Artificial Intelligence has been around for decades, but the last three to four years have seen a dramatic increase in the use of AI techniques in all industries, including travel. In previous articles we’ve talked about different AI techniques and potential applications, but where are the true AI innovations in our industry today? Which AI capabilities are still being over-hyped? What sectors have the greatest promise for AI? Will AI eliminate travel industry jobs? How can AI help humans to be more efficient and knowledgeable? Are we there yet, or heading for the Trough of Disillusionment?

In spite of some early-stage funding contraction, the travel startup ecosystem is alive and well. This article explores the state of innovation in travel and highlights the top trends and developments, based on the innovators who participated in Phocuswright’s Innovation Platform events in 2018. Presenters are grouped into categories based on area of focus, and key trends are summarized.

Phocuswright has tracked the launch of more than 80 travel-focused accelerators, incubators, early-stage investors and entrepreneur support programs in the last 5-7 years, not to mention dozens of pitch competitions, hackathons and conferences, including our own. Each promises to connect travel startups with a combination of industry expertise, resources, capital and exposure, and contributes to what is now a robust travel startup support ecosystem. These programs and entities have sprung from intermediaries, suppliers, destinations, investors and independent groups.