A new distribution path helps hotels regain visibility as travelers shift toward AI-powered trip planning
Nov 25, 2025
Cendyn has launched AI Connect, a new distribution channel that pushes hotel availability, rates, and inventory directly into AI travel search platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. The solution uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to integrate hotel data seamlessly into these AI systems, countering the current dominance of OTA listings in AI-generated travel recommendations. Through a partnership with DirectBooker, Cendyn aims to ensure hotels are visible with their best direct rates at the moment travelers make decisions. The company has opened a selective beta program to help hotels capture early demand, measure attribution from AI channels, and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
Key takeaways
- Direct distribution into AI platforms: Cendyn’s AI Connect pushes hotel ARI directly to ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude via MCP.
- Hotel visibility at decision moment: The solution addresses the problem of OTA-heavy AI search results that leave hotels unseen.
- Partnership with DirectBooker: The collaboration enables hotels to surface direct rates and availability within AI trip planners.
- Use of the Model Context Protocol: MCP provides a standardized, secure way for AI models to access hotel data and APIs.
- Beta program for early adopters: Hotels joining the beta will track clicks and bookings originating from AI search channels.
- Support for direct booking strategies: AI Connect aims to reduce OTA dependency and improve cost of acquisition for hotels.
- Large global footprint: With 32,000 customers generating $20B+ in annual revenue, Cendyn seeks to ensure broad access to AI-driven distribution.
Get the full story at Cendyn
