Google’s new AI flight deals aims to find cheaper trips
Google has launched Flight Deals, an AI-powered search tool that lets travellers describe their ideal trip in plain language without rigid dates, origins, or destinations required. Using advanced AI to interpret user preferences, the feature taps into real-time Google Flights data to deliver tailored options, including destinations travellers may not have considered. The tool, which excludes basic economy fares, is currently in beta and rolling out to the U.S., Canada, and India. “What makes Flight Deals unique is that it uses Google’s advanced AI to understand the nuances of what you’re looking for,” said Jade Kessler, product manager for Google Flights.
This launch builds on Google’s growing AI travel portfolio, which earlier this year gained features like hotel price tracking and AI-generated trip overviews. Google Maps was also upgraded with a Gemini-powered “screenshot” search to identify saved locations in images. CEO Sundar Pichai noted during Alphabet’s second quarter earnings that AI is “positively impacting” all parts of the business, boosting both overall and commercial search queries. He added that AI is “unlocking completely new kinds of questions you can ask Google,” fueling more engagement with its platforms.
Airbnb rolls out ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’ to woo flexible travellers
Airbnb has officially launched its Reserve Now, Pay Later option in the U.S., allowing travellers to book eligible domestic stays with $0 upfront, provided the property has a moderate or flexible cancellation policy. Payment is still due before the listing’s free cancellation period ends, ensuring that hosts can rebook if guests fail to pay. The feature, tested earlier this summer, drew mixed reactions from the vacation rental community because some feared more last-minute cancellations, while others saw it as a way to compete with online travel agencies. Airbnb says the new option won’t alter existing cancellation rules, and hosts will still receive payouts on their usual schedule.
The move adds to Airbnb’s lineup of flexible payment tools, which already include “Pay Part Now, Part Later” and “Pay Over Time with Klarna.” While the company didn’t share data from the trial period, it hinted at potential expansion beyond the U.S. “We’re optimistic that hosts will recognize how this added flexibility benefits guests—and ultimately, how it can lead to increased bookings over time,” an Airbnb spokesperson said. The launch follows Airbnb’s Q2 2025 earnings call, where the company highlighted strong guest satisfaction with new features, despite early criticism of its recently introduced Services offering.
Agoda’s new AI bot answers your hotel questions in seconds
Agoda has rolled out its Property AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) Bot, an AI-powered tool that instantly responds to travellers’ hotel-specific questions, aiming to speed up decision-making and boost booking confidence. Connected to ChatGPT and enriched with live property data, the bot answers queries like “Is there parking?” or “How’s the breakfast?”, cutting through lengthy descriptions and reviews. Since its soft launch, it’s been fielding over 30,000 hotel questions daily, and is available on all Agoda platforms, including desktop, mobile web, and app.
Previously, travellers could message property owners directly, but response times varied. The AMA Bot eliminates delays, offering real-time, reliable answers that reduce uncertainty. “Helping travellers get the answers they need, when they need them, is central to building trust in our platform,” said Idan Zalzberg, Agoda’s CTO. By enhancing responsiveness, Agoda aims to create a smoother, more satisfying booking journey, complementing its vast inventory of over 5 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities.
Klook and HKTB team up to make Hong Kong a Muslim-friendly travel hotspot
Klook and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have launched Jelajah Hong Kong, the city’s first multi-market campaign dedicated to enhancing the Muslim travel experience. The initiative addresses key faith-based needs, such as halal dining, prayer facilities, and privacy, through a curated one-stop shop of Muslim-friendly activities, accommodations, and prayer-accessible day trips.
Leveraging Klook’s Kreator network in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the campaign offers firsthand recommendations to give Millennial and Gen Z Muslim travelers the confidence and comfort to explore Hong Kong. “Working with HKTB, we are able to tighten the information gaps for Millennials and Gen Z Muslim travellers,” said Kenny Sham, Klook’s General Manager for Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand.
The partnership builds on Klook’s earlier collaboration with CrescentRating and HalalTrip, making it the first global experiences platform to offer verified Muslim-friendly ratings. For Hong Kong, the move follows a string of accolades, including “Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year” at the 2025 Halal in Travel Awards and a top-three GMTI ranking among non-OIC destinations. With Muslim travel projected to reach 245 million arrivals and USD 230 billion in spending by 2030, the market holds strong growth potential. Klook data shows bookings to Hong Kong from the Muslim community jumped 43.5% in the past year, with theme parks and attractions leading the trend.
