AI bot can help you book the right hotel room

Sick of hearing about AI?

Join the club.

But digital travel platform Agoda has just introduced the Room Grid Bot, an AI-powered chat assistant designed to help travellers decide which room to book.

Available in the Agoda mobile app, the new tool recommends rooms suited to their specific needs.

Agoda says it offers travellers a wide selection of room options when booking a hotel, with room types and offers varying by occupancy, cancellation terms, meal inclusions, and price.

The Room Grid Bot addresses this by using travellers' current search details and the preferences they share in the conversation to recommend the most relevant options.

These recommendations appear directly within the chat, helping travellers narrow down their choices without needing to compare every listing manually.

Bookers can access the bot from the room-selection page after tapping "Select room" on a hotel's property page in the Agoda app. 

They can start a conversation by tapping the "Need help choosing a room? Let AI help you" banner without leaving the room-selection page.

Travellers can ask the bot to find options with specific inclusions, such as free breakfast, or to answer relevant property questions, such as check-in times. The Bot also highlights a "Best pick," helping them identify a suitable room based on their preferences more easily.

Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, said: "Choosing a hotel is only part of the booking decision. Travelers also need to find the right room for their trip, which can be challenging when many options are available.

"The Room Grid Bot helps narrow down those choices based on what travellers want and need, making it easier to identify and book the room that best suits their trip."

The launch builds on Agoda's growing suite of AI-powered tools across the hotel booking journey. The Property AMA (Ask Me Anything) Bot answers accommodation-specific questions - "can I have a room with balcony?" as travellers check out a property, while the Booking Form Bot addresses common questions during checkout.

* Agoda is owned by Booking Holdings, which is listed in the UN Database of businesses profiting from illegal Israeli settlements.

 

Asia's new culinary travel drawcards

There is nothing more satisfying for a gourmet traveller than to discover a foodie hotspot ahead of the crowd. 

Digital travel platform Agoda has just released its list of Asia's hidden gems, where the local cuisine offers a window into a region's culture. 

The list showcases six destinations that are not major urban centres but do provide dishes to tantalise the palate. 

In the remote Isan region of Thailand, Udon Thani is described as "a culinary gem with its focus on traditional Thai flavours". Known for its vibrant street food scene, Udon Thani offers dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (spicy minced meat salad), which are staples of the region's cuisine. The city's food culture is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, providing a unique taste of rural Thailand.

Hué, Vietnam, is celebrated for its imperial cuisine, which reflects the city's historical significance as the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. The culinary scene in Hué is characterized by its delicate flavours and artistic presentation, with dishes like bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) and bún bò Hué (spicy beef noodle soup) offering a taste of the city's royal past.

In the Philippines, Iloilo stands out with its vibrant mix of local and international flavours. Known for its seafood and traditional dishes like La Paz Batchoy (a noodle soup with pork and liver) and pancit molo (dumpling soup), Iloilo's culinary offerings are a testament to its cultural heritage. 

Dandong, China, offers a culinary experience at the crossroads of Chinese and Korean influences. This border city is known for fresh ingredients and bold flavours. From savoury dumplings to spicy stews, Dandong's food scene is vibrant. 

In Malaysia, Melaka is a cultural crossroads where Nyonya cuisine takes centre stage. This unique culinary tradition combines Chinese ingredients with Malay spices, resulting in dishes that are both flavourful and aromatic. 

Luang Prabang, in Laos offers a culinary journey set against the backdrop of its UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's cuisine is a harmonious blend of French colonial influences and traditional Laotian flavors, creating a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. Signature dishes like laap, a spicy minced meat salad, and tam mak hoong, a tangy green papaya salad, showcase the city's appeal. 

"Exploring these hidden gems through their food is like taking a delicious journey through history and culture," says Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda said. 

More at agoda.com. 

Image: Luang Prabang night market

Travel industry will force customers to deal with AI bots

Do you prefer to get travel advice and assistance from a human being? 

Tough luck. The travel industry has decided to save money and cut jobs, deciding that you would rather deal with AI bots. Whether you like it or not. 

Bizarrely, from online agencies to national travel boards, the travel industry is boasting that it prefers bots to humans. 

Exhibit one: Digital travel platform Agoda this week introduced the Booking Form Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to answer travellers' booking-related questions at the final stage of the booking journey. 

