How AI is revolutionizing the travel industry: From AI-Curious to AI-Native

The travel industry is experiencing technological changes as AI (AI) restructures business capabilities, customer connections and progress. AI is redefineing the tourist landscape, providing personalized travel suggestions and improving booking systems. However, many travel companies are still thinking about ways to fully adopt AI in their operations for long-term growth.

At the 2025 Skift Data + AI Summit in New York, experts Vivek Bhogaraju and Mayank Gandhi discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting AI in the travel sector. They highlighted how travel agencies can move from AI-Curious to AI-Native and change the tourism experience for all involved.

Shift to AI while traveling
The tourism sector is fast-paced and affected by changing consumer behavior, global travel disruptions and evolving digital technologies. As the world becomes more connected, travelers expect more personalized, efficient and intuitive experiences. It is essential for travel agencies to remain competitive.

AI has the potential to change the game in a variety of areas. Improve operational efficiency, enhance customer service and open new paths for growth. However, implementation of AI requires total dedication not only in spending, but also in changing corporate culture and infrastructure.

Building an AI Culture: Start from scratch
According to Bhogaraju and Gandhi, the first step to becoming an AI-Native is to develop an experimental culture within the organization. Travel agencies need to promote a welcoming mindset of risk taking and innovation. Instead of sticking to immediate returns, companies need to focus on learning and testing to establish a strong foundation for integrating AI.

It's important to start small. It is an Initiate AI-driven project that addresses specific challenges or leverages opportunities within the organization. For example, customer support with chatbots and AI can enhance services by providing rapid assistance, while data analytics can identify traveler behavior and enable businesses to predict customer needs.

These AI-driven solutions are not all-purpose. It is essential to understand that AI implementation takes time, careful thought and a strategic approach is required. Bhogaraju highlights the importance of assessing existing technology environments, identifying shortcomings and submitting AI recruitment plans. Travel agencies need to recognize the fundamentals of AI and long-term technology provider partners to ensure successful integration.

The role of AI in tourism innovation
AI can revolutionize tourism by personalizing each traveler's journey. AI solutions can optimize everything from flight bookings and hotel bookings to customized travel itineraries. By analyzing large datasets, AI can predict traveler preferences, provide suggestions tailored to destinations, activities and services, improving the overall travel experience.

For example, personalized AI apps can track what travelers like and recommend attractions and dining options that suit their tastes. Additionally, AI enhances the booking experience by providing real-time updates on flight availability, pricing and potential delays, helping customers make informed decisions.

Furthermore, AI can streamline travel operations and increase industry efficiency. Automated systems can process customer queries, manage payments, and provide real-time updates on services such as check-in, room availability, and baggage tracking. As AI usage increases, these efficiencies lead to corporate customer experience and cost savings.

Investing in the AI ecosystem and long-term transformation
One of the key lessons from Bhogaraju and Gandhi is that adopting AI is not a quick solution. Companies need to invest in a solid AI ecosystem that includes not only the right technology, but also the people and frameworks to support it. Implementing AI requires significant investments in technology upgrades and employment of skilled personnel to promote AI innovation.

AI solutions often require refinement and modification. Travel agencies should be patient and willing to try different approaches until they find the right combination that will give them lasting results. The advantages of this conversion are clear. Companies investing in AI are positioning themselves to lead the market in the coming years, thanks to more efficient operations and strengthening customer relationships.

As businesses develop their AI ecosystems, it is important to create diverse teams so that their AI strategy aligns with their business goals. This also means coordinating marketing, operations and customer service teams to effectively integrate AI, not just technology specialists.

The challenges of AI integration
Despite its benefits, adopting AI in the travel industry has challenges. The complexity of AI technology, the need for large amounts of data, and the pressure to show concrete returns make the transition intimidating for many businesses. There is also the issue of data privacy as customers want greater transparency and control over their personal information.

Resistance to change is another hurdle. Many employees may feel threatened by the increased presence of AI in the workplace. This is why Bhogaraju and Gandhi emphasize the importance of a collaborative environment, which is seen as a tool to support human roles rather than AI replaces them.

Turning to the future: AI-Native Travel Companies
In the future, companies embracing AI will shape the travel industry. The focus of AI adoption should be on long-term conversions rather than immediate returns. As AI continues to move forward, travel agencies can deliver increasingly personalized experiences, streamline operations and achieve efficiencies that were once considered impossible.

To truly embed AI in tourism, travel agencies must view it as a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. AI changes every aspect of the travel experience, from the way businesses connect with their customers to how travelers enjoy a variety of destinations. It's about creating a smarter, more efficient and personalized travel system that benefits both the business and the customer.

Conclusion: The road to AI-Native Tourism
The journey from AI-Curious to AI-Native requires a commitment to innovation, teamwork and investment. As the travel industry evolves, AI will play a key role in shaping its future. Companies adopting this technology will discover new opportunities, improve the travel experience for consumers, and promote business growth and efficiency.

In the words of Bhogaraju and Gandhi, “AI is not just a tool, it's the future of the industry.” Having successfully moved from AI-Curious to AI-Native, travel agencies pave the way for the next era of tourism.

References:

Skift, Vivek Bhogaraju, Mayank Gandhi, New York Tourism Bureau, American Travel Association