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Phocuswright unveils 2026 travel trends report
Phocuswright has released its annual report, "Travel Forward: Data, Insights & Trends for 2026," sponsored by Travel Guard. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the $1.67 trillion global travel market, projecting significant growth as international demand strengthens. Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, the travel sector is expected to contribute over $11.7 trillion to global GDP and support nearly 371 million jobs in 2026. The report highlights the increasing role of digital adoption in reshaping the travel marketplace. Online bookings are anticipated to rise by 8% in 2025, reaching $1.07 trillion, with notable growth in the Asia Pacific region and expanding digital access in emerging markets. Online travel agencies (OTAs) are expected to generate $408 billion in bookings, maintaining a substantial share of global online spending. A significant shift in traveller behaviour is also noted, with AI becoming a core tool for planning. By late 2025, 58% of active US travellers are using AI for various purposes, and 39% specifically for travel research or planning. Millennials are leading this transition, as generative platforms gain popularity over traditional search tools. Stan Pawlow, Phocuswright data analyst and lead author of the report, emphasised the importance of understanding these evolving trends: "Each year, this report gives us the opportunity to step back and let the data reveal the real story of where travel is heading." The report, available for free, covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of AI, corporate and consumer travel trends, and the dynamic short-term rental landscape. Phocuswright will host a webinar on 15 January 2026 to discuss the report's key findings. ```
11 ways travel leaders are using AI: Phocuswright
San Diego Ahead of the Phocuswright Conference 2025, leaders reveal how AI has changed their workday and is powering their progress. Artificial intelligence isn’t just reshaping travel technology, it’s reshaping the way travel leaders think, work, and create. From using AI to communicate more clearly to embedding it into enterprise platforms that forecast demand and personalize experiences, executives across the industry are finding new ways to collaborate with machines. Some embrace AI as an everyday assistant; others approach it with caution, mindful of preserving human creativity and judgment. Yet all agree: the potential is enormous, and we’re only at the beginning of understanding how these tools will redefine travel, business, and leadership itself. At The Phocuswright Conference 2025, taking place November 18th-20th at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California, industry leaders will share how AI is transforming their daily work and their companies’ strategies. AI in action: Voices from the industry Eric DeLange, Industry Director and U.S. Head of Finance and Travel, Reddit “I’ve been enjoying using our recently launched Reddit Answers, an AI-powered conversational interface that allows Redditors to ask a question and receive answers sourced and linked to communities and posts. It’s been helpful to get deeper into the human conversations that are happening on the platform, which helps ensure I’m tapped into the conversations relevant to my categories and clients.” Sarosh Waghmar, Founder & Chief Product Officer, Spotnana “Spotnana currently uses AI for a number of different needs and is rapidly adding support for more use cases. Our approach to AI is to focus on highly practical, high-value applications, including virtual travel agents and automated disruption handling. Our R&D teams use a variety of AI coding tools like Cursor, Claude and GitHub Copilot daily to boost productivity and innovation. The goal is to have AI play a major role in our development process.” Mariano Dima, Chairman, Civitatis “It is embedded in my everyday life, from searching, learning and developing new ideas to helping me communicate more effectively with teams and companies. I use various LLMs, Comet as my browser and Cursor and Lovable for coding and building prototypes. Still, there is so much to learn.” Jeff Kim, CEO, Yanolja Cloud, and Chief Strategy Officer, Yanolja Group “I use AI every day, often in ways I hardly notice. Whether it is seeing AI-generated summaries when I search for hotel reviews, getting insights directly in AI-powered recommendations or using translation and writing tools to work across languages and markets, AI has become part of my routine. These tools save time and let me focus on higher-value work. At Yanolja, we are taking those same everyday efficiencies and applying them at scale to create a more connected traveler experience… What excites me is seeing how the efficiencies I experience personally with AI can be scaled through enterprise innovation to connect the entire travel ecosystem.” Steve Schwab, CEO, Casago “AI informs decisions, it doesn’t make them… Looking ahead, I’m excited about AI that surfaces owner-impacting insights faster – predicting when a home is at risk of underperforming, flagging guest-experience friction before it shows up in reviews and summarizing multichannel owner communications so our local teams can stay proactive without drowning in dashboards.” Recep “Richie” Karaburun, Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism “I use AI in my teaching and research to analyze trends, generate insights and prepare case studies for students. It helps me bring real-time industry developments into the classroom and make discussions more engaging. Looking ahead, I’d like to see AI play a greater role in predictive analytics for travel behavior and in helping companies design more personalized and sustainable experiences.” Caroline Strachan, CEO, Festive Road “I have a