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.

Online Travel

In Major Reversal, Google Will Keep Cookie Trackers. What it Means for Travel Marketers

As a baseball luminary once said, "It ain't over til it's over." Third-party cookies were about to be gone but then they weren't.

In Major Reversal, Google Will Keep Cookie Trackers. What it Means for Travel Marketers

Travel Technology

These Travel Tech Execs Push Back on AI Hype for Hotels

These hotel tech execs all believe there are big opportunities for AI, but they also believe that marketers are promoting it in ways that don't make sense.

These Travel Tech Execs Push Back on AI Hype for Hotels

Travel Technology

Amadeus Execs on the AI Evolution with Microsoft 

Amadeus is working on several generative AI pilots in partnership with Microsoft.

Amadeus Execs on the AI Evolution with Microsoft 

Tourism

South Korea Adds NewJeans as Tourism Ambassadors to Ride K-Pop ‘Hallyu’ Wave

For those asking, ‘What's Hallyu?’ you’re clearly not young enough! The Korean wave is huge, and the tourism ministry is make sure that it taps into this craze to attract foreign visitors.

South Korea Adds NewJeans as Tourism Ambassadors to Ride K-Pop ‘Hallyu’ Wave

Startups

12 Travel Startups Have Raised $100 Million This Year … That’s Up From Just 2

Travel startups raised roughly $2.8 billion during the first half of 2024. They had raised only $1.3 billion during the same period in 2023.

12 Travel Startups Have Raised $100 Million This Year … That’s Up From Just 2

Travel Technology

How a Hackathon led to Sabre’s First Generative AI Product for Hotels

Generative AI is still young, but some travel companies are encouraging workers to experiment as they determine how the tech will be used in the future.

How a Hackathon led to Sabre’s First Generative AI Product for Hotels

Startups

Flying Taxis, Jet Fuel, Hotel Booking: Funding for These 17 Travel Startups Tops $300 Million

There was a lot of variety in this group of startups: flying taxis, skiing tours, renewable jet fuel, loyalty, pest control, luggage, and a new travel media brand.

Flying Taxis, Jet Fuel, Hotel Booking: Funding for These 17 Travel Startups Tops $300 Million

Online Travel

Trip.com Boosts Travel Experiences with Prioticket Deal

Trip.com recently expanded attractions as a bookable category for travelers worldwide. Its partnership with Prioticket highlights the increasing trend of B2B partnerships in the experiences category.

Trip.com Boosts Travel Experiences with Prioticket Deal

Travel Technology

Duetto CEO on What’s Next After Sale to Private Equity

David Woolenberg, the CEO of Duetto, gave his first media interview to Skift following his company's sale announcement on Thursday.

Duetto CEO on What’s Next  After Sale to Private Equity

Short-Term Rentals

How Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky Influenced OpenAI’s Regulatory Stance

Is it too far-fetched to think that Brian Chesky might one day pull a "Dara Khosrowshahi," who left his post as Expedia boss for the bigger opportunity to head Uber? After all, developing generative AI at OpenAI is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

How Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky Influenced OpenAI’s Regulatory Stance