Agoda boasts that "the new tool aims to help travellers answer last-minute questions and complete their reservations with ease and confidence". Personally I would have more confidence dealing with a human, 

Internal research by Agoda found that 28% of users navigate back to the property page from the booking page to re-check trip details. Customer research revealed that the main reasons to pause or exit the booking journey are questions about promo codes, cancellation policies, and price discrepancies. 

The Booking Form Bot addresses this by providing instant, context-aware answers to questions such as "Can I cancel for free?" "Does this booking qualify for cashback?", etc. 

Just like an old-fashioned travel agent used to do - but probably with less accuracy. 

Idan Zalzberg, chief technology officer at Agoda, said: "Helping travellers stay informed at every step of their journey is central to building trust in our platform. At the booking stage, last-minute questions often arise around cancellation options or payment terms. The Booking Form Bot provides instant answers right when travellers need them, helping them book with confidence."

Agoda says it "continues to invest in AI-powered tools that make travel planning simpler, faster, and more intuitive for millions of travellers worldwide".

Exhibit Two: South African Tourism 

Travellers considering a trip to South Africa can now get expert advice from "Siyanda", a "cutting-edge" AI travel assistant that provides instant answers to any travel or tourism-related questions about the country. 

Siyanda is built on Matador Network’s industry-leading GuideGeek chat platform and is tailored to support travellers "seeking authentic, vibrant, and joy-filled journeys across South Africa. 

Because nothing says authenticity like an AI-powered bot. 

But that doesn't stop the marketing vomit. 

“South Africa has a ton of momentum as a destination,” said Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. 

"Siyanda helps travellers quickly go from being curious about South Africa to planning and booking their ideal trip to a large country full of rich cultural experiences.”

Responses are personalised and generated in real-time by AI-trained on extensive data. 

Apparently, Siyanda is also a valuable tool for travel advisors looking to deepen their knowledge and better serve their clients. 

If your travel advisor needs AI assistance it might be worth looking elsewhere. And good luck with blaming a bot when things go wrong. 

Image: Shubham Soni, Scop.io 

Asia leading the way in the changing tourism space

Asia is at the forefront of emerging travel trends for 2026 and beyond, leading travel platform Agoda reports. 

“The travel landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace – and Asia is at the forefront of emerging trends," says the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook report.

"Our research finds that change is fuelled by emerging markets, new destinations, tech innovations, streamlined visa processes, expanded flight routes, improved tourism infrastructure, and more," says Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern. 

"With so many moving parts, 2026 feels like the beginning of  a new era in travel."

Based on survey and industry insights, the report identifies key insights poised to shape the travel industry in 2026. 

Efforts to reduce friction in travel are evident across Asia, in air travel infrastructure, visa policies, and digital finance, paving the way for increased intra-regional and international tourism. 

Airlines in the Asia Pacific region are scheduled to take delivery of an estimated 615 new aircraft in 2026. Additionally, AI innovation is driving the convergence of travel services, with travellers increasingly expecting the technology to provide travel inspiration and enhance the booking process.

Respondents in Agoda's survey stated that price remains a crucial factor for travelers when selecting accommodation, with savvy consumers seeking great deals that enable them to enjoy more experiences and visit more destinations. 

Secondary destinations continue to gain popularity as travellers look for authentic and immersive cultural experiences. 

Experiential travel, including concerts and food trips, is becoming mainstream, with travellers prioritising memorable experiences over simply visiting destinations.

The 2026 Travel Outlook Report by Agoda can be downloaded via https://ago-da.co/2026-report.

Image: Priyanka Juneja, Scop.io 

Asian travellers embrace solo journeys

Interest in solo travel is rising across Asia, digital travel platform Agoda reports. 

Agoda notes a 16% increase in solo accommodation searches compared to last year. 

This trend underscores a growing movement of travellers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys, it says.

When planning their trips, solo travellers gravitate towards major cities in Asia. 

Tokyo (Japan) leads the pack, ahead of Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) rounding out the top five destinations. 

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class dining and lively entertainment, perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace. 

At the forefront of this trend are travellers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia, Agoda's data show. 

While Japanese travellers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown the fastest among Indonesians with a 72% increase in searches. 

