AI companies rally around MCP as the next internet standard

A common protocol for agent-to-agent communication could redefine how digital services are accessed and delivered

AI companies are increasingly aligning around a shared technology called MCP, the Model Context Protocol. MCP acts as a universal connector that allows AI tools to talk directly to hotel systems, apps, and online services in a consistent and secure way.

By handing MCP to the Linux Foundation, major players like Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft aim to create an open standard that any company can use. This shift could make AI agents faster, more reliable, and more capable of handling real-world tasks — including those relevant to hospitality.

Key takeaways

• A common language for AI systems: MCP lets AI tools connect to external services — similar to APIs — but in a more standardized and machine-friendly way.
• Faster, more accurate automation: Because systems communicate directly, AI agents can complete tasks like searching, updating data, or comparing options much more efficiently.
• Potential for hotel-specific use cases: In the future, MCP-connected agents could check rates, compare channels, update availability, or manage content across platforms on behalf of hotels.
• Stronger reliability for real operations: MCP reduces the errors and delays that currently make AI agents feel slow or unreliable for everyday business tasks.
• Industry-wide cooperation: MCP is now governed by the Linux Foundation, giving it neutrality and attracting support from major tech companies — similar to how universal standards like USB-C became widely adopted.
• Path toward an AI-powered marketplace: MCP could allow AI agents to “shop” or execute transactions on behalf of users, opening new possibilities for booking, upselling, or traveler service automation.
• Better security through open collaboration: Shared development allows experts across companies to improve authentication and reduce risks like prompt injection.
• Long-term shift in how the web is used: Over time, more interactions — including travel planning — may be handled by AI agents instead of users navigating websites or apps themselves.

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