Google’s AI Mode in Search has now fully launched in the U.S. after a pilot phase, adding direct hotel bookings to its capabilities. Users can now search for accommodations using natural language queries, compare options alongside reviews, and complete reservations through Google Pay. The actual booking transaction is processed by the hotel or online travel agency partner, which also handles customer service. Search results remain organic, with no ads or paid placements affecting rankings for now.
Google Adds Flight Price Tracker to AI Search
Alongside this update, Google has introduced flight price tracking similar to its existing Google Flights tool. Users can monitor prices for itineraries across approximately 300 airlines and travel sites in 180 countries and territories outside the EU. The feature also tracks points and miles for rewards programs, including partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Hilton, and Wyndham. While direct flight bookings within AI Mode are still under development, Google has stated it is actively evaluating that functionality.
Separately, Agoda has become the official travel partner for the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia, scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14, 2026. The partnership includes on-air promotions, branded editorial content, and special segments across participating markets. Agoda will also operate an immersive hospitality venue at the Grand Final and introduce Eurovision-themed travel packages. The collaboration aims to make attending the event more accessible for fans by simplifying travel logistics.
Omri Morgenshtern, Agoda’s CEO, emphasized that the deal will help fans experience the contest in person more easily. The event will feature local artists competing through national finals or selections before the live Grand Final airs in Bangkok. This marks the first time the Eurovision format will expand to Asia.
Heatwaves Shift Traveler Preferences in Mediterranean
Rising temperatures are altering how travelers perceive Mediterranean destinations, with France experiencing the most significant decline in appeal. A new Perception of Climate Index (PCI) analysis by The Data Appeal Company and Almaviva Group examines trends in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece from 2023 through summer 2026. While heatwaves typically cause temporary drops in interest that recover when temperatures normalize, repeated extreme heat—with temperatures exceeding 40°C—is now damaging long-term perceptions, particularly in France.
The PCI score for France during May–July 2026 stands at 77.2, far below Portugal (93.5), Italy (91.6), Spain (90.4), and Greece (89.9). Italy has also seen a cumulative decline, dropping 0.9 points from its summer 2025 average of 92.2. Spain and Greece remain more resilient but still react strongly to heat spikes, while Portugal has shown adaptability by recovering from a 33.5-point drop during a September 2025 heatwave. Traveler reactions differ by market: French visitors and domestic Spanish tourists are the most sensitive, whereas U.S. travelers exhibit higher tolerance for heat.
Minor Hotels Teams Up with Checkout.com for Payments
Minor Hotels, which operates over 640 properties across 67 countries, has entered into a partnership with Checkout.com to enhance its global payments infrastructure. The agreement consolidates domestic acquiring, improving authorization rates and reducing processing costs through localized transaction routing and currency settlement. Checkout.com’s Intelligent Acceptance engine will optimize first-attempt payment approvals, while Dynamic 3DS Authentication adapts security measures to local regulations, reducing friction for guests.
Riccardo Vittoria, CEO and Co-Founder of Acai Travel, described travel support as a “systems problem” that Acai Desk helps teams manage more efficiently. Pavel Pratyush, CTO and Co-Founder, noted that advisors currently spend an average of 20 minutes per case, mostly searching for information rather than resolving issues, costing teams hundreds of hours monthly. The platform integrates natively with Microsoft 365 and global distribution systems (GDS) to centralize data and minimize tool-switching.