
Phocuswright Europe 2025 spotlights on AI agents in travel
Phocuswright Europe 2025 spotlights AI's transformative role in travel, uniting global leaders to explore intelligent agents shaping the industry's future.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Phocuswright Europe 2025, the travel industry's premier executive conference, is set to deliver its most compelling and timely agenda to date, focusing intensely on the 'The New Age(nts)' theme. From June 10-12 at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, the event will bring together global thought leaders to explore how generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous agents are not just shaping the future, but actively rewriting the rules of travel right now.
AI agents have dominated recent headlines, with breakthroughs promising to revolutionize how consumers interact with technology and how industries operate. Travel is at the forefront of this transformation.
Phocuswright Europe's agenda is meticulously designed to cut through the hype, offering concrete discussions and actionable insights on how these intelligent agents can be applied across the travel tech ecosystem – from streamlining complex itineraries and personalizing recommendations to automating bookings and enhancing customer service. Attendees will discover how AI-powered companions are set to manage every facet of the trip, allowing travelers to simply enjoy their journey.
'Our mission at Phocuswright is to bring the most forward-thinking leaders together to address the crucial questions shaping the future of travel,' said Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright. 'As the industry stands at the crossroads of significant change, driven by AI, digital identity, and a heightened focus on sustainability, Phocuswright Europe 2025 will serve as the essential platform for executives to gain actionable insights and make informed decisions about the future.'
The conference program features a dynamic mix of high-level interviews, in-depth panel discussions, and innovation showcases. Key topics will include:
The impact of AI on every facet of travel – from search and booking to in-destination experiences and back-office operations, how AI is fundamentally changing business.
The evolving landscape of distribution – examining new models and the role of technology and innovation in connecting with travelers
Digital identity and seamless experiences – how the convergence of GenAI with digital identity can unlock truly personalized and frictionless travel
Innovation in hospitality tech – An inside look at how disruptors are accelerating innovation and addressing current challenges
With a speaker lineup featuring leaders from Expedia Group, Google, OAG and many more, Phocuswright Europe 2025 offers unparalleled access to the strategic minds leading this revolution. The event promises to be an essential gathering for travel industry professionals seeking to understand the forces driving change and to position their businesses for future success in this new age of intelligent agents.
The event takes place the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, from June 10-12.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Travel Daily News
13 hours ago
- Travel Daily News
Tenerife hotel workers start summer strikes over pay dispute
Tenerife hotel workers plan weekly strikes from July 4 over stalled pay talks, threatening major disruption during peak summer tourist season. Hotel workers across Tenerife are set to stage weekly strikes during the peak tourism season in July and August, with industrial action scheduled to begin on July 4. The strikes, organised by the main tourism unions, will take place every Friday and are expected to impact operations across the island, particularly in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The planned walkouts come in response to a stalled negotiation process over salary increases. Union representatives are demanding a 6.5% pay rise as part of talks for a new collective agreement and accuse employers of a 'stubborn refusal' to engage in meaningful dialogue. Union members intend to hold protests outside major hotel chains to maximise the disruption, potentially affecting thousands of holidaymakers, including a significant number of British tourists, during the height of the summer holiday season. Manuel Fitas, a leading figure from the Grassroots Trade Unionists, said that employers were given a 15-day deadline, starting May 29, to respond to workers' pay demands. That deadline has now passed without resolution. 'We gave employers a 15-day deadline to respond to their demand for a 6.5 per cent salary increase before negotiating a new agreement,' Fitas stated, expressing frustration over the lack of engagement. The local employers' association, however, struck a more cautious tone. Juan Pablo González, its manager, said they remained 'moderately optimistic' about the ongoing talks. He also reaffirmed that any agreement would have to be reached at the negotiation table. 'We limit everything to the table because that is how collective agreements are negotiated,' González said. The final dates for the protests and strike action are expected to be confirmed on June 16. The announcement adds to the wider wave of anti-tourism and labour-related protests that have been sweeping across Spain since April 2024, raising concerns about potential disruption to the summer travel season.