Thai travellers follow close behind, with a 37% rise in solo travel interest. This growth highlights a transformative shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

"The rise in solo travel across Asia has become a defining trend in 2025 that reflects a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion," says Jay Lee, regional director for North Asia at Agoda said. 

"Agoda is thrilled to support these journeys by offering a wide array of options tailored to solo travellers, ensuring they have everything they need to make their trips unforgettable."

See Agoda.com for more information.

Image: Terran Goodwin, Scop.io

Bangkok remains Asian travel favourite

The Thailand capital of Bangkok (above), a perennial favourite with travellers in Asia, topped the list of international flight destinations in 2024 for users of flights booked through the Agoda travel platform.

Bangkok led Singapore, Seoul. Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo as the top five destinations.

Tokyo is a new entry, replacing Ho Chi Minh City compared to last year's list, indicative of the popularity of Japan with visitors.

Agoda reported that in 2024, the most international passengers booking flights through its platform originated from Singapore, followed by Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.

"Each of the top flight destinations has a special charm that draws people in," said Andrew Smith, senior vice president for supply at Agoda.

All the most popular destinations combine modern attractions and cultural heritage.

Bangkok's lively streets, Singapore's iconic skyline, and Seoul's fusion of tradition and innovation offer diverse experiences. Kuala Lumpur's cultural landmarks and Tokyo's eclectic charm enhance their appeal.

See agoda.com/flights

Travel trends for 2025 revealed

Relaxation, travelling with the family and exploring new destinations are three key pillars of travel intent for 2025, travel booking website Agoda says 

Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. 

The survey revealed a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travellers.

Agoda's findings indicate that travellers are prioritizing quality time with loved ones and seeking respite from daily routines.

The survey also underscored the growing interest in exploring uncharted territories. Noteworthy is the popularity of theme parks, with one in eight respondents expecting to go on a trip to visit one.

Seven key insights from Agoda's 2025 Travel Trends survey:

1. The more the merrier: Travelling with family tops the list
For many travellers family time equals quality time. More than a third of travellers questioned (34%) plan to travel with family in 2025. 

2. Easy does it: Relaxation is the top travel motivation, by far
Escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by far the most important reason to travel, according to the survey. 75% of respondents cited relaxation as their most important travel motivation.

3. Computer says 'yes': Tech assisting in travel planning
Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping travel plans. A substantial majority of travellers (80%) plan to use travel apps, while about one in eight (12%) are interested in virtual reality tours. 

4. Travel For Less: Journey more, spend smart
Budget considerations remain a key factor, with a significant portion of travellers (65%) planning to spend less than $250 per night on accommodation. But price is not a barrier to international travel - 87% of travellers expect to take the same number of trips or more compared to 2024. 

5. In and Out of Office: Travelling on and off the clock
In addition to traditional business trips, which 28% of respondents expect to embark on, the survey also picked up on the emergence of digital nomads, borderless workers who work remotely. 1 in 25 expects to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. 

6. Inspiration: Many ways to discover new destinations
A whopping 84% of travellers expect to visit new destinations in 2025. 

7. Life is a rollercoaster: Theme Parks are a reason to travel
Asia's many theme parks: Disney in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal in Osaka and Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi will attract 20% of those surveyed.

Image: Hesham Osama, Scop.io

Where is hip and happening for Asian travellers?

Couples around Asia have Tokyo as their prime travel destination right now. 

Digital travel platform Agoda had unveiled the top destinations couples are looking to visit this month, based on accommodation searches made on Agoda.

The ranking highlights a strong preference for city destinations over beach resorts with Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok leading the list.

Other popular cities include Osaka, Taipei, and Hong Kong, indicating a trend towards vibrant cityscapes and cultural hubs.

The full list is: Tokyo,  Seoul, Bangkok, Osaka, Taipei, Bali, Hong Kong, Fukuoka, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore. 

When analyzed at a market level, the data reveals that Bangkok is the favorite for couples from Malaysia and Vietnam, while Tokyo is the top choice for those from Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Andrew Smith, senior vice-president for supply at Agoda, said: “One might associate romantic getaways with a retreat in Maldives, Santorini, or Bali, but it's clear from Agoda's insights that city trips are a favorite among modern couples. 

