travelers may be reluctant to hand over control. Read More
Latin America hit a travel record, but read the fine print
News / Online
Latin America hit a travel record, but read the fine print
By Phocuswright Research | November 10, 2026
Latin America posted its biggest travel year on record, but roughly half of that growth came from stronger currencies, not more travelers. Read More
Startup Stage: Visaible wants to help hotels improve AI search visibility
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Visaible wants to help hotels improve AI search visibility
By Cathy Walsh | November 9, 2026
The startup uses AI agents to monitor hotel visibility in AI-generated travel recommendations and implement improvements. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026