Expedia Group has launched a slate of AI- and machine-learning tools aimed at giving partners greater speed, scale and personalisation across the shopping journey. Headlining the announcement is Smart Trip AI™, a conversational planner designed to surface real-time, curated itineraries that blend Expedia’s first-party data with a partner’s own loyalty propositions positioned as a faster bridge from inspiration to conversion.
The platform update sits atop an ecosystem now running 350+ AI models across the marketplace. For APAC agencies, hotel groups and travel brands, the commercial takeaway is clear richer recommendations, tighter merchandising windows and more self-serve tooling to activate demand and monetise traffic. Alfonso Paredes, President, Expedia Group B2B, framed the push as creating a “one-stop shop” of “smart, reliable and scalable tools” to help partners “grow with confidence” in a fast-changing landscape.
To close the inspiration–booking gap, a new Typeahead API delivers instant, relevant suggestions as users type; Seoul-based OTA Tripbtoz reported a 20% uplift in search-to-book conversion post-integration an early proof point for conversion-minded retailers. Karen Bolda, Chief Product & Technology Officer, B2B, said the suite aims to “turn inspiration into action and traffic into value,” underscoring Expedia’s full-funnel media network and API strategy for partners.
On the adtech side, Expedia is piloting a Lodging Sponsored Listings API, allowing B2B partners to host Expedia-sourced sponsored placements within their own sites and apps opening new revenue streams while offering lodging advertisers incremental audience reach. A refreshed Merchandising API (beta now, wider rollout in 2026) promises machine-learned targeting of timely deals timely given 58% of travellers report being more price-conscious this year—and should help partners shape high-performing campaigns quickly.