Travel technology is reshaping the industry on a global scale, altering how travelers plan, book, and experience their journeys. A recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) reveals that 60 percent of travelers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage every aspect of their trips, compared to 48 percent of travelers in other nations. This figure is anticipated to grow as technology becomes further integrated into consumer habits.
According to the report, AI is emerging as a vital resource for travelers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten individuals have utilized AI for travel planning, with 21 percent employing it prior to their most recent journey. As AI adoption expands, it is expected to increasingly influence the delivery of personalized recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travelers. The research also indicates that travel companies are leveraging AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact.
Human connection in hospitality
In alignment with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts from the technology, hospitality, and events sectors to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalized service platforms, and data-driven designs become more commonplace.
During the event, Amy Read, VP of Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, stated: “It is important to recognize that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.”
Read emphasized the necessity for the industry to acknowledge that technology has altered guests’ expectations of hospitality providers, who now seek instant gratification and quick responses. This shift has led to the creation of innovative solutions such as SynXis Concierge AI, which employs generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers by providing immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific inquiries. This reduces reliance on individual staff knowledge and ensures consistent, high-quality service around the clock.
Further examples include Miral’s AI concierge, Majd Al, which is utilized at attractions like Yas Bay Waterfront and Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This service offers tailored suggestions based on individual preferences, assisting visitors in maximizing their experiences.
Panellists concurred that human-centric innovation begins with understanding consumer behaviour. Organizations such as Almosafer are adopting a co-creation approach, developing tools informed by customer pain points. Similarly, the travel agent platform Expedia TAAP designs technology based on insights from travel agents themselves, ensuring that its tools align with customer needs and usability.
AI’s impact on the MICE sector
Meanwhile, the rise of AI in the business events (MICE) sector is yielding significant gains in efficiency and insight. With the global meetings and events industry projected to reach $945 billion in 2025 and expected to surpass $2.3 trillion by 2032, the demand for scalable, intelligent tools has never been more pressing. Data-led personalization is now essential for driving attendee engagement and loyalty, with AI assisting in automating sourcing, translating content in real time, and generating tailored event experiences.
However, speakers collectively warned against an over-reliance on technology that compromises authenticity. As AI becomes central to personalizing travel experiences and enhancing operational efficiency, it does not replace human roles but rather reshapes them, encouraging organizations to realign talent towards more meaningful, guest-focused interactions. Ultimately, as event planners and travel providers strive to create experiences that resonate, the consensus remains that human connection must remain central to every digital advancement.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME at Arabian Travel Market, remarked: “When it comes to travel and tourism innovations, the most effective technologies are those that amplify human interactions, improve efficiency, and respond directly to customer needs. The industry has a shared commitment to responsible innovation by placing people at the centre of every technology solution.”
Reflecting the travel industry’s complete convergence with technology and innovation, ATM Travel Tech was larger than ever at the 2025 edition, showcasing over 26 percent more products. ATM 2026, scheduled to take place from May 4-7, will build upon this focus on innovation, presenting the latest technologies that are shaping the future of travel.
Growing international travel interest
Moreover, the Allianz Partners Travel Index 2025 highlights that a significant portion of UAE residents plan to increase their international travel, valuing safety and insurance highly in their travel decisions. Allianz Partners, a global provider of travel insurance and assistance services operating in over 75 countries and supporting more than 72 million cases annually, underscores the evolving traveler priorities in the region. Their survey data, conducted in early 2025 and adjusted to reflect the UAE’s national demographics, provides actionable insights for enhancing travel innovations relevant to consumer needs.
On a broader scale, regional AI trends in the UAE extend beyond travel, encompassing autonomous mobility with Dubai’s aim for 25 percent driverless trips by 2030, AI-powered government services promoting efficiency, and generative AI applications in compliance and finance sectors. These trends illustrate a government-wide embrace of AI technologies that are simultaneously enhancing travel infrastructure and customer experiences. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi is developing homegrown large-language models such as Falcon 180B, adapted to local dialects, further supporting AI’s alignment with regional needs.
