AI users spend and travel more: Phocuswright
New research from Phocuswright shows that travellers using artificial intelligence for trip planning and destination support are becoming the travel industry’s highest-value customer segment. According to the report, AI users take an average of 3.8 leisure trips annually compared to 2.9 among nonusers and spend around $4,500 per year on leisure travel versus $3,000 for nonusers.
The study also found AI travellers are younger, more digitally engaged and more likely to use multiple online travel tools during the booking process. Nearly 40 per cent subscribe to paid AI services, significantly higher than the broader US population.
Phocuswright said AI has rapidly shifted from experimentation to mainstream adoption, influencing how travellers discover, research and book trips.
Amadeus reports solid Q1 2026 growth
Amadeus reported solid first-quarter 2026 growth, with group revenue rising 3.1 per cent year-on-year to €1.68 billion and adjusted EBIT increasing 6.6 per cent at constant currency. Adjusted diluted earnings per share also grew 8.8 per cent, while free cash flow reached €273.6 million.
The company said growth was moderated in March due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which impacted booking volumes and increased cancellations. Despite this, Amadeus maintained strong commercial momentum across its travel technology portfolio.
Air IT Solutions revenue grew 7.5 per cent, supported by higher passenger boarding volumes, stronger pricing dynamics and increasing adoption of Amadeus Nevio solutions. Hospitality and Other Solutions revenue rose 3.2 per cent, driven by new customer implementations and higher transactions. Amadeus also reaffirmed its focus on long-term growth, AI expansion and biometrics investment strategies.
HBX, lastminute.com expand partnership
HBX Group and lastminute.com have expanded their partnership to accelerate growth in dynamic holiday packaging across more than 50 countries and 20 languages, with a strong focus on Europe and the Americas.
The collaboration aims to deliver more personalised travel options, competitive holiday packages and a seamless booking experience as traveller expectations continue evolving through AI-driven technology and digital travel trends.
HBX Group will contribute its global travel supply network, proprietary packaging technology and data capabilities, while lastminute.com brings consumer reach and expertise in selling dynamic travel packages. Together, the companies aim to create more relevant real-time offers and strengthen connected travel experiences at scale.
visarun.ai launches AI visa platform in India
visarun.ai has launched operations in India, targeting the country’s rapidly growing outbound travel market with an AI-powered visa processing platform designed to simplify and accelerate applications. Based in Dubai, the company aims to reduce visa delays and rejection rates through automation, document verification and predictive AI tools.
The platform uses large language models and computer vision technology to validate documents against live embassy requirements, automatically correct non-compliant passport photos and streamline processes that traditionally take three to six weeks into timelines of one to three days in many cases.
A key feature is Mira, an AI-powered visa interview simulator that analyses confidence levels and facial cues while providing applicants with personalised feedback before embassy interviews.
Wego introduces stablecoin payments
Wego has partnered with Triple-A to introduce stablecoin payments for travel bookings, expanding payment flexibility for travellers across the Middle East and North Africa.
The integration allows customers to pay for flights and travel services using supported stablecoins, while Wego continues receiving settlements in local currencies.
The move reflects growing demand for digital currency payments, particularly for cross-border travel transactions where traditional payment methods may face limitations or higher decline rates. Wego said the partnership will help improve payment efficiency and booking completion rates in certain markets.