What was once experimental is now essential: AI is the engine of modern travel.
The Skift AI Data + Summit yesterday highlighted the rapid evolution of our industry. From real-world case studies to visionary roadmaps, one thing was clear: AI is transforming not just how we operate but how we imagine what’s possible.
Here are some key insights I’m still thinking about:
Skift’s AI implementation takeaways:
1. Bootstrap your AI culture: clarity and communication matter
2. Build a core enablement team with shared goals
3. Don’t over-index on ROI: play the long game
4. Accept complexity: own what you can, partner for the rest
Disruption is inevitable:
Whether it’s Uber vs. taxis or Airbnb vs. hotels, history shows us what happens when innovation hits lagging industries. AI is next.
Being AI-native matters:
• Companies with AI literacy adopt 2.3x faster
• Balanced scorecards = +22% long-term ROI
• But 58% of AI projects still fail without clear metrics
AI travel planning is taking off, especially in India & China (77%), while the U.S. lags at 29%.
The biggest impact? Not back-end bots. It’s in search: where discovery meets decision-making.
What made the day truly special beyond the insights was connecting in person and sharing meaningful conversations with Janette, Stuart, Kyle, Rishi, Lennert, Rodrigo, Venkat, Anjali, Seth, Steve, Ahmet, Fredrik, Marilyn, Abhay, Lou, Gilad, Jason and Esra, to name just a few.
Big thanks to Rafat Ali and the entire Skift team for creating space for these timely, honest, and forward-looking dialogues.
As Amy Webb said:
The future doesn’t simply arrive fully formed overnight. “It emerges step by step.”
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