Hotel, flight bookings coming to Google's AI Mode
Two weeks after launching agentic bookings in AI Mode to reserve restaurants, buy event tickets and make beauty and wellness appointments, Google confirmed it is developing similar capabilities for hotel and flight reservations.
“Our goal is that you'll be able to also book flights and hotels directly in AI Mode,” Julie Farago, Google’s vice president of engineering for travel and local search, told PhocusWire.
To make this a reality, she said Google is working on building out the experience with industry partners such as Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Google said specifics regarding the booking flow, payments and other details are still being worked out, and it did did not provide a timeline for the launch of agentic travel booking.
“We're not going to rush this out the door because we want to make sure that it's a seamless experience and that people have all the control that they need and expect,” Farago said.
Following Google's announcement, investor concern mounted over a risk of online travel agency disintermediation risk, according to Jake Fuller, managing director and digital services analyst for BTIG. But Fuller said BTIG found the concern unwarranted.
"We get the market's reaction but see the risk as overstated," Fuller wrote in a note.
By Morgan Hines