love-hate relationship with AI. I don’t want to lose my critical thinking ability, so I focus AI use on all the stuff I’m useless at: image creation to tell a story, for instance. (I’m a dreadful artist.)” Paul Jacobs, General Manager & SVP, North America and Asia Pacific, Kayak “Much of my job is communication – internally at Kayak and externally with partners. I think I’m pretty well spoken, but I have reluctantly started having AI rewrite things for me. Turns out, I can be shorter and punchier.” David Hoctor, director of U.S. verticals, travel and gaming for TikTok Global Business Solutions “AI is a powerful tool that allows us to level the creative playing field, boost productivity and uncover insights at scale. At TikTok, we've built TikTok Symphony, a suite of generative AI tools that help with creative ideation/production/adaption, leading to more volume and variety for content that resonates.” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association “AI can help us reimagine the travel experience by improving the systems and technology we already have. Picture TSA lines that adapt in real time to passenger volumes or customs officers deployed where bottlenecks are about to form. Just as important, AI creates the ability to personalize the journey - tailoring information, recommendations and even security or check-in processes to each traveler.” Adam Harris, CEO of Cloudbeds “I already use AI as a thought partner- helping me synthesize information quickly, prepare for conversations and pressure-test decisions. But what excites me most is where this goes next for leaders in hoteliers: agent-based systems trained on hospitality knowledge. Imagine an internal “hotel sage” that can answer any question about your property, from staff onboarding to marketing content, all in your brand’s voice. That’s the future we’re building, and it will change how every hotelier works.” AI at the center of Phocuswright 2025 This year’s conference theme, “Game On,” underscores the urgency for travel companies to adapt to a new era of competition, technology, and consumer expectations. AI will be a central thread across the program, with sessions spanning AI-first OTA strategies, loyalty reinvention, payments and trust, and the rise of social discovery platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. “AI is becoming the operating system of travel,” said Eugene Ko, Director of Marketing and Communications at Phocuswright.“What’s fascinating is how leaders are using it not only to transform their companies but also to change the way they work as individuals. At The Phocuswright Conference, we’ll showcase these stories and explore how AI is reshaping strategy, operations, and innovation across the travel ecosystem.” At The Phocuswright Conference 2025, executives will explore how AI is transforming travel – from predictive analytics and personalization to operational efficiency and product innovation. Highlights include: Executive Panel: Social Search, Viral Inspiration and the Future of Travel with Reddit, TikTok and YouTube Executive Interview: Barry Diller Presentation + Executive Interview: Travel Search in the AI Era with Google Executive Panel: Reinventing Hotel Booking with AI with DirectBooker and Thayer Investment Partners Executive Interview: Playing to Win in the Next Era of Travel with Booking Holdings Phocuswright Research: What Can Travel Learn From AI-Native Startups? with Mike Coletta Executive Panel: AI Agents, Real Transactions - The New Travel Economy with Visa, Stripe and Arc
Phocuswright Conference returns with “Game On”: A theme marking the start for a new era of travel innovation
One of the travel industry’s most highly-regarded events, The Phocuswright Conference, returns this November to the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, unveiling a fresh and ambitious theme: “Game On.” This marks a bold new direction for the event, inviting C-suite leaders, innovators, and investors to tackle the most pressing challenges transforming global travel. The “Game On” theme signals a defining moment; a fast-moving, competitive landscape fueled by breakthrough technologies, seismic shifts in consumer behavior, and a renewed demand for strategic clarity. The 2025 event – taking place from November 18-20 – confronts these forces head-on, offering curated insights, unscripted exchanges, and data-backed perspectives to propel the industry forward. “This is not business as usual,” said Eugene Ko, Marketing and Communications Director at Phocuswright. “‘Game On’ is a defining statement; it’s an invitation to push limits and boundaries, rethink strategies, and challenge every assumption. We’re gathering the minds who won’t settle for predictable – they’re the ones with the power to transform travel. This is where the next era of travel gets written.” This year’s agenda features a dynamic mix of research-driven strategic sessions, startup and investor networking, and off-the-record discussions designed to provoke fresh thinking and build actionable strategies. Phocuswright has already secured some of the leading names in travel as speakers, with many more to be confirmed: Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, US Travel Association Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda Fred Lalonde, CEO & Co-Founder, Hopper Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO, Accor Jason Wynn, CEO, Chase Travel Richard Barton, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Chair, Zillow Travis Katz, GM & VP, Shopping, YouTube Erik Blachford, Founder, Pine5 Partners Clara Liang, Head of Global Strategic Operations, Stripe Rob Ransom, Chief Strategy Officer, Booking Holdings More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks, including top-tier executives and senior leadership from the industry’s most influential travel, tech, hospitality, and investment firms.
