WebMCP and travel / Vrbo partners with WeatherPromise / Tripadvisor could see management shakeup

Today's news on travel tech and distribution. 

View online February 18, 2026

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WebMCP offers path for travel sites to become 'agent-ready' Travel was highlighted as a use case for the WebMCP standard driven by Google and Microsoft.

Read More  Morgan Hines

Latest News Vrbo partners with WeatherPromise to add weather-guarantee option U.S. travelers will now see the option to add protection to "select reservations" through Vrbo. Read More Tripadvisor investor calls for management overhaul Starboard said it has provided feedback on Tripadvisor's strategy and AI initiatives but believes the "status quo pace of change is unacceptable."   Read More IHG plans AI-compatible hotel content platform IHG, whose brands include Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, is grouping AI into three areas: guest acquisition, commercial optimization and cost efficiency.  Read More Google testing ad formats for travel in AI Mode Google is testing ad formats in retail and said similar tests were happening in other industries such as travel. Read More Chief AI officer or CTO? Travel's evolving executive playbook Amex GBT, Kayak, Expedia Group and Airbnb have adjusted their leadership teams to account for AI evolution. Read More

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Trending Stories Ixigo eyes global expansion, acquires majority stake in Trenes Ixigo expects "meaningful synergies" from the investment by combining Trenes' customer base and integrations with the Indian OTA's product innovation and technological expertise.  Read More Earnings roundup: Yatra, TUI Group, HomeToGo, Grab Check out highlights from the latest financial updates from companies across the global travel industry.  Read More Expedia Group sees double-digit growth in revenue, gross bookings as AI push continues Revenue was up 11% year over year to $3.5 billion, while total gross bookings were up 11% to $27 billion in Q4 2025.  Read More Travel tech at ITB Berlin 2026: Key tracks and voices shaping the future of travel New this year at ITB Berlin is the Travel Tech Track, connecting traditional travel distribution systems with modern technologies.  Read More

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Recent travel industry opinions New rules for 'good' listings: How guests, algorithms are raising the bar for STRs OpenClaw may be the 'Napster moment' for agentic e-commerce: What that means for travel 6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026 Before, during, after: The acquisition diary of a travel tech CEO Managing rising fees in 2026: 7 steps for hospitality operators The rise of GEO: Why hotel marketers need to think beyond SEO How ready is your travel company for agentic AI? Why Google's UCP is not a game changer in travel

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