Nearly two-thirds of planners (63%) cite travel costs to host destinations as a key concern in the next 12 months. Among attendees, event cost is the primary barrier to participation at 43%. ... Among attendees, 83% have participated in in-person events in the past, and 61% prefer them over hybrid or virtual formats.
Survey of 214 TMC leaders across 10 countries shows 95% optimism for business travel growth but only 30-40% confidence in meeting rising traveler demands. ... AI investment is widespread: all respondents report adopting AI, and nearly all are investing in automation and real‑time data analytics (97%).
Tara, it’s hard to overstate what it meant to me when you joined Airbnb in May 2020. You left a secure role at Apple to join a travel company in the middle of a pandemic. ... When Gus later joined Uber full-time in 2013, it was still a true startup. He was brought in to solve problems no one else had figured out.
The introduction of the Hilton AI Planner, now in beta testing at hilton.com , addresses the growing use of AI tools for travel planning and underscores Hilton’s long-standing commitment to innovation ... The launch of the Hilton AI Planner marks another step forward in our journey to reimagine the travel experience for Hilton guests.
The onus on brands to show up well, authentically and consistently, in whatever environment a traveller is using, is higher than ever, not lower. ... AI-enabled search.
The data challenges the narrative that AI search threatens Google's core business in the near term. ... While 37% of travelers use AI for trip planning, the vast majority of search activity still flows through conventional engines.
For example, Google uses its Gemini AI to provide answers in its Answer Box in its SERPs. ... In the same time, hoteliers should not ignore the rising AI Search. The most immediate priority is to optimize the property for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), the AI version of SEO.
Not dismissively, but because the idea of predicting three years out in this environment struck everyone in the room as optimistic at best. Michael's take was balanced. ... New channels need to be built, new ways to reach guests and convert them directly before OTAs, which are already investing heavily in AI, establish the same kind of dominance they did 25 years ago with
AI and data are accelerating it. Distribution is being rewritten in real time, and whoever owns the customer relationship — and the data behind it — wins. ... AI in Hospitality: Sloan Dean's 2026 Hotel Strategy Insights UPCOMING LATER IN MARCH ON NOT DONE: Laura Fuentes , CHRO of Hilton .
“Travelers are increasingly interacting with AI-powered search tools and conversational agents instead of navigating traditional websites or online travel agencies in the linear way they once did. ... Just as that standard helped consolidate power among intermediaries, today’s AI infrastructure will determine who controls visibility and revenue in the next era of travel.
The 90% not using AI structurally face irrelevance as travelers increasingly interact with AI agents that control booking decisions. ... OTAs invest in creating demand through inspiration and planning tools. Hotels optimize for conversion after travelers have already decided.
OpenAI Scales Back Direct Booking in ChatGPT OpenAI's decision to scale back direct booking in ChatGPT benefits Booking.com by keeping AI platforms in discovery rather than transaction completion. ... Hotels still need to solve the visibility problem in AI search, but they won't face immediate disintermediation from AI companies becoming direct competitors to OTAs.
The article examines how AI-powered agentic engineering threatens traditional SaaS business models in travel tech by enabling companies to build custom solutions more efficiently. ... travel tech is less pervasive than in CRM, payroll, or HR software.
uncertainty AI travel disruption management Visa restrictions Sudden loss of source markets Need to pivot marketing AI market shift analysis Oil and gas shortages Higher travel and energy costs Increased ... In this model, AI becomes the central nervous system of hospitality operations .
OpenAI's decision to scale back direct booking in ChatGPT benefits Booking.com by keeping AI platforms in discovery rather than transaction completion. ... Still, the threat has only been delayed, not removed: if AI platforms eventually gain transaction capabilities, Booking.com ’s power could erode, but in the meantime it is well positioned to turn AI into
Despite the tense situation in the Middle East, which in some cases led to a lack of flights, the World's Leading Travel Trade Show again demonstrated the importance of trust, international cooperation ... In a closed, interactive format, the focus was not on short-term trends but on long-term strategic decisions: Who will be trusted in 2046? Where will value be created in an AI-driven industry?
Hotels can now make their inventory available inside AI platforms where 37% of travelers already search. ... Read the coverage → Corporate Travel Policies Strengthen and Embrace AI GBTA-ALTOUR study of 168 travel managers reveals 32% report stricter policies today, with 64% interested in AI-generated policy explainers
GBTA-ALTOUR study of 168 travel managers reveals 32% report stricter policies today, with 64% interested in AI-generated policy explainers to improve compliance. ... Travel policies are evolving in a way that reflects today’s realities and responsible travel decisions.
The launch reflects a broader shift in travel discovery and booking behavior. ... “Hotels should win in the AI era by keeping control of their inventory, pricing, and guest relationships.
GuestCentric, a leader in hotel eCommerce technology has announced the launch of Melissa, a new AI sales agent designed to prepare hotel websites for the next phase of digital commerce: agentic bookings ... Travellers are increasingly starting their journey inside AI assistants and hotels are concerned about losing visibility.