Finalists announced for Phocuswright’s 2025 Global Startup Pitch
Organisers have named the 19 travel tech startups selected for the Finals of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch. Now in its fourth year, the competition jointly produced by WiT and Phocuswright seeks to discover the brightest stars in early-stage travel tech. The Global Startup Pitch Competition is supported by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a Phocuswright Strategic Partner of Innovation. Previously held in a virtual format, this year the finalists will compete in-person for the first time ever on the Startup Stage at Phocuswright Europe on 10th June. WiT founder Yeoh Siew Hoon said: “We thank our panel of judges from around the world who’ve put in considerable time and effort to help us select this promising group of finalists. They are as committed as we are to sparking innovation and surfacing new voices in the global community of travel startups.” Phocuswright managing director Pete Comeau added: “The feedback from judges on our applicants this year has been great. We received an even spread of entries across the four regions and are encouraged by the growing number of entries from new markets which validates that our mission to run a global competition is truly reflecting the global ecosystem of startups.” An arduous selection process A panel of external judges selected these startups from a crop of nearly 200 entries received for the global competition to surface the best travel startups across four different regions of the world. As with previous years, an additional Wildcard category was created by Phocuswright and WiT to surface ideas that are particularly global, future-oriented, hard to solve and address next-generation challenges. Companies will compete in two categories: seed stage for firms less than three years old who have raised no more than US$5 million; and scaling startups which are firms up to eight years old but have raised no greater than US$10 million. Seedups will compete against Seedups, and Scaleups against Scaleups for each region, and winners for each region will be chosen during Phocuswright Europe. Nine winners will be selected who will travel to Singapore for showcase presentations at WiT Singapore in October of this year. The audience at WiT Singapore will vote on their favorite Seedup and Scaleup, and the People’s Choice winners will be showcased at The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, CA this November. Meet the finalists APAC Plandora (Seedup) Replyr (Seedup) Loyalty Status Co. (Scaleup) Zentrum (Scaleup) Europe ImpersonAlly (Seedup) SnapIQ (Seedup) Arcube (Scaleup) Tryp (Scaleup) North America Levee (Seedup) Traversing.ai (Seedup) Sion (Scaleup) PassiveBolt (Scaleup) Emerging Markets Kijani Supplies (Seedup) Tuki-Travel (Seedup) Buzz (Scaleup) Turpal (Scaleup) Wildcards Videreo (Seedup) Toraru (Scaleup) Me Protocol (Scaleup) The perks of winning Winners from the APAC region will receive a complimentary ASEAN Traveller Pass sponsored by AirAsia MOVE, which covers nine countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Additionally, one winner will be chosen at random for a complimentary consulting strategy session with Travel Again Advisory. The Global Startup Pitch competition is part of an ongoing commitment by Phocuswright and WiT to cultivate innovation through a platform of events and programs including WiT Bootcamps, Phocuswright’s Startup Program, PhocusWire’s Hot25 Travel Startups, and Phocuswright’s Launch pitch competition.
