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Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa Showcases AI Innovations at Arabian Travel Market 2025

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Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa have joined forces at Arabian Travel Market 2025 to showcase a new era of AI innovations revolutionizing seamless passenger service. At Arabian Travel Market 2025, these leading airlines—Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa—are setting the stage for the future of aviation by embracing cutting-edge AI innovations that redefine seamless passenger service at every touchpoint. From check-in and baggage handling to in-flight interactions and post-travel engagement, AI innovations from Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa are transforming how passengers experience air travel.

At the heart of Arabian Travel Market 2025, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa each unveiled AI-powered tools engineered to enhance seamless passenger service. With facial recognition, multilingual virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and real-time feedback systems, these AI innovations demonstrate how Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa are leading the AI transformation in global aviation.

Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa are not just showcasing technology—they are redefining expectations at Arabian Travel Market 2025. Their shared focus on AI innovations and seamless passenger service signals a bold, collaborative step into the future. As travelers demand faster, smarter, and more personalized journeys, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Cebu Pacific Air, EgyptAir, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa are rising