The hotel group is giving travelers two routes into AI-assisted discovery, one through its own booking channels and another through ChatGPT, as hotel companies compete to retain control of search and direct bookings.
THE NEWS: IHG Hotels & Resorts launched a conversational hotel search tool on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards mobile app, letting travelers use everyday language instead of preset filters, with the U.S. beta debuting on July 28, 2026.
DETAILS:
WHY IT MATTERS: By embedding natural‑language search directly into its brand platform, IHG aims to capture more direct bookings, reduce reliance on third‑party OTAs, and stay competitive as hotels vie for greater control of the guest‑acquisition funnel.
FAQ
When did IHG’s conversational hotel search beta start in the United States?
The beta launched on July 28, 2026, giving U.S. travelers early access to the natural‑language booking feature on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards app.
Which IHG platforms now include the conversational search capability?
Both IHG’s main website (IHG.com) and its IHG One Rewards mobile application feature the new AI‑driven search tool, allowing users to describe trips in plain language.
How will IHG expand the conversational search tool beyond the United States?
IHG plans to study user behavior and feedback from the U.S. beta before extending the conversational search to additional markets, following an evaluation of its performance and traveler response.
Read Original Article.
Experience the magic of the Nile aboard Kenzy Dahabeya, a luxury boutique sailing cruise that offers an unforgettable journey between...
Read moreDetails