Phocuswright Europe moves to Barcelona’s Palau de Congressos de Catalunya for 2025
Representative Image Phocuswright announced a major evolution for its flagship European conference. Phocuswright Europe 2025 will take place from June 10-12, 2025, at the prestigious Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. This strategic move to a larger, more modern venue marks a significant upgrade for the event and reinforces Phocuswright's position as the premier curator of cutting-edge content and experiences in the travel industry. In 2024, more than 600 people attended the European event. Under the theme "The New Age(nts)," Phocuswright Europe 2025 will explore the transformative forces reshaping the travel landscape. The conference will delve into a new era for travel, examining the evolving roles of intermediaries, the impact of emerging technologies, and the changing expectations of travelers in this dynamic landscape. "Our move to the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya is a game-changer for Phocuswright Europe," said Pete Comeau, Managing Director of Phocuswright. "This world-class venue provides the perfect platform to elevate the event to new heights. It's more than just a bigger space; it's about creating a more immersive, dynamic, and impactful experience that reflects Phocuswright's commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of travel. This move signals a bold new chapter for Phocuswright, and we're confident that the 2025 event will be our most influential yet. It allows us to set the stage for the travel industry's future." The Palau de Congressos de Catalunya offers several key advantages that will enhance the Phocuswright Europe experience: Increased capacity: The larger venue allows for greater attendance, bringing together a more diverse and influential audience of travel leaders. State-of-the-art facilities: The Palau's modern facilities will enable more interactive session formats, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and enhanced networking opportunities. Enhanced networking: Real exchange with meaningful relationships. First-class location: Situated in one of Barcelona's most prestigious areas, the venue provides a sophisticated and inspiring setting for the conference. Immersive experiences: Opportunities to shape their professional journeys. Inspiration and insights: A focus on not just addressing current trends but anticipating future shifts. Full carbon offset: A commitment to sustainability, offsetting the carbon footprint of the entire event, including attendee travel and emissions. Speakers and a full agenda are expected to be announced shortly. Registration for Phocuswright Europe 2025 is now open. Early bird pricing starts at €1095.
62% of travellers who planned trips on social media made purchase decisions based on content they viewed: Phocuswright
Representative Image Madeline List, Manager of Research and Special Projects at Phocuswright, presented key findings from the firm's latest consumer research study, "Scroll, Heart, Fly: Social Media's Impact on Travel 2024." The research delves into how social media influences travel decisions, the nuances of conversion, and the challenges marketers face in measuring its true impact. List highlighted the growing prevalence of social media usage in travel planning, with 57% of US leisure travelers utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for inspiration, research, and sharing. She emphasized the importance of understanding the "mindful, intentional consumers" who plan trips over extended periods, differentiating travel from more impulsive industries like fashion and beauty. List added: "Travel decisions are made with such a long conversion window, there's so much room for people to get lost remembering where they originally got inspiration from as they plan trips over a span of months, sometimes even years." The research revealed that 62% of travelers who planned trips on social media made purchase or visitation decisions based on content they viewed. Food and beverage, cruises, accommodations, and destination selection were among the top categories influenced by social media. Notably, 72% of those who converted attributed their decisions to content from creators, influencers, or bloggers. List emphasized the importance of credibility and community building on social media, stating that "portraying things honestly and building real social relationships among followers is going to precede any kind of sale that happens." The research also uncovered challenges in measuring the true impact of social media on travel decisions. List noted that many conversions are "categorical," meaning travelers choose a type of experience rather than a specific brand. Additionally, click-through rates provide a limited view of influence, as travelers often turn to search engines and review sites for further research. List cautioned against conflating likes and shares with actual influence, urging marketers to focus on depicting accessible experiences and providing valuable information to support trip planning. She also highlighted the need to cater to the "mid-tier" traveler, who may feel underrepresented amidst an abundance of luxury and budget travel content. Key Takeaways: Social media plays a significant role in influencing travel decisions, particularly for younger generations and those seeking inspiration and recommendations. Credibility, community building, and authentic content are crucial for driving conversions on social media. Measuring the true impact of social media requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond click-through rates and considers categorical conversions. Marketers should focus on providing valuable information, depicting accessible experiences, and catering to the needs of the mid-tier traveler. Social media should be viewed as one component of a broader digital strategy, not the sole driver of conversions.