“These destinations offer something different each time and cater to shorter getaways. Great for couples unable to take long vacations but still looking to spend some quality time together away from home. At Agoda, we're excited to assist couples in discovering the perfect destination to celebrate their love."

For more info visit agoda.com 

The travel destination that dare not mention the "C" word

Whatever you do don't mention the "C" word.

In Macao's case the C word is casino.

What used to be promoted as one of Asia's leading gambling destinations is now making every effort not to mention its many casinos. At all. 

Take a press release this week from Digital travel platform Agoda and Sands China Ltd.

The two groups have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly promote Macao as a prime destination for both leisure and business travellers, the release says.

"The agreement aims to elevate Macao's status as a premium destination by showcasing its iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse attractions, and stunning landmarks.

"The partnership also involves launching joint marketing campaigns and creating customized products to attract high-value international guests. Both organizations will continue to explore additional ways to combine their strengths to draw more visitors to Macao, making it an even more attractive destination for diverse travellers."

It goes on to describe Sands China as "the largest integrated resorts operator and the market leader, with five integrated resorts in Macao including the unique European-themed resort city on the Cotai Strip.

"The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Londoner Macao, and Four Seasons Macao are all interconnected, offering an array of world-class facilities including 10 international hotel brands, 12,500 hotel rooms and suites, over 150 dining options, over 150,000 sqm of meetings, Incentives, conferences, and exhibitions space, around 850 stores featuring world-renowned brands and six entertainment venues including the 15,000-seat Cotai Arena and the 6,000-seat The Londoner Arena."

Impressive. But not a mention anywhere of casinos, or gambling. The Chinese don't like it, apparently.

Asian destinations hot for summer travel

Bangkok and other Asian destinations have been summer favourites for travellers booking summer trips on digital travel platform Agoda.

Agoda has just unveiled the top five international flight destinations based on booking data on the platform between June and August 2024.

This year's rankings show a mix of familiar favorites and some shifts in traveller preferences compared to last year.

The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travelers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the warmer months.

Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. 

Seoul overtook Singapore to take the second spot. Kuala Lumpur also sees an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"The summer of 2024 currently shows a trend towards Asia Pacific travel,” says Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda,

“Destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur continue to attract many travelers, reflecting their appeal and the diverse experiences they offer.

“The popularity of these destinations highlights the ongoing fascination with vibrant cities like Bangkok, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. Seoul captivates visitors with its cutting-edge technology and historic palaces, while Kuala Lumpur offers a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. 

“Singapore's futuristic skyline and Tokyo's eclectic neighborhoods also continue to draw travelers seeking both urban excitement and cultural heritage.”

The ranking is based on flights booked on Agoda between June and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Asian travellers becoming more adventurous

Visitors to Asia are becoming more adventurous with a trend towards lesser-known destinations, a report from agoda, a leading accommodation booking site, reveals.

 
The top 10 destinations in Asia gaining in popularity with travellers from around the world include quieter regions in the Philippines and Thailand.

 
The fastest riser is Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan's skiing Mecca. Niseko features four interconnected resorts with more than 800 skiable hectares along the eastern side of the mountain. With an annual snowfall of over 15-metres, Niseko offers off-trail skiing and some outstanding Hokkaido cuisine.

 

Niseko

With seven of the ten destinations in South-East Asia, tropical island holidays continue to attract nomads looking for holiday spots off the beaten track.

These includes islands like Thailand's Koh Kood (3), Cambodia's Koh Rong (5) and the Philippines' Siquijor Island (9).

 
Andy Edwards, agoda's global director for brand and communications says: "It's clear that more travellers are adopting a more adventurous approach to travel, exploring new, undiscovered places rather than the traditional 'holiday' to a well-trodden destination.

Koh Lanta

"We're seeing an increase in bookings made in areas that bring travellers closer to local culture and nature, where life is experienced at a different pace, and against a different backdrop."

 
The rankings for Asia's 10 fastest-growing destinations are as follows: 1. Niseko, Japan; 2. Banaue, Philippines; 3.Koh Kood, Thailand; 4. Koh Lipe, Thailand; 5. Koh Rong, Cambodia; 6. Koh Lanta, Thailand; 7. Harbin, China; 8. Tangalle, Sri Lanka; 9. Siquijor Island, Philippines; 10. Khao Lak, Thailand.