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TravelTech Show research reveals shifts in travel operator booking and payment tool adoption
Mobile app investment and integration across travel booking and payment platforms has slowed in the last year as operators increasingly turn attention to AI to drive customer engagement and spend. Mobile apps are now being integrated by just seven per cent of operators, down from nearly a third – 30 per cent – in 2025.
Whilst many travel operators have mobile apps in place, AI looks set to divert the sector’s focus towards driving Agentic AI bookings and building AI-native platforms.
Research from the TravelTech Show’s annual travel operator and buyer survey also reveals 12 per cent growth in AI investment across the sector. 64 per cent of travel operators plan to increase AI investment in the next 12 months – up from 52 per cent in 2025 – in the hope it will improve customer experience, increase loyalty and booking conversions and cut costs.
In addition, multiple payment options and virtual credit cards integrations have also increased as customer demand for greater choice and flexibility also rises.
Transaction fees pose the biggest challenge
The survey also highlighted some of the challenges operators face across booking and payment platforms. In particular:
High transaction fees – 21%
Integration complexity – 17%
User experience limitations – 9%
AI set for promotion from booking assistant to booking manager
Despite these challenges, a quarter are planning to invest in booking and reservation systems to enhance the booking process over the next year.
Nearly half – 43 per cent – are currently using AI technology as a booking assistant. Likewise, when asked where they want AI to have the biggest impact on their business in the next one to two years, nearly a fifth - 18 per cent - said booking conversion rates.
This year’s TravelTech Show conference programme includes several sessions focused on booking and payment solutions and strategies. TravelTech Show is Europe’s only travel technology marketplace, built for business. It takes place 24-25 June 2026 at Excel London. To find out more please visit: traveltech-show.com
This content is not produced by TTG Media. It is uploaded directly by travel industry suppliers. Are you a travel PR?
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