Phocuswright Conference took place from 18-20 November 2025 at San Diego, California
Photo by Tavit's Photography The Phocuswright Conference kicked off its 30th anniversary with a nostalgic look back at 1994, the year the travel industry event first launched. Managing Director Pete Comeau and Senior Vice President of Content Mitra Sorrells took to the main stage, highlighting key moments in pop culture and travel tech from that era, including the rise of Netscape Navigator and the first online hotel catalogs. The duo emphasized the enduring challenges of the travel industry, noting that concerns around customer acquisition, competition, and rising technology costs remain as relevant today as they were in 1994. However, the industry has seen incredible growth, with the global travel market now exceeding pre-pandemic levels and online bookings predicted to account for two-thirds of all travel transactions by 2026. This year's conference theme, "The New Agents," focuses on the disruption of travel distribution by new players and paradigms, particularly artificial intelligence. Comeau and Sorrells highlighted the increasing influence of AI and social media on the customer journey, with Phocuswright's own research indicating that 62% of travelers using social media for trip planning made purchasing decisions based on content viewed on those platforms. With over 1,500 attendees from 40 countries, the Phocuswright Conference continues to be a vital hub for networking, learning, and strategic partnerships within the travel industry. Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin charts a course for AI-powered travel Expedia Group is actively exploring and implementing AI across its business Innovation and platform enhancements remain a priority Gorin is optimistic about the future of travel Encourages young women in travel to “blaze their own trail” Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin took center stage at the Phocuswright Conference, discussing the company's embrace of artificial intelligence, its evolving B2B strategy, and the future of travel in an interview with Mitra Sorrells, Senior Vice President of Content at Phocuswright. "AI is going to be everywhere,” she said, “and we need to test it everywhere. Some of the things will work. Some won't work." Gorin emphasized Expedia Group's commitment to testing AI across all facets of its operations, from customer service and product development to marketing and partner support. But, while acknowledging the potential of autonomous agents, she highlighted the continued importance of human expertise in providing travelers with confidence and support throughout their journey. The conversation explored Expedia Group's B2B partnerships, including its work with travel agencies and credit card portals. Gorin stressed the value of these partnerships in expanding reach and driving innovation, even as the company continues to invest in its own brands. She addressed concerns about competition from credit card travel portals, stating that Expedia Group aims to be a key player in the evolving landscape of travel distribution, regardless of the platform travelers choose. Photo by Tavit's Photography Gorin also discussed the company's recent initiatives, including the launch of Travel Shops, which allow influencers and brands to curate travel experiences within the Expedia app, and the integration of VRBO listings onto Expedia's platform to diversify inventory and attract new audiences. She acknowledged the challenges of platform migration and emphasized the company's focus on delivering a seamless experience for both travelers and partners. Addressing the recent rumors of a potential acquisition by Uber, Gorin declined to comment, but expressed her belief that consolidation in the travel industry is not necessarily detrimental to consumers, who continue to have a wide range of choices. Reflecting on her first six months as CEO, Gorin highlighted the importance of prioritizing her time and focusing on areas where she can have the greatest impact. She expressed enthusiasm for the future of the travel industry and encouraged aspiring young women to "Blaze your own trail. Trust your instinct, surround yourself with good people and have fun." Groundbreaking collaboration: Uber, Eurostar, and Omio Tackle the future of ground transport "The connected journey is very hard operationally...[but] it is solvable." – Jennifer Shepard A panel of ground transport leaders discussed the evolving landscape of travel beyond air, focusing on customer needs, emerging trends, and the challenges of achieving seamless intermodal journeys. The panel featured Jennifer Shepard, Global Head of Uber Transit; Francois Ledoux, Chief Commercial Officer of Eurostar; and Veronica De Cuatro, President of B2C Europe at Omio, with Phocuswright Senior Research Analyst Robert Cole moderating. The panelists agreed that travelers are increasingly seeking control, transparency, and convenience in their journeys. They demand access to comprehensive information, diverse options, and personalized experiences that cater to their individual needs and preferences. This shift in traveler behavior is driving the adoption of ground transport alternatives, particularly for shorter distances, as evidenced by the growing popularity of rail travel between major European cities. The discussion highlighted successful collaborations, such as the partnership between KLM and Eurostar to replace short-haul flights with rail journeys, and Omio's integration of various ground transport modes onto a single platform. Uber's efforts to reduce personal car ownership by partnering with public transit agencies and incorporating diverse modes, including rail and car rentals, into its app were also emphasized. Despite progress, the panelists acknowledged significant friction points. Maintaining customer support and communication during