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Expedia TAAP introduces a back-office API and custom reference code feature to help travel advisors and agencies streamline operations, reduce manual work, and improve efficiency. These capabilities enable real-time data integration and customizable booking identifiers.
Besty AI, specializing in AI automation for short-term rentals, closed a $3.75 million seed round led by Armory Square Ventures. Funds will be used for product development and sales/marketing.
This week's travel tech news includes: Travelport formally launched TripServices, a cloud-native API platform backed by a $50 million strategic investment; Navan launched Navan Anywhere to embed AI travel agents into third-party platforms; Daytrip introduced an hourly driver service; Lighthouse released AI assistant Ernest, among others.
Hospitality marketing tech company Cendyn has launched Wayfinder, a generative engine optimization (GEO) analytics and AI monitoring platform to help hotels improve visibility on AI platforms like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity. Built into Cendyn's CMS, it runs simulated prompts to test GEO health.
Travel advisor platform Tern has launched agentic AI capabilities that automate workflows, including reviewing inboxes, generating cruise proposals, and drafting client communications. Advisors must approve actions. CEO says the AI eliminates the need to hire or outsource administrative work, allowing advisors to focus on trip curation and growth.
Shiji's 2026 Hotel Distribution Technology Chart shows hotel distribution evolving to a 'bookable everywhere' paradigm, adding categories like AI discovery and visibility, AI-powered booking enablement, multi-location marketing, maps, and social messaging. A report found only about 16% of global hotel supply is visible in AI-generated search responses.
Video platforms are reshaping travelers' booking journeys, and hotels face a 'speed problem' as their technology systems struggle to keep up with changing consumer habits. A digital expert at Radisson Hotel Group highlighted that legacy operating models are ill-suited to the fast-evolving customer journey, necessitating integrated marketing, distribution, and revenue management, along with cultural change through partnerships.
The hotel industry faces infrastructure and data fragmentation challenges in the AI era. Choice Hotels opts for a cloud-first, enterprise-wide AI integration; Minor Hotels undertakes a ground-up rebuild; Ascott builds a multi-tier architecture. Data fragmentation is a major hurdle to scaling AI, and operating models determine data standardization capabilities.
At Expedia Group's Explore partner conference, chairman Barry Diller said AI will bring revolutionary changes but will not replace humans. He warned against being led by 'tech lords' and noted AI will replace some jobs while creating new ones.
Juniper Group has acquired Deem, a corporate travel management platform, from Travelport. Terms were not disclosed. Deem will continue to operate independently and maintain a relationship with Travelport. The acquisition strengthens Juniper's position in travel technology and corporate travel.
Perk, the corporate travel and spend management platform formerly known as TravelPerk, has secured a $300 million private credit facility led by Neuberger Specialty Finance, with participation from Blue Owl Capital, Hercules Capital and Liquidity. The facility increases and replaces Perk's $134 million credit facility from mid-2024. Perk said it exceeded $300 million in annualized revenue and grew revenue 48% in 2025. Funds will support product, technology and AI investment; AI deployment has helped lift gross margins from 40% to the mid-70s in three years.
In Q1 2026, major OTAs increased marketing spend. Booking Holdings invested $2.1 billion, up 16% YoY, representing 38% of revenue. Expedia Group's sales and marketing spend reached $1.9 billion, up 6% YoY, 54% of revenue. Airbnb invested $751 million, up 33% YoY, 28% of revenue. Despite AI-driven efficiency efforts, companies continue to boost spending to compete for customers and highlight direct channel growth.
Major hotel group CEOs described AI as a 'competitive advantage' in Q1 earnings calls, but experts argue this may be 'commoditization of intent.' Most hotels use AI similarly, and not investing puts them at a disadvantage. Real advantage may come from proprietary data, deployment speed, and operational efficiency, not AI itself. For example, Wyndham's Connect platform is cited as having a head start.
Expedia Group released global research showing travelers increasingly prefer to book and manage full trips on one platform, including car rentals, flights, activities, and trip protection. The survey of 2,500 travelers across 10 markets found 77% are likely to book multiple trip elements on the same platform, rising to 83% for Gen Z. Expedia is expanding its Rapid API ecosystem to support car, flight, activity, and protection bookings.
Air transport technology company SITA has acquired Big Blue Analytics, which offers an AI-enabled disruption management platform called OCCam that helps airlines assess disruption impact and create recovery plans. SITA plans to integrate it into existing operations tools to predict disruptions earlier.
Expedia Group announced the appointment of former Pinterest executive Bill Watkins as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Advertising, overseeing the growth of its travel media network and deepening global partnerships. Watkins will report to Chief Marketing Officer Jochen Koedijk.
At Mews Unfold, Airbnb executives and Mews founder discussed how hotels can increase their share of guest spending by engaging with local communities and partnerships. They believe AI can help hotels connect with local businesses, creating new revenue opportunities.
This week's travel tech news includes: HTS launches Cancel For Any Reason on WestJet; TUI partners with Omio for ground transportation; Expedia Group launches product management API; Fareportal expands Sabre partnership; Southwest selects CarTrawler; Mews launches new products and partners with SiteMinder.
The Global Startup Pitch, jointly produced by WiT, Phocuswright, and PhocusWire, announced 17 finalists from North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Emerging Markets. The finals will take place at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona on June 16.
As AI reshapes travel discovery and booking, the industry is learning to market to AI agents (B2A). Phocuswright research shows travelers are increasingly willing to book with AI, and marketers must adapt. Expedia Group is building parallel agent marketing capabilities, emphasizing unique data.
TravelTech Show research shows travel operators are increasing AI investment, with 64% planning to increase spending in the next 12 months and 21% expecting to double. AI's main impact is on data analysis, reporting, and online visibility. Instagram is now the most effective marketing platform.
Airbnb has announced the recruitment of Andrea D'Amico as VP of hotels, starting in early June. This move is part of Airbnb's expansion into hotels, focusing on independent and boutique properties. Hotel inventory is now expanding to 30 cities.
Expedia Group announced an agreement to acquire CarTrawler, an Ireland-based B2B platform providing car rental, ground transport, and Insurtech solutions. The acquisition will enhance Expedia's ability to deliver mobility and Insurtech solutions, expected to close in H2 2026.
Expedia Group B2B announced at Explore 26 a new AI toolkit and Intelligent Experience Platform to help partners build travel experiences more easily. It also announced the acquisition of CarTrawler to expand ground mobility and Insurtech solutions, along with new marketing and media capabilities.
ACI World launched its Policy Agenda 2030, outlining four priorities: airports as businesses, capacity enhancement, safety and security, and sustainable growth and decarbonization. It urges governments and regulators to update outdated regulations to support global air travel demand.