News on Travel Technology, Distribution and the Digital Economy

Hand pointing at digital workflow interface with AI agent node, process flow diagram, and connected system icons, representing automation workflow, data integration, and intelligent system operation

News / Technology

Booking.com develops internal platform to build modular AI agents

By Abby Crotty October 5, 2026

Booking.com said AgentHub’s configuration-driven setups and shared infrastructure allow teams to build and iterate on agents faster. Read More

Young man and beautiful woman arrive in vacation rental apartment.

News / Online

Pavilion launches with 20 US vacation rental operators

By Cathy Walsh October 5, 2026

The company brings together local rental businesses managing more than 5,000 homes under a shared technology, data and infrastructure platform. Read More

Interview / Startups

Startup Stage: Safari Circle takes a matchmaking approach to safari planning

By Abby Crotty & Cathy Walsh October 5, 2026

The company’s Safari DNA system matches travelers with destinations, parks and lodges based on their profile and preferences.... Read More

News / Startups

Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch

By WiT October 2, 2026

Lobby and Crewfare will showcase their innovations at The Phocuswright Conference 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.... Read 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

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

In Phocus Podcast

September 30, 2026

Listen to all episodes

Top investors in travel tech 2026

News / Startups

More News & Analysis

Opinion / Technology

AI agents are having their 'Spotify moment': Why travel needs to take note

Mario Gavira discusses Instinct, a new agent operating straight out of WhatsApp and iMessage, which he... Read more

News / Technology

Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption

The latest State of Distribution report from NYU, RateGain and HEDNA suggests that midsize chains are... Read more

News / Technology

Booking Holdings-backed Lola unveils membership model for AI travel and experiences assistant

Kayak founders Steve Hafner and Paul English share new details on Lola, the new AI assistant they... Read more

Opinion / Technology

As tourism races to adopt AI, the industry must hear workers’ voices

University of Westminster professor Stroma Cole argues that travel workers deserve say as AI reshapes... Read more

News / Technology

OpenAI chairman tells travel industry: Do not restrain your AI agents

Bret Taylor, who is also the co-founder of Sierra, urged travel brands to adopt agents to reduce... Read more

News / Online

Expedia to offer hotel bookings through Meta's Muse AI agent

The hotel planning and booking service will be available to U.S. travelers first, but a launch date... Read more

Presenting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026

News / Startups

From Our Partners

Weekly Travel Tech News Brief

PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...

News / Technology

Upcoming Events/Replays

CEO Spotlight: Matthijs Welle of Mews

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CEO Spotlight: Filip Filipov of OAG

CEO Spotlight: Andrés Spitzer of Civitatis

CEO Spotlight: Julie Cheetham of Travalyst

CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar

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17Nov

The Phocuswright Conference 2026 November 17-19, 2026
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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