‘AI Is Everywhere – Except the P&L’: Tech Takeaways From Skift Global Forum

If the Skift Global Forum last week made one thing clear, it’s that the AI race is on. The biggest players in travel and hospitality are working — and sometimes reworking — their platforms and systems to prepare for this new era, all in service of elevating the experience and convenience factors for a consumer base that’s clamoring for the tech.

We heard from CEOs from across the travel industry, as well as investors and strategists. Here's what we heard.

1. The Top Apps Will All Be AI Apps

“I think a chat interface is replacing what we used to use Google search for,” said Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. Although he questioned whether chat interfaces will be the right way to access information, on the broader theme of AI-powered features, he made the mandate crystal clear for travel, social media, and any other mobile apps: Adapt to AI or die.

“If you go to the top 50 ranked apps in the App Store, the number one app today,