disruptions, particularly in complex, multi-modal journeys, remains a challenge. Operational hurdles in coordinating real-time information and ensuring smooth transfers between different modes require further attention. Additionally, the panelists stressed the need for standardization, data sharing, and a long-term vision to overcome these challenges and accelerate innovation, as well as the importance of a competitive industry: "Competition is actually good for the industry...and for the customer, ultimately,” said Veronica De Cuatro. “If you’re working for a company that says AI won’t matter – find another job”, says top investor Travel industry veteran and investor Eric Blatchford sat down with Chris Hemmeter, Managing Partner at Thayer Investment Partners, at the Phocuswright Conference for a wide-ranging discussion on his career journey, the transformative power of AI, and the urgent need for climate action. Blatchford, founder of Pi Five Partners, traced his unconventional path from a theater major and bike tour guide to becoming the first business hire at Expedia. He likened the current excitement around AI to the early days of the internet, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and adapting to new technologies. He predicted that AI will revolutionize the travel tech stack, necessitating a complete revamp of existing systems and creating opportunities for innovative solutions in inventory management and yield management. "This new world where everybody's represented by agents is going to be the catalyst for a complete revamping of the travel tech stack, all the way right down to the PMS to the GDS level,” he said. The conversation shifted to climate change, a topic Blatchford is deeply passionate about. He expressed concern that the urgency of climate action has been overshadowed by the hype surrounding AI, but remained hopeful that AI could play a role in modeling climate systems and developing solutions. Blatchford stressed the importance of connecting with the natural world and advocated for travel closer to home and more sustainable modes of transportation. Although, among his worries: "I do worry that the travel industry is going to find that certain destinations, because of where they are, are going to become out of bounds to certain kinds of travelers." As an investor, Blatchford shared his insights on navigating the uncertain landscape of AI and what he looks for in early-stage startups. He emphasized the need for experimentation, flexibility, and a willingness to pivot in response to rapid technological advancements. He also highlighted the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a culture that encourages risk-taking and learning from both successes and failures.
True automated AI in travel is coming: Phocuswright
The travel industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by the rise of autonomous AI agents, according to a new report from Phocuswright. These intelligent assistants, capable of learning, adapting, and executing tasks without constant human supervision, have the potential to revolutionize how we plan, book, and experience travel. In its report, "True Automated AI in Travel Is Coming," Phocuswright, the leading travel industry research authority, delves into the emergence of autonomous agents and their implications for the future of travel. The report explores the capabilities of these agents, the potential impact on various industry roles, and the key questions surrounding their adoption and regulation. "Autonomous AI agents are poised to reshape the travel landscape, automating tasks, personalizing experiences, and potentially even negotiating on our behalf," said Norm Rose, Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst at Phocuswright and co-author of the report. "While this technology is still in its early stages, its potential to transform the industry is undeniable. Travel companies need to understand the implications of autonomous agents and prepare for a future where AI plays an increasingly central role." Key takeaways from the report include: Increased efficiency and personalization: Autonomous agents can truly automate the travel booking process, potentially replacing the manual research and booking tasks that travelers currently perform, leading to increased efficiency and personalization. Challenges for legacy systems: The increased volume of shopping inquiries generated by autonomous agents could pose challenges for legacy travel systems, requiring the industry to adapt and optimize infrastructure. The report estimates that autonomous agents could increase the number of shopping calls to travel systems by up to 40%. Enhanced personalization: Personalization efforts will be enhanced by autonomous agents, leveraging vast amounts of data to tailor travel recommendations and experiences to individual preferences. Ownership and competition: The question of "ownership" of autonomous agents remains open, with tech giants, OTAs, and specialized travel companies all vying for a position in this emerging market. Impact on the workforce: The impact on the travel workforce could be significant, with some jobs potentially being replaced by AI while others are augmented and enhanced. The report suggests that up to 30% of travel agent jobs could be automated by AI agents in the next decade. Legal and regulatory concerns: Legal and regulatory concerns surrounding autonomous agents, particularly regarding liability and data privacy, will need to be addressed as the technology matures. The rise of autonomous agents and other key trends in AI will be further explored at The Phocuswright Conference, taking place November 19-21, 2024, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. The session "A glimpse of the new Age(nts)" will delve deeper into where leading AI companies can demonstrate their autonomous agent technology and discuss its potential to transform the travel industry. Industry experts will provide critical analysis and insights based on their experience at the forefront of AI in travel. Speakers: Div Garg, Co-Founder and CEO, MultiOn Humayun Sheikh, CEO, Fetch.ai Talkbackers: Noreen Henry, Chief Revenue Officer, Sojern; Terry Jones, Chairman, AMGiNE Moderator: Norman Rose, Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
