In this episode of STR Daily, we spotlight two major developments shaping the future of travel in 2025: Google’s latest leap into AI-powered trip planning, and a devastating earthquake threatening tourism recovery in Myanmar and neighboring regions.
Google Supercharges Travel Planning with AI
Google has officially raised the bar for travel technology. The tech giant just rolled out five major updates that are set to transform how travelers plan, navigate, and experience their trips. Here's what’s new:
Global Hotel Price Tracking: Travelers can now monitor hotel prices worldwide, helping them book at the best times and save money.
AI-Powered Itinerary Planning: In the U.S., Google now generates fully customized travel itineraries, complete with recommendations for attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems.
Smarter Travel Assistance: From destination suggestions to packing lists and food recommendations, AI is stepping in as the ultimate travel concierge.
Google Maps Upgrade: When users allow access to their camera roll, Maps can scan saved screenshots—like restaurant menus or sightseeing locations—and pin them directly to the map.
Multilingual Lens Support: Google Lens now supports queries in Japanese, Hindi, and Spanish, making AI travel tools more inclusive and accessible to global audiences.
These updates signal a future where travel planning becomes fully integrated with AI—more seamless, more personalized, and more efficient. For property managers and hosts, this is a critical moment to consider how your listings appear in AI-powered search and how to leverage similar tools for guest communication and experience enhancements.
Myanmar’s Tourism Comeback Threatened by Earthquake
While AI is soaring, parts of Southeast Asia are facing a much tougher reality. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near the Sagaing region, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The impact has been devastating:
Mandalay Airport Closed: One of Myanmar’s key gateways to tourism is currently shut down.
Destruction in Key Cities: Tourist hubs and local infrastructure have suffered significant damage.
Bangkok on Alert: Thailand’s capital has declared a disaster area, paused public transit, and evacuated hotels due to aftershock risks.
Widespread Travel Advisories: Multiple governments have issued urgent warnings, advising travelers to reconsider any plans to visit the region.
This comes at a crucial time for Myanmar, which was only just beginning to reopen its doors to international visitors following years of political instability. While Thailand is expected to bounce back quickly with its robust emergency protocols, Myanmar’s fragile tourism ecosystem could face a long road to recovery.
What It Means for the STR Industry
For short-term rental professionals, this episode is a reminder of both opportunity and volatility:
Embrace AI: With platforms like Google prioritizing intelligent, real-time planning features, STR businesses must optimize their listings for visibility in AI-driven search and improve guest support through automation.
Be Agile: Whether it’s geopolitical unrest or natural disasters, global events can shift demand quickly. Staying flexible and informed is key to adapting your strategy in real time.
Support Regional Recovery: If you operate in or near affected regions, consider how your business can support rebuilding efforts—whether through responsible tourism practices or partnerships with local communities.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct.