Innovation

💻 May 8, 2026, Google reports prompt injection attacks are emerging on the public web, targeting AI systems that summarize and recommend content. Hotels face new operational risks as AI systems become part of the guest journey. Key concerns include AI-readable hotel content, manipulation tactics, user-generated content risks, and the evolution of technical SEO into AI governance. With AI search visibility becoming harder to control, third-party integrations may pose vulnerabilities. Google notes a sharp rise in malicious activities.

🛫 Kayak founders Steve Hafner and Paul English teamed up for an AI startup with Booking Holdings called Lola. In early April, Booking Holdings acquired the Lola.com and Lola.ai domains from English. A new splash page was launched, stating, "Welcome to Lola," promising insider access to leading travel brands with better rates and options. The phrase "just ask" hints at upcoming conversational AI features on the site.

🚀 Kayak founders Steve Hafner and Paul English are working on an AI startup named Lola for Booking Holdings. Early April, Booking Holdings acquired the URLs Lola.com and Lola.ai from English. A new splash page for these sites went live on Wednesday, hinting at features like insider access to travel brands and improved rates, emphasizing conversational AI with the phrase "just ask.

🗺️ At Gateway Travel, AI is transforming travel discovery but not replacing booking. Booking remains emotional, with trust as a key factor. AI aids inspiration and efficiency, while human travel specialists provide essential trust, nuanced understanding, and accountability. Gateway Travel views AI as a tool to enhance processes, not replace the human element. The focus is on who travelers trust, not just AI capabilities. How long will it take for travelers to fully trust AI for bookings?

🗺 Gateway Travel observes a shift: AI enhances travel discovery, but booking remains emotional. Travellers invest in holidays and experiences needing trust, not just functions. AI aids inspiration and efficiency, but real specialists, experience-driven advice, accountability, and relationships are crucial. At Gateway Travel, AI supports processes, yet human interaction is vital for trust. The real question is trust in AI for booking decisions, not just capability. How long before AI earns full traveler trust?

💻 Shopify merchants now feature new AI agent files, agents.md and llms.txt, with instructions for AI interaction. While less than 5% of websites have llms.txt and agents.md is unprecedented, these files could become industry norms despite not yet being read by AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Sam Wright highlighted the inclusion of sitemap_agentic_discovery.xml, linking to these files. This innovation underscores Shopify's market leadership in experimental features.

📈 Shopify has introduced AI agent instructions in their stores. As of now, less than 5% of websites include the llms.txt file, and the agents.md file is novel for websites. AI chatbots like ChatGPT aren't yet processing these files, but they represent Shopify's experimental market leadership. Sam Wright highlighted the addition of the sitemap_agentic_discovery.xml file, which directs to three agent instruction types.

💻 Choice Hotels International unveiled AI solutions at its 70th Annual Convention to boost performance and revenue. CHARLIE, an AI team member, enhances guest experiences and productivity. AgentCore and AgentForce offer integrated AI applications across departments. Choice Hotels Business Direct enables direct bookings for small businesses, enhancing midweek performance. RAISE simplifies rate management. Joshua Sloser highlighted RAISE's efficiency in pricing. President Patrick Pacious emphasized the company's long-standing commitment to technology, aiming to support franchisees and guests.

📱 Choice Hotels International launched AI-powered solutions at its 70th Annual Convention, with tools like CHARLIE, AgentCore, AgentForce, and RAISE designed to boost hotel performance. CHARLIE assists staff, while Choice Hotels Business Direct and EasyBid target business and group bookings. Agentic commerce integration is a priority, highlighted by Chief Data Officer Anna Scozzafava. President & CEO Patrick Pacious emphasizes technology's role in revenue growth for franchisees, continuing a decade-long AI journey.