How AI Could Reshape Hotel Search | Jeff Wagoner, Outrigger Hospitality Group

After 9/11, hotels handed control of their inventory to OTAs. Now, with #AI and conversational search, the industry faces another turning point.

At The Lodging Conference, Glenn Haussman sat down with Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group, to discuss how hotels can leverage AI instead of losing control to new platforms.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How agentic AI tools like ChatGPT will reshape hotel discovery and bookings

✔️ Why data accuracy determines whether your property gets “rendered” first

✔️ The difference between traditional SEO and the new world of geo-based AI search

✔️ Why hotels must invest in AI strategy now to cut distribution costs later

✔️ How early adopters can rebuild direct guest relationships lost to OTAs

Jeff called it a pivotal moment: “We’re at another inflection point—this time, AI decides who guests find first.”

Thanks to out sponsor Unifocus! Unifocus.com, technology that drives value.

👍 Like, share, and subscribe for more insights on #hospitality, #AI, and hotel innovation.