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How Google’s AI search is reshaping hotel visibility

💻 Jul 31, 2025: Google’s AI, powered by the Gemini 2.5 model, is transforming hotel searches from keywords to conversational requests, with AI overviews appearing in 30% of travel queries. This shift demands hotels focus on answer engine optimization (AEO) rather than just SEO. Google's Project Mariner enables direct bookings via AI, pressing hotels to integrate booking APIs. Personalization now considers behavior and context, urging hotels to adapt or risk invisibility.
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Amex GBT and CWT merger clears key hurdle

💰 Jul 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its lawsuit against the $570 million merger of American Express Global Business Travel and CWT. The merger, set to close in Q3, will create a $45.5 billion industry leader, doubling BCD Travel's $23 billion sales. Despite the UK’s CMA approval, antitrust concerns persist about price increases and reduced innovation. Amex GBT argues that competition remains strong from tech-driven and traditional agencies. Independent companies criticize the merger’s potential oligopolistic effects.
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Booking.com bullish on AI’s role in travel search

🗺️ Jul 31, 2025: Booking.com is leveraging large language models (LLMs) and AI tools, viewing them as opportunities in travel discovery, not threats. With 60% direct traffic, traditional channels remain strong. The company plans its own "travel model" and uses AI to enhance customer service, including voice agents. Social media marketing spending rose 25% YoY. Financially, Q2 2025 revenue increased 16% to $6.8 billion, with 309 million room nights booked.
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Booking Holdings beats expectations with strong Q2 growth

🗺 Company reports double-digit gains in bookings and revenue as of July 31, 2025, driven by European and Asian markets. Who? Booking Holdings. When? Q2 2025. Where? Europe, Asia, U.S. What? Room nights up 8% to 309 million; gross bookings $46.7 billion (+13%); revenue $6.8 billion (+16%); EBITDA +28%. How? AI initiatives like Priceline’s Penny and Kayak.AI; $45 million Q2 savings from restructuring. Why? Steady travel demand; increased AI contributions.
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Global business travel spending to hit $1.57 trillion in 2025

🛫 Jul 31, 2025: Global business travel spending expected to reach $1.57 trillion, growing at 6.6% in 2025 amidst trade tensions and economic uncertainty. By 2029, spending should surpass $2 trillion. The U.S. leads with $395.4 billion, trailed by China at $373.1 billion. Fast growth seen in India, South Korea, and Turkey, while Spain and the Netherlands lag. Average trip spending hits $1,128. Payment trends show 69% corporate card access, 64% mobile wallet use, especially in Asia Pacific.
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Airbnb expands into full-trip services

📅 Jul 25, 2025. Airbnb is evolving into a full-trip service by providing curated experiences and on-demand services in over 650 cities. In more than 250 cities, users can book private chefs, spa, and fitness services. The updated app integrates stays, services, and activities into a single view. The Asia-Pacific market, especially Japan, Korea, and China, is rapidly expanding. Future plans include partnerships for major events like the Winter Olympics in Milan. 🏔️
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Google on video’s influence across the purchase journey

📹 Jul 25, 2025, BCG's research underscores YouTube's pivotal role in the purchase journey. Who? BCG and Ipsos. Where? Online, particularly YouTube. What? 43% of shoppers were interested in buying, 45% chose brands, and 34% made purchases influenced by video. How? YouTube is 1.7x more likely to influence brand consideration and 1.6x to drive purchases than social platforms. Why? Attention, relevance, and trust are key, with YouTube creators being 98% more trusted.
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Google search grows stronger in the AI age

📈 Jul 25, 2025: Google’s AI Overview, powered by Gemini, attracts over 2 billion monthly users, up from 1.5 billion last quarter. Search impressions increased by 49% year-over-year, while Q2 search revenue reached $54.2 billion, a 12% rise. Despite higher engagement, click-through rates drop, affecting ad performance. Google allocates $85 billion for 2025 capital spending to enhance AI integration. Startups like Perplexity and OpenAI pose competitive threats, while antitrust concerns persist.
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Google’s AI overviews reshape travel search

✈️ Jul 25, 2025, Google reveals at Phocuswright Europe that AI Overviews increase global search queries by 10%. These features simplify trip planning by integrating flights, hotels, and activities into single searches, enhancing user engagement. Google tests ad placements in AI Overviews, offering travel marketers new visibility. The advancements drive towards hyper-personalized marketing. Watch more: [PhocusWire](https://www.phocuswire.com/phocuswright-europe-2025-google-search-ai-travel).
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EV chargers emerge as top booking driver for Hilton

🚗 Jul 25, 2025. Hilton's top-converting amenity is electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, surpassing pools and free breakfast. Hilton plans to install up to 20,000 chargers across North America, forming the largest hotel overnight charging network. Marriott has over 7,000 chargers globally. Approximately 25% of U.S. hotels offer EV charging, with growth noted in Europe. EV owners, often earning above $100,000, are a valuable market. Airbnb listings with EV chargers outperform those without.
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