AI in Travel

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the dominant topic of the future in travel, and we’re keeping a close eye on it at Skift.

Breakthrough generative AI technology was released publicly by OpenAI last November, and a number of big-name travel companies have already responded. Expedia, Kayak, and more — including multiple startups — have started releasing experimental technologies that could lead to transformations in the way users discover, plan, and book travel.

Skift’s own Ask Skift AI deep search tool gives readers extensive insight into the business of travel by training artificial intelligence on the complete archives of Skift, Skift Research, Airline Weekly, Skift Meetings, Daily Lodging Report, and Skift Live events.

Tourism

How Thailand Is Using AI to Tap into Gen Z’s Love for Spiritual Tourism

Thailand's move to blend AI with spiritual tourism isn’t just a clever marketing tactic, it’s about reshaping what travel means in a digital world. The real question is, will other destinations jump on this trend, or will Thailand’s unique mix of ancient beliefs and modern tech stay one-of-a-kind?

How Thailand Is Using AI to Tap into Gen Z’s Love for Spiritual Tourism
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Airlines

Envisioning the Future of AI in Flight Search

Following years of stagnant innovation, flight search is on the cusp of becoming a richer experience. Through the use of AI, airlines and ticket sellers can close decades-old gaps between what travelers expect and what companies have been able to deliver.

Envisioning the Future of AI in Flight Search

Online Travel

ChatGPT Advanced Voice: The Future of Travel Booking or the Death of OTAs?

After a history of false starts with Tellme, Alexa, and Siri, will ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode unlock the holy grail: booking a flight?

ChatGPT Advanced Voice: The Future of Travel Booking or the Death of OTAs?

Business Travel

Hotel Engine CEO Talks Growth After $140 Million Fundraise

Hotel Engine has its sights set abroad next year to take advantage of fast-growing business travel demand.

Hotel Engine CEO Talks Growth After $140 Million Fundraise

Podcasts

Hotels’ Performance, Priceline’s New AI and Klook’s Evolution

Today's podcast looks at the ups and downs of the global hotel industry's year, Priceline's new AI integration, and Klook's plans for the next ten years.

Hotels’ Performance, Priceline’s New AI and Klook’s Evolution

Online Travel

Priceline Testing OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Tech for ‘Penny’ Chatbot

Priceline is among a handful of companies testing OpenAI's new voice tech. Priceline envisions that its future voicebot will be able to accompany a traveler through an entire trip.

Priceline Testing OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Tech for ‘Penny’ Chatbot

Experiences

India’s Upcoming Wedding Season – India Report

Nearly 5 million weddings could bring in some $70 billion. And luxury hotels are seeing an uptick in demand.

India’s Upcoming Wedding Season – India Report
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Travel Technology

Skift Global Forum Video: Shaping Travel’s Next Era Through Deeper Partnerships

In this video from Skift Global Forum 2024, Ling Hai of Mastercard discusses the future of travel, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors, the role of technology in shaping the industry, and the critical need for cybersecurity.

Skift Global Forum Video: Shaping Travel’s Next Era Through Deeper Partnerships

Podcasts

Mallorca’s Visitor Boom, Hotels and AI and Southwest’s Optimism

Today's podcast looks at hotels grappling with AI, Mallorca's continued overtourism, and Southwest's revenue bump.

Mallorca’s Visitor Boom, Hotels and AI and Southwest’s Optimism

Hotels

How Hotels Are Thinking About Gen AI

Many execs at hotels and online travel agencies are playing a fun game called "Guess How AI Will Disrupt Us Before It Actually Does."

How Hotels Are Thinking About Gen AI