Travel operators are shifting their technology priorities away from mobile apps and toward artificial intelligence, according to new data from the TravelTech Show. The research, based on a survey of industry professionals, shows that only 7% of operators plan to integrate mobile apps in 2026, a steep decline from 30% in 2025. In contrast, 64% of respondents intend to increase AI investment over the next 12 months, focusing on improving customer experience and boosting booking conversions.
Payments and Virtual Cards Gain Ground
The survey also highlights a growing emphasis on payment flexibility. 27% of operators now offer multiple payment gateways, up from 24% in 2025, while virtual credit card usage has climbed from 17% to 24%. These trends reflect evolving consumer expectations for seamless, secure transactions across booking channels.
Despite these advances, operators face hurdles. 21% cite high transaction fees as a barrier, and 17% point to integration complexity. Nevertheless, a quarter of respondents plan to invest in booking systems to streamline the reservation process.
“Operators need to strike the balance between more unified systems and rapidly evolving customer behaviours,” said Thauan Albuquerque, TravelTech Show sales manager.
James Lemon, Global Industry Lead at Stripe, noted the broader industry shift: “2026 has seen an explosion of innovation across the travel ecosystem, fuelled by financial services, payment technology, and AI.”
The findings come as travel technology vendors like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport continue to embed AI into their platforms, while hotel groups such as Marriott and IHG experiment with AI-driven personalization. Airlines including Emirates and Singapore Airlines are also leveraging AI for dynamic pricing and customer service. For more on how destinations are adapting to these trends, see Dubai's Transit and Urban Investments Reshape Destination for Record Tourism Growth.
The TravelTech Show, Europe's premier travel technology marketplace, will take place on 24-25 June at ExCeL London. The event will feature sessions on booking and payment solutions, exploring how AI and fintech are reshaping the travel landscape. For a deeper look at outbound travel intelligence, check CrescentRating and Chameleon Strategies Unveil Asia's Most Granular Outbound Travel Intelligence Tool.
As travel operators navigate this transition, the ability to integrate AI without sacrificing payment flexibility or operational simplicity will be critical. The data underscores a clear pivot: mobile apps are no longer the primary digital touchpoint, and AI is taking center stage.