Travel Daily News
16 hours ago
- Travel Daily News
JetBlue Vacations expands Insider Experience to San Juan
JetBlue Vacations, powered by Paisly, announced the expansion of its Insider Experience program to San Juan, Puerto Rico, enhancing the customer experience with personalized service and reinforcing the airline's long-standing commitment to the island as its largest airline. Customers booking a JetBlue Vacations flight + hotel package to San Juan at select hotels will now enjoy the trusted, concierge-style service of local Insiders, who are available to enhance their travel experience from arrival to departure. Launched in 2020 and currently available in Aruba, Cancún, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, Nassau, St. Lucia and Tulum, the Insider Experience puts customers in the hands of knowledgeable, on-the-ground experts who provide airport meet-and-greet services, free airport transfers, and 24/7 support throughout their stay. JetBlue operates more scheduled flights and offers more seats to and from the island than any other carrier – making this latest expansion a natural next step in deepening its presence and support for the destination. Travelers to San Juan will now have access to a dedicated local Insider who can assist with recommendations, booking activities, and addressing any in-destination needs. As part of this expansion, all JetBlue Vacations customers booking a flight + hotel package to San Juan will also receive a free guided walking tour of Old San Juan, in partnership with the Municipality of San Juan. This immersive tour invites travelers to explore the city's 500-year history, walk its iconic blue cobblestone streets, and discover legendary landmarks such as San Juan Bautista Cathedral, San Felipe del Morro Fort, and Casa Blanca Museum, once home to Juan Ponce de León. 'Puerto Rico has always been a favorite destination for our JetBlue Vacations customers, and we're excited to bring even more value to their trips with the Insider Experience,' said Jamie Perry, president of Paisly, JetBlue's travel subsidiary. 'With local Insiders offering personalized support and great perks like a complimentary Old San Juan walking tour, we're making it easier for travelers to explore and enjoy everything the island has to offer,' Perry added. The JetBlue Vacations Insider Experience in San Juan will provide: Meet-and-greet service upon arrival at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Complimentary airport transfers to and from customers' hotels 24/7 access to local Insiders via phone or WhatsApp for assistance throughout their stay Personalized recommendations and booking support for activities, dining, and excursions Expedited issue resolution, with Insiders empowered to handle on-the-ground requests quickly 'The expansion of JetBlue Vacations' Insider Experience program to San Juan reaffirms the Island's continued development as a world-class travel destination. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative, which offers visitors authentic and meaningful experiences while supporting local businesses and promoting the rich culture and history of our capital city,' said Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Through this initiative, JetBlue continues to support Puerto Rico's tourism industry, promote cultural experiences, and enhance the overall travel journey for its customers. With a growing network of flights and the recent launch of a new crew base in San Juan, JetBlue remains deeply committed to strengthening its ties with the local community and creating unforgettable travel experiences.


Travel Daily News
19 hours ago
- Travel Daily News
ITM Inclusive Travel Taskforce releases new guide
ITM launches a new guide and webinar to help companies embed DE&I into travel policies, supporting inclusive, safe, and equitable business travel for all. Empowering companies to build inclusive travel programmes, the Institute of Travel Management (ITM)'s latest Taskforce has produced a new guide to help organisations across different sectors embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) into their corporate travel policies and practices. Accessible to all, the guide will be available both in written and audio format and will be supported by a free webinar on 19 June, 10 – 11:00 (BST)*. The taskforce** brings together voices from both buyers and suppliers to provide a well-rounded perspective. Representative of the collaborative approach required to consider the needs of all individuals; the guide encourages a true partnership of both internal and external parties across the business. Offering actionable insights that build on duty of care initiatives, the webinar and guide is applicable to all, whether you are in the initial stages of building an inclusive travel strategy or developing an established policy. Outputs serve as a practical roadmap for travel managers and associated stakeholders to create travel programmes that account for the varied needs of a diverse workforce — including considerations related to race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, and neurodiversity, which may put a traveller at greater risk than others. From conducting inclusive risk assessments to supplier engagement and employee feedback mechanisms, the guide provides clear steps to transform intent into impact. ITM board member and Taskforce representative, Sue Jones added, 'Be reassured that we, our buyer members and our supplier members are all learning together, so the important thing to remember is that you are not alone in this!' Motivating others to embark on this journey, this series of resources incites meaningful change – 'keep in mind that the steps we take towards making business travel truly inclusive will make a positive difference to our travellers, to our organisations, and to society as a whole.' Supporting individuals to be their complete selves in all aspects of their working life; both at home and 'on the road' without discriminations, barriers and/ or burden; the guide alongside this month's webinar, addresses the following key topics: Key topics addressed include: Understanding different traveller experiences through different perspectives Embedding inclusive practices into travel risk management and duty of care Engaging with diverse suppliers and accommodation partners Building feedback loops that centre employee voices Leveraging data to measure inclusivity in travel spend and policy impact Building an Inclusive Travel Programme will be available to download via ITM Resources from 19 June; following the associated webinar earlier that same morning. * Non ITM members must first create a free Connect profile before registering at **Taskforce members include Sue Jones at HSBC, Adam Hickingbotham at Atkins Realis, Kayleigh Rogers at Amex GBT, Carolyn Pearson at Maiden Voyage, Kerry Smith at Mott MacDonald, Louise Kilgannon at FESTIVE ROAD and a Travel Manager from Banking and Financial Services