# What is an MCP server?

> An MCP server is a service that offers tools or data to AI assistants using the Model Context Protocol, for example hotel search, rates or availability.

_UK and US · Updated 2026-10-27 · Akkrev, https://akkrev.com/glossary/mcp-server/_

An **MCP server** is the piece that publishes tools to AI assistants under the [Model Context Protocol](https://akkrev.com/glossary/model-context-protocol/). It lists what it can do (for example "search hotels in a city for these dates") and what inputs each tool needs. An assistant connects, discovers the tools and calls them when a user's request needs them.

## Examples in travel

- **Booking.com** offers a hosted MCP server to approved affiliate partners for accommodation search.
- **DirectBooker** uses MCP to bring hotels' live rates and availability into ChatGPT and Claude, with links back to the hotel's own website.
- Some booking engine and hotel technology vendors are building MCP access for their hotels.

## Do independent hotels need one?

Not necessarily. An MCP server helps assistants that support it and have been connected to it. Many agents, including [agentic browsers](https://akkrev.com/glossary/agentic-browser/), still book by using the hotel's website directly. A hotel whose website agents can't use is still hard to book, with or without an MCP connection somewhere in the chain.

## Why it matters for AI visibility

An MCP server lets assistants query your data directly. For most venues, clear public facts come long before this.

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