Global travel industry reaches USD 1.5 trillion in 2023: Phocuswright
Representative Image The global travel industry is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with Phocuswright's latest Global Travel Market Report 2024 revealing a 24% surge in 2023, reaching an impressive $1.5 trillion in gross bookings. While established powerhouses like North America, APAC, and Western Europe continue to lead, the report uncovers a dynamic landscape marked by shifting rankings within the top 15 markets, the emergence of new players, and a notable rebound in China. The US retains its position as the world's largest travel market, commanding $476 billion in bookings, more than three times the size of China, which holds the second spot. China's travel market, however, demonstrated significant resilience, rebounding with a 72% growth in 2023. The report also spotlights Brazil's entry into the top 15 markets, displacing Scandinavia. Further context on these findings will be covered at The Phocuswright Conference, which takes place from November 19-21 in Phoenix, Arizona. “The travel industry’s current trajectory is not simply a recovery; it's a testament to the industry’s adaptability and the enduring human desire to explore,” said Eugene Ko, Director of Marketing and Communications at Phocuswright. “The impressive growth in emerging markets like Brazil and the resurgence of China signal a shift in the global travel landscape. The industry is evolving, and those who embrace these new dynamics will thrive in the years to come.” The report also delves into the complexities of individual markets within the top 15. The UAE, occupying seventh position, accounts for over half of the Middle East's travel market. Russia's growth has been tempered by geopolitical challenges, leading to a drop in its ranking. Meanwhile, the euro's gain against the US dollar fueled significant growth in several European markets. Spain led with a 40% surge, followed by double-digit gains in Italy, Germany, the UK and France. Key takeaways: Global travel market reached $1.5 trillion in 2023, a 24% increase North America, APAC, and Western Europe continue to lead The U.S. remains the largest market, with China showing significant growth Brazil enters the top 15 markets, displacing Scandinavia The euro's strength boosted growth in several European markets, including Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK and France The industry is evolving, with shifting dynamics and new opportunities within the top 15 markets These findings and more will take center stage at The Phocuswright Conference. Themed "The New Age(nts)," the conference will feature insightful keynotes, interactive panel discussions, and in-depth breakout sessions exploring the evolving roles and relationships within the travel ecosystem. With an expected attendance of over 1,300 senior-level executives, innovators, and thought leaders, this event provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain crucial insights for navigating the industry’s transformation.
Aviasales reports surge in travel from Central Asia to GCC at Phocuswright WiT Middle East 2024
Representative Image Aviasales, the metasearch travel platform, presented compelling data at the recent Phocuswright WiT Middle East 2024 conference showing a significant increase in travel activity between Central Asian states and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This increase highlights growing economic and cultural ties between the two regions and aligns with strategic policy enhancements and tourism growth. In 2023, travel searches for Middle East & North African (MENA) destinations from Central Asian countries increased by 61%, with bookings up 45% year-on-year, according to data from the Aviasales platform – when compared with data from 2022. Uzbekistan: searches up 83%, bookings up 50%, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accounting for 86% of this activity. Kazakhstan: searches rose by 24%, bookings by 36%, with 91% going to the UAE. Kyrgyzstan: searches increased by 146%, bookings by 72%, with 87% going to the UAE. Furthermore, Aviasales highlighted at the conference that the upcoming 'Arab Schengen' programme will further boost these interactions by allowing 30-day visa-free stays in the Gulf countries. For example, since February 2024 Uzbek citizens have already been allowed to visit the UAE without a visa, which is likely to increase the frequency of travel this year. Meanwhile the recent introduction of new air routes, such as Jazeera Airways' Al Kuwait-Fergana service and the doubling of Qatar Airways' flights between Doha and Almaty, are key to boosting business and tourism links. At a diplomacy level the GCC-Central Asia Dialogue has underlined the commitment to reinvigorate economic and investment ties, with a focus on infrastructure, tourism and energy. With the GCC expected to outperform global economic trends through diversification, the outlook for 2024 and beyond remains promising. Anton Baitsur, CEO of Aviasales commented: "These very encouraging figures not only reflects an important trend likely to continue but underlines our key role at Aviasales as the leading online player in Central Asia and fostering these growing ties. We strongly recommend that GCC based hotels, airlines, tour operators and incoming businesses develop more services aimed at Central Asian audiences and consider focusing sales and marketing efforts on the source market."
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