In Phocus

What happens when the CEO of one of the world’s largest travel companies spends her weekends experimenting with ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity? You get a front-row view into how Expedia Group is thinking about the next era of travel. In this episode, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin sits down with Mitra Sorrells, SVP of content at Phocuswright/PhocusWire, to unpack how a long-standing test-and-learn mindset is shaping the company’s AI strategy and accelerating decision-making across the business. Gorin calls AI Expedia Group’s “third chapter”, following the internet and mobile. And she’s clear: this is not theoretical. It’s happening fast and it’s already changing how travelers search, discover and book. You’ll hear: Why experimentation is now a leadership muscle, not a side project How Expedia is thinking about visibility in AI platforms as search evolves What “agentic AI” could unlock for the traveler experience How the Google Universal Commerce Protocol fits into Expedia’s future plans Why tours and activities matter more than ever, and what Tiqets brings to the table The role of brand in an AI-driven world, plus updates on B2B growth and Vrbo This conversation goes beyond buzzwords and product launches. It’s a candid look at how a global travel platform prepares for rapid change while staying focused on what actually improves the traveler experience. All episodes: https://www.phocuswire.com/in-phocus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.