# What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

> The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that lets AI assistants connect to outside tools and data, such as a hotel search or availability service.

_UK and US · Updated 2026-10-27 · Akkrev, https://akkrev.com/glossary/model-context-protocol/_

The **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** is an open standard, first published by Anthropic in late 2024, for connecting AI assistants to external tools and data. Instead of every AI company building custom connections to every service, a service publishes an [MCP server](https://akkrev.com/glossary/mcp-server/) once, and any MCP-compatible assistant can use it.

## MCP in travel

Several travel companies now offer MCP connections. Booking.com runs a hosted MCP server for approved affiliate partners, which lets their AI applications search accommodation; at the time of writing it doesn't include order creation. DirectBooker connects hotels' live rates and availability to ChatGPT and Claude through MCP and sends guests to the hotel's own website to book.

## What it means for independent hotels

MCP connections usually come through bigger players: chains, booking platforms, distribution companies and some booking engine vendors. Many independent hotels won't have their own MCP server, which is fine: [agentic browsers](https://akkrev.com/glossary/agentic-browser/) can still book them through their website, if the website works for agents.

A related standard for websites specifically is [WebMCP](https://akkrev.com/glossary/webmcp/).

## Why it matters for AI visibility

MCP connects assistants to tools and data. For hospitality, it's most useful once AI already recommends you.

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