Seamless Journeys |🧠 AI in Travel: Smart Moves from Expedia & Accor

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📣 Editor’s Pick

Data Shows How Geography Shapes Payment Pain in B2B Travel

Travel businesses often overlook a key factor in their payment problems: their own location. Where you're based can make a huge difference, regardless of where your customers are going.

🌟Sector Spotlight

CONSUMER SPENDING

Contrasting Consumer Card Spend Performance Between Travel Agents and Airlines

May's consumer card spending revealed contrasting trends between travel agents and airlines, suggesting differential consumer behaviour. While travel agents barely saw a spending increase, recording a mere 0.1% rise despite an 11.4% increase in transactions, airlines experienced a near doubling of spending with a 9.7% surge from April, even as transactions decreased by 3.5%. This discrepancy hints at travellers prioritising airfare over agency services, possibly due to perceived greater value or necessity in securing flights amid growing financial concerns.

Barclays data also indicates a shift towards 'destination dupes', with 25% of UK adults opting for budget-friendly or lesser-known travel spots. Cost savings, authenticity, and novelty are driving factors behind this trend, underscoring a frugal yet adventurous consumer mindset. Despite a sunny spring providing an optimistic backdrop for travel, consumers faced financial pressure, evident in the decline of confidence in household finances. Overall consumer spending just increased by 1% YoY, highlighting a climate where discretionary spending is cautiously managed amidst uncertain economic conditions.

AI IN TRAVEL

✈️ AI in Travel: CEOs of Expedia and Accor Say Transformation Has Just Begun

At VivaTech 2025, Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin and Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin made it clear: AI is not just a tech upgrade — it's reshaping the travel industry’s business model.

Both leaders outlined how AI is already streamlining internal operations and redefining customer journeys. Accor is automating 90% of non-guest-facing roles — from logistics to legal — freeing up human capital for guest experience and upskilling. Expedia, meanwhile, is using AI to boost developer productivity and drive marketing efficiency.

🔍 Key Takeaways for Finance Leaders:

• Workforce Elevation > Job Elimination: AI will automate tasks, not replace people — especially if companies reinvest in reskilling.

• Operational Efficiency: Expect lower food waste (–50%), better energy use (–25%), and lower carbon emissions — driving ESG impact and cost savings.

• Search & Booking Is Changing: Generative AI and social platforms are reshaping how travelers plan. Expedia is adapting with tools like “Instagram Trip Matching” and private-label AI integrations.

• B2B Opportunity: 30% of Expedia’s business is already B2B — powering booking engines for other major travel brands.

• First-Party Data Is Key: Bazin warned against over-reliance on external AI providers — a strategic note for data ownership and platform partnerships.

Gorin summed it up: the future is agentic AI with a human in the loop. The challenge now? Scaling AI-powered experiences while keeping people — guests and staff — at the heart of travel.

TOURISM TRENDS

UK Arrivals to US Rise Despite Concerns Over Trade Policies and Dollar Value

UK visitor numbers to the US have risen by 2.7% up to the end of May, with May alone showing a 2.4% increase compared to last year. Despite concerns over global trade policies and the dollar's value, UK travellers remain consistent in their US travel plans. Some fluctuations, like March's 14% dip in arrivals, were largely due to the Easter holiday's timing.

Interestingly, while the UK, Italy, and Spain have shown increased visits, international arrivals to the US are down overall, with countries like Germany and France showing declines. The enduring popularity of the US as a long-haul destination for UK travellers, even amidst political and currency concerns, is noteworthy. The Travel Network Group conference highlighted the surprise continuation of this trend, underlining that even when travel seems expensive or politically fraught, the allure of the US remains significant for many British holidaymakers.

CONSUMER SCAMS ALERT

High Alert as Holidaymakers Are Warned About Rising Travel Scam Risks

Holidaymakers, be vigilant! The rise in travel scams is scarily convincing, often appearing as "recent cancellations" or "limited time offers" on faux websites and social media. FraudSMART advises sticking to trusted booking websites and scrutinising anything that sounds too good to be true.

Fraudsters are cunning, mimicking legitimate brands with alarming accuracy. Red flags include payment requests via bank transfers and urgent booking pressures. Always verify through official websites and avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions. Secure your devices with updated antivirus software and keep records of all transactions for safety.

If caught in a scam, act swiftly and contact your bank via the number on your card, also informing the Garda. By taking a cautious approach, you could save your dream holiday from becoming a nightmare! Remember, a pause before payment is crucial to avoid disappointment. Stay informed and travel safely!