Artificial intelligence (AI)

Luxury travel’s next era: how top agents keep HNW clients in an AI world

Luxury travel is set for robust growth in the next few years, but how will developments such as AI shape the future for agents selling to a demanding clientele?

Remember, DEI is lucrative and sustainability saves you money – plus six more Aito conference takeaways

The rise of AI, an increasingly discount-led market and the business benefits of DEI and sustainability were key talking points at this year's Aito conference in Asturias. Dea Jusufi reports

'AI has raised the bar for inspiration, but interpretation is where agents still excel – they make the holiday'

'Customers can now explore possibilities instantly and visually, without leaving the sofa – but people don't want more holiday options, they want the right one,' writes Derek Jones for TTG

AI trial will elevate Hays Travel agents 'to a different level', says Dame Irene Hays

Hays hopeful of rolling out AI quote generation tool to shops, independence group members and homeworkers in time for peaks, capable of saving an agent half a day's work

Travel Counsellors' boss urges agents to embrace new AI tool: 'it will amplify your humanness'

Steve Byrne, chief executive officer of Travel Counsellors, says the new resource will enable its travel agents to focus more on their client relationships

'Trust is your new currency', plus five other AI trends influencing travellers in 2025 – and how travel agents can keep up

Travel Trends Podcast host Dan Christian shared his thoughts on how AI is changing travel for both travel agents and consumers at WTM London on Thursday, warning: 'travellers who use AI are ready to book – their credit card is out!'

The end of GDS training? Agent launches AI tool that can book holidays ‘in seconds’

Neil Robinson, former managing director at Colletts Travel, believes GDS Genie will be game-changing for travel agents.

‘They don’t want flowery language’ – Leading Hotels to launch new tool for agents as client needs shift

The global consortium is working closely with the trade to develop a resource that provides the insider information today’s luxury advisors need

'As AI search becomes the norm, agents must use it to strengthen their claim to being the experts'

As Google doubles down on AI-first search, agents must endure short-term disruption for longer-term gain writes Propellic’s Brennen Bliss for TTG, in the knowledge those who embrace AI as a research assistant rather than resist it altogether stand to strengthen their value and relevance to their clients

Agent invests in ‘aftercare’ app to prevent client loyalty ‘fizzling out’

Emily Grace has teamed up with Georgie Spurling on a wellness app designed to hold guests ‘accountable’ on their wellness journey after they check-out of the hotel.

Agents invited to join new online community aiming to demystify AI tools

AI Hive will aim to ’cut through the noise’ and share knowledge and best practice

'AI will soon become a part of every travel transaction, but there's hope yet for humans,' ITT delegates told

The Institute of Travel & Tourism debate, led by travel industry veteran Steve Endacott, argued that travel transactions would always retain some form of human touch

High-end homestay brand launches time-saving tool for luxury travel advisors

Onefinestay will give the 30,000 advisors it works with around the world exclusive access to its new booking portal.

Luxury travel boss warns AI misuse would be ‘outrage to luxury’

Little Emperors founder Rebecca Masri says AI has benefitted the luxury travel business, but vows it will never replace its human advisors.

Can travel embrace AI while retaining its human touch? Plus, 12 other ITT conference highlights

The war for talent, travel’s stand on DEI, and AI’s coming of age were among the key talking points at the 2025 ITT conference in Sardinia this week...

Agent launches platform to revolutionise hotel image access for luxury advisors

A luxury travel designer has launched a new website for agents to access hotel marketing tools, after noticing a gap in the market for a more efficient way of sourcing visual content.

Speaking to TTG Luxury, Emma Squire revealed she was inspired to start the company following years of battling “clunky systems” for content sharing.

New luxury B2B property platform recruits Darren Bond ahead of launch

Reservest was founded by chief executive Tarleton Hepburn during the pandemic after he and his partners found the process of booking luxury villas can ’be incredibly tedious’ for the trade

Abta launches free AI helpline to help members use technology correctly

The helpline will provide 30-minute sessions on a wide range of topics such as AI risk, ethical guidelines and fairness

Time-poor youngsters turning to agents to book TikTok-inspired trips, says Tui boss

Tui Group CEO Sebastian Ebel reveals what he’s learned about younger people’s holiday purchasing habits from his own children

Black Tomato launches AI ‘feelings engine’ to inspire clients

Luxury travel company also unveils new range of “emotion-led” experiences and itineraries

Lesser-known destinations and experiential travel emerge as key 2025 trends

70% of Brits would prefer to travel to new destinations, while two-thirds (66%) revealed they were more attracted to travel companies promoting lesser-known destinations

New travel app promises to halve luxury advisors’ workload

The Luxurist claims it could save luxury advisors hours on itinerary planning and give access to thousands of hotels.

AI start-up enlists Danny Waine's help to launch to agents

SystemsX says it will make it easier for agents to handle enquiries and deliver personalised services by helping them narrow down their clients’ needs, and will also assist with back office efficiencies

Holidays Extras boss says AI can and will make agents' lives easier

Holiday Extras boss Matthew Pack tells TTG the company remains committed to the trade and will test the AI-driven technology on consumers before showing it to agents. The soon-to-be former owner has managed to secure an extra £10 million investment for expansion