Google to adopt UCP lodging booking draft in AI Mode
Google plans to adopt the Universal Commerce Protocol's draft Lodging Booking specification to power hotel booking in AI Mode, according to its developer documentation. The draft was added to the UCP GitHub repository on September 25, giving hotels and booking sites their first published look at the standard.
The dev.ucp.lodging.booking spec covers booking sessions over REST or MCP, including creation, updates, completion and cancellation, with real-time pricing, availability checks, guest details, occupancy, dates and special requirements. It ties into payment extensions for deposits, deferred balances and split payments, plus a new cancellation policy extension.
Google's FAQ, updated September 24, says the integration does not influence how properties or rates are ranked in listings, though UCP entries get the direct booking option. The business stays merchant of record, keeps its own customer data and terms, and can see which traffic and payments came through Google's AI surfaces via lifecycle events.
The Lodging Technical Council includes Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia, Google, Hilton, Marriott and Trip.com. The draft warns that data models and bindings may change, and Google has not set a date for the AI Mode switch or said which existing booking partners will move to the standard. Businesses can join a waitlist for onboarding.
Reported by Search Engine Journal ↗
Topics: AI Mode, Google Search