Mastercard and Trip.com have unveiled a collaborative AI agent pilot that could transform how travelers search, book, and pay for trips. The project, developed with payments provider Network International, leverages Mastercard’s Agent Suite for Merchants to create an AI-powered booking workflow. Unlike earlier tools that limited themselves to recommendations, this system enables the AI to guide users through selections and complete transactions using Mastercard’s payment network.
Trip.com’s TripGenie agent handles the entire process, from travel option suggestions to finalizing purchases—eliminating manual steps and streamlining the experience. This marks a progression from basic AI assistance to what the companies call “agentic commerce,” where the technology acts autonomously on behalf of shoppers. The system integrates seamlessly into existing e-commerce platforms, allowing merchants to maintain control over branding while enhancing the customer journey.
Unlike previous AI tools that only suggested flights or accommodations, this solution closes the loop by executing purchases, much like voice assistants handle routine tasks in other industries. The shift reflects a broader trend toward fully digital, frictionless travel experiences.
Schubert Lou, CEO of Trip.com, noted that AI is redefining travel beyond simple searches, creating tailored journeys that connect discovery, planning, booking, and payment into a unified process. The initial deployment will target specific travel services, including attractions and supplementary offers, with a phased commercial launch planned for early 2027.
The demonstration, exclusive to the Arabian Travel Market, serves as a global showcase for the technology. Network International will provide the necessary payment infrastructure to support agentic transactions across the Middle East and Africa. The collaboration also establishes a framework for other businesses in payments, commerce, and financial services to adopt similar AI-driven models.
Mastercard’s Agent Suite for Merchants is accessible through the Mastercard Merchant Cloud, a platform offering fraud prevention, authentication, tokenization, and data services to facilitate secure digital transactions. The suite is designed to help merchants integrate AI capabilities without compromising their existing systems or customer experience.
