The rise of AI-driven travel fraud targeting hotel extranets

Hotels face escalating cybersecurity risks as criminals exploit trusted booking channels and staff workflows

Travel fraud has evolved into a global $1.3 trillion threat, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting hotel extranets rather than guests directly. AI-powered scams, compromised credentials, and social engineering tactics allow attackers to infiltrate official booking platforms and communicate with real guests through trusted channels. Regulatory changes such as PCI DSS 4.0 are raising compliance requirements while the broader digital environment increases both opportunity and vulnerability. Hotels are now expected to combine technical security measures with organisational awareness to maintain guest trust.

Key takeaways

• Shift from guest scams to staff targeting: Criminals increasingly attack hotel employees through official communication platforms to gain access to booking extranets and guest data.
• Credential compromise enables guest fraud: Once inside an extranet, attackers can contact real guests via trusted channels and manipulate payment verification processes.
• AI raises fraud sophistication: High-quality AI-generated content and cloned websites reduce traditional fraud indicators, making scams harder to detect.
• Regulatory compliance becoming critical: PCI DSS 4.0 mandates stronger authentication measures, while evolving regulations reshape both security obligations and marketing risks.
• Operational culture as key defence: Staff training, clear communication policies, and cybersecurity awareness are essential alongside technical safeguards.
• Trust as a competitive differentiator: Hotels demonstrating strong security practices may benefit from higher guest confidence and improved booking conversion.

Source: Shiji

Enjoying this analysis? Hospitality.today delivers daily insights on hotel distribution, AI trends, and travel commerce — straight to your inbox. Subscribe for free at Hospitality.today →