Good morning, readers.

Google is pushing ahead on AI-powered purchasing, even as OpenAI pulls back. Hilton is bringing Yotel into its system through a new partnership model. And the U.S. is adding new barriers for inbound travelers.

Skift Static Email Banner - 600x200 (1) (2)

EVENT

Skift Global Forum

Skift Global Forum returns to New York City's North Javits Center on September 22-24, 2026 - and if you lead in travel, this is the room you can't afford to miss.

Join 1000 top executives from 40 countries for three days of bold ideas, honest conversations, and high-impact connections shaping the future of travel - from AI and geopolitics to new growth strategies and shifting consumer behavior.

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Travel Technology

Adriana Lee

Travel Tech Reporter

Universal_Commerce_Protocol_Hero.width-1200.format-webp-Large (1)

Image by Google

Google Pushes AI Shopping Updates, Devs Push For Travel Booking

Google is expanding agentic shopping with new updates to UCP, an open protocol that enables AI to transact, with travel likely to follow later.

Google's new capabilities for UCP include cart management and real-time catalog access.
Travel remains excluded from UCP for now, though project documentation lists it under "What's Next."
Developers are working out how the protocol can work for the complexities of travel bookings.

Get The Full Story On Skift

Hotels

Luke Martin

Hospitality Reporter

Image by Yotel

Hilton Reaches Deal With Yotel

Hilton has signed a franchise agreement with UK-based hotel chain Yotel, making it the first brand to sit under the new Select by Hilton brand.

The deal brings Yotel into Hilton's distribution and commercial systems.
Yotel properties will become bookable through Hilton channels in 2026.
The arrangement offers Hilton a way to add hotels to its site and app without buying, running a company, or building a brand from scratch.

Get The Full Story On Skift

hotels

Hotel Margins Are Shrinking — Tax Compliance Is Part of the Problem

Avalara

A new report highlights lodging tax challenges and why they can't be ignored.

An inside look at what non-compliance costs hotels in today's environment
How AI is leading efforts for tax compliance efficiency

get the full story on skift

Tourism

Rashaad Jorden

Associate Editor/Archivist

Image by Flickr/U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Expands Visa Bond Requirement to 50 Countries

The Trump administration has added 12 nations to its visa bond policy, bringing the total number to 50.

Travelers from those countries may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S.
The expansion of the policy comes at a time when inbound tourism to the U.S. is struggling to make a full recovery.
Five African countries on the list have qualified for this year's World Cup, which is expected to draw millions of visitors.

Get The Full Story On Skift