Yesterday, we hosted our sold-out Skift Megatrends event in New York City, bringing together leaders from across travel, technology, hospitality, and media to examine the forces reshaping the industry in 2026 and beyond.
From AI and distribution to live tourism and sports-driven demand, the conversations were candid, forward-looking, and grounded in real operating experience.
Key takeaways from the day:
🟡 Travel discovery is entering a period of structural disruption – Generative AI, zero-click search, and new discovery interfaces are challenging long-established distribution models. The shift from search engine optimization to generative engine optimization is underway, and visibility increasingly depends on authority, relevance, and trusted content.
🟡 OTAs remain critical, but their role is evolving – Debate on the future of online travel agencies underscored that they continue to provide scale, trust, and infrastructure. However, their dominance in discovery is weakening as AI platforms change how travelers research and plan trips.
🟡 Live events and experiences are powering travel demand – Sports, music, and cultural events are driving travel even amid geopolitical uncertainty. Mega-events such as the World Cup and the Olympics are reshaping destination strategy, visitor flows, and the economics of tourism.
🟡 Vibe coding is accelerating experimentation, not eliminating distribution challenges – Lower barriers to building travel technology will fuel innovation across startups and incumbents alike. However, access to demand remains the defining challenge for growth.
Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making Skift Megatrends New York a standout conversation on the future of travel 🔮.