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November 7, 2025By: Tuhin SarkarThe travel industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. At the World Travel Market (WTM) London’s Technology Summit, industry leaders, tech experts, and innovators gathered to explore AI’s potential and how it is revolutionising the tourism landscape. The key takeaway from this year’s summit? AI is here to stay, but the journey is just beginning.The AI Debate: A Double-Edged SwordThe debate on AI’s role in the travel sector reached new heights at WTM London. On one side, proponents hailed AI as a game-changer for the travel industry. They argued that AI is already helping businesses streamline operations, boost customer service, and enhance the traveller experience. On the other side, skeptics raised concerns about the technology’s reliability, suggesting that AI’s lack of human intuition and creativity could make it an unreliable guide for the travel world.Advertisement Despite the reservations, the show of hands at the end of the debate clearly demonstrated that the majority of the audience believed in AI’s transformative power. The sentiment was clear: while AI has its flaws, its future potential is vast, and its ability to revolutionise the travel industry cannot be overlooked.AI’s Growing Influence on the Travel IndustryAI is already deeply embedded in the travel sector, offering solutions across customer service, operations, and personalisation. Travel companies, from global OTAs to budget airlines, are leveraging AI to optimise the traveller experience, cut costs, and improve efficiencies. One notable example is Trip.com, which uses AI to answer basic customer queries autonomously while also being able to escalate more complex issues to human agents when necessary. This seamless blend of AI and human intervention highlights the future of AI in travel: a balance of efficiency and personal touch.Additionally, companies like easyJet are integrating AI into nearly all aspects of their operations, from flight bookings to customer engagement. AI’s abili …
