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.

Startups

Travel Startups Work With Breakthrough Technologies That Could Threaten Industry Leaders

Emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and blockchain, have yet to make the leap from buzzword to mainstay, but have the potential to disrupt travel incumbents. The big players will have ample opportunity to adapt, though, and leading startups can play a role in helping executives grapple with when and how to implement these technologies.

Seth Borko | 7 years ago

Startups

New Skift Research Report: Venture Investment Trends and Startup Opportunities in Travel 2018

Venture capitalists invested a record amount in travel startups in 2017. The industry is no stranger to disruption, but we may be seeing some of the greatest changes of the last two decades. Our latest research report is a deep dive into these emerging trends with insights for founders, incumbents, and investors.

Seth Borko | 7 years ago

Online Travel

Video: Travelsify and Accenture on Putting the “Personal” Back In Personalization

CEO and Co-Founder of Travelsify and Global Personalization Lead at Accenture Interactive discuss the two-sided coin of personalization: consumer and product.

SkiftX + Skift | 7 years ago

Travel Operations and Maintenance Are Getting Smarter With AI

Smart technology is increasingly improving how airlines, railways, and other sectors ensure smooth experiences for travelers. For travel companies using these cognitive systems, that means saving time and costs, reducing delays, and optimizing efficiency.

IBM + Skift | 7 years ago

Trivago Makes a Tech Acquisition That Bolsters an Industry Trend

While this deal is small, it signals that the Expedia-backed hotel-search company wants to better identify the desires of its customers and become more sophisticated at proposing tailor-made offers that are relevant.

Sean O'Neill | 7 years ago

Online Travel

Priceline Group CEO Sees No Big Investments in Blockchain for Now

A CEO such as the Priceline Group's Fogel has to pick which new technology to panic about next. He's keeping tabs on blockchain, but it's not on his investment to-do list yet.

Daniel Peltier | 7 years ago

Online Travel

Interview: Expedia CEO Sees an Opening With Chatbots to Loosen Google's Grip on Travel

The online travel environment is transitioning at a hectic pace when you consider mobile and artificial intelligence. Expedia's new CEO, Mark Okerstrom, will have to find a way to chart his company's evolution at an appropriate speed to keep up. It won't always be smooth sailing.

Dennis Schaal | 7 years ago

Online Travel

From Novelty to Game Changer: AI and the Future of Work in the Travel Industry

Smart technology is playing an increasingly important role in our lives. At home, we playfully bark orders and pose hypothetical questions to virtual assistants such as Siri and see them getting smarter over time. The reality is that interconnected, cognitive technology is on the brink from moving from novelty to essential on the home front. For business, it’s a game changer.

IBM + Skift | 7 years ago

Artificial Intelligence Is Becoming a Priority for Airline IT Chiefs

Airline chiefs are more likely to moan than talk optimistically about leaps in artificial intelligence. But a new SITA survey suggests they're realizing that it can be the bedrock of their futures.

Sean O'Neill | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Behind the Rise of Chatbots in Meetings and Events

Chatbots offer the first glimpse into a future where meeting and event planners can deliver mass personalization at scale using artificial intelligence.

Greg Oates | 7 years ago