Booking.com & Expedia integrate with GPT-5: What it means for hospitality
GPT-5 is changing the way travelers plan trips. With the rollout of apps inside ChatGPT, platforms like Booking.com and Expedia are now built directly into the chat experience. Here’s what’s happening, and what it means for hotels and vacation rentals.
What’s new
- Apps in ChatGPT: You can now ask ChatGPT to pull real-time travel data from Booking.com or Expedia.
- Conversational booking: Instead of browsing sites, travelers can say "Find me a hotel in San Francisco," and will get options immediately to select.
- Click-to-Book: Results link back to the OTA to finish the booking.
What does it mean for hotels & vacation rentals
1. OTAs just got stronger
Guests can discover and book without ever leaving ChatGPT. That means more reliance on Booking.com and Expedia.
2. Less visibility for direct bookings
If travelers are chatting with ChatGPT + OTAs, they may skip your website entirely.
3. Review scores & listings carry more weight
AI recommendations are driven by OTA data, such as properties with better photos, reviews, and details will surface first.
4. Guest expectations rise
ChatGPT makes travel planning instant. Guests will expect the same speed and personalization during their stay.
How properties can respond
Optimize OTA profiles
- Keep photos fresh and professional.
- Highlight amenities that matter (Wi-Fi, parking, pet-friendly, etc.).
- Monitor and improve reviews, as they decide your ranking.
Strengthen direct booking strategies
- Offer perks only available via direct bookings (early check-in, welcome gift, loyalty discounts).
- Capture guest emails during check-in for future offers.
- Use SMS/email to stay in touch post-stay.
Bottom line
Now that Booking.com and Expedia are in GPT-5, travelers will lean on OTAs even more. For hotels and vacation rentals, the smart move is to cover both fronts: keep OTA listings fresh, but also push for direct bookings and stay in touch with guests so you don’t lose the relationship.
Time is one the greatest asset and one of the things that [Akia] has helped us out as a property tremendously.
Stephanie P.
Digital Marketer
Time is one the greatest asset and one of the things that [Akia] has helped us out as a property tremendously.
Ethan Fishbane
Director of The Front Office, Prince Waikiki
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