We unpack two major developments shaping the future of hospitality: Google’s bold AI-powered vision for travel and Qatar’s strategic shift toward high-value tourism.
Google I/O 2025: A Turning Point for Travel Search and Booking
Google’s I/O 2025 event made one thing crystal clear: the way people discover and book travel is about to change dramatically. With over 400 million users now active on Gemini, Google’s AI platform is leading the charge toward a conversation-driven, closed-loop travel ecosystem.
The introduction of AI Mode replaces the traditional search engine experience with an intelligent interface that supports complex, natural-language queries. Instead of typing, “things to do in Austin,” users will be able to plan entire itineraries through a dialogue with AI, receiving highly personalised, synthesised recommendations in real time.
Google’s Deep Search and agentic checkout features will allow users to book flights, hotels, and activities directly within the AI interface, without needing to click through external links. This means the typical blue-link search results could soon be obsolete—creating major implications for travel brands, platforms, and property managers.
Project Mariner, Google’s experimental AI agent, and Gemini Live further underscore the trend. These tools enable the AI to act on behalf of users, executing bookings and itinerary planning seamlessly in the background. In this new world, brands must optimise their content for AI discoverability, ensure real-time pricing and availability, and shift their focus toward personalised user engagement.
For short-term rental professionals, the takeaway is urgent: prepare now. Listings need to be structured for machine-readability, dynamic pricing must be integrated, and direct booking platforms should be ready for API-driven interactions.
Qatar’s Tourism Strategy: From Stopover to Destination
Across the globe, Qatar is writing its own playbook for the future of travel. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, the chairman of Qatar Tourism made it clear that the country is shifting focus from high visitor volume to high-value, longer-stay tourism.
In 2024, Qatar recorded nearly 10 million room nights, a 22% increase from the previous year. But instead of chasing higher arrival numbers, the country is now focused on getting guests to stay longer and spend more—mirroring a global trend away from mass tourism and toward immersive, premium experiences.
To support this strategy, Qatar is:
Pausing new hotel licences unless the property offers direct beach access
Accelerating beachfront development, especially in partnership with global brands like Accor
Positioning itself as a luxury destination capable of competing with neighbours like Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The government is also working to convert Qatar from a transit hub into a full-fledged tourism destination, encouraging multi-night stays and deeper guest engagement. The move reflects a broader industry trend: prioritising value over volume, and focusing on experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Combined with the rise of AI-powered planning tools, which naturally promote more personalised, longer-stay travel, Qatar’s strategy may soon be the norm. In this new landscape, success won’t be defined by how many people you host—but by how well you serve them.
What STR Hosts Should Do Next
Optimise your listings for AI platforms like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. Use structured data, rich content, and clear descriptions to ensure visibility in AI-powered searches.
Invest in real-time tools. Make sure your booking engine or PMS supports live availability and dynamic pricing to stay competitive as AI interfaces take over planning.
Think beyond the bed. Whether you're in a city, coastal town, or countryside retreat, focus on value-added experiences that turn short stays into meaningful escapes.
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.