| Point | Details |
| Upcoming Revolution | The CEO of Kayak anticipates a revolution in the travel industry with the integration of AI. |
| Commercial Agreement | 2025 could mark the first successful commercial agreement between an AI engine and a major travel player. |
| Consumer Behavior | Users may abandon traditional travel sites for social media and AI models. |
| Influencer Impact | Influencers are replacing previous generation reviews, influencing purchasing decisions. |
| Language Model | Kayak is developing its own language model while collaboration with Google Gemini continues. |
| Regulation and Changes | Changes in regulation and consumer behavior will shape the future of AI in the travel industry. |
A Turning Point for the Travel Industry
Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, recently expressed his concerns about the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the travel industry. He fears that 2025 will mark the beginning of a significant upheaval, with the first AI-powered online travel offering achieving real commercial success. This transition could be likened to the breaking of a dam, paving the way for a series of commercial agreements between AI engines and major tourism players.
The Major Online Players at Stake
When Hafner references this change, he points to companies like Airbnb and its counterpart, Booking.com. These companies are seen as leaders in the online travel space. If an AI engine successfully establishes an effective partnership with one of these large firms, others will quickly follow suit, eager to capitalize on this innovative technological trend.
The Commercialization of AI and Industry Challenges
Hafner emphasizes the need to clarify how AI will be commercialized in the travel industry. A question arises: who will be recognized for the final booking? Is it a reservation going directly through an engine like Google Gemini, or an intermediary such as Kayak? This uncertainty could influence how users interact with their booking platforms.
Changes in Consumer Behaviors
Consumer behaviors are rapidly evolving, trending towards an increasing reliance on social media for their travel information. Hafner expresses concerns that traditional travel sites may become obsolete as customers prioritize AI-generated content and recommendations on social media platforms. These new habits are drastically altering the dynamic between users and travel planning tools.
KAYAK and Its AI Innovations
Kayak has decided to react by developing its own AI language model. Hafner admits that other companies are following suit, drawn by the decreasing costs of these advanced technologies. This initiative also coincides with providing data to Google Gemini, strengthening an ecosystem where multiple AI language models coexist.
Influencers: A New Model of Power
Trends show that influencers are now perceived as powerful intermediaries in the travel industry. Hafner acknowledges their ability to guide consumer decisions, replacing older practices like reading reviews on Tripadvisor. Companies like Expedia are taking advantage of this shift by mobilizing carefully selected content creators to recommend booking options.
KAYAK, for its part, is taking a different approach. Hafner envisions addressing the mass market with its model of sharing travel experiences, offering users the chance to share their favorite destinations while earning for the bookings generated by their recommendations.
The Future of Travel and the Impact of AI
The travel landscape is poised for substantial changes. Innovations such as the night train journeys project and reflections on the environmental impact of global sporting events are influencing user expectations for responsible tourism.
Consumers are seeking alternatives and more ethical journeys. In this effort, destinations like Reunion Island emerge as models of sustainability, capturing the interest of increasingly conscious travelers.
Challenges to Anticipate
As we move towards 2025, the need to closely monitor regulatory evolution in the realm of digital travel becomes imminent. User experience and data protection represent major issues that industry players must integrate to remain competitive in a rapidly changing sector.
The rise of new methods like raw dogging for constraint-free travel reflects the growing demand for more flexible solutions. These revolutionary trends are redefining the customer experience, creating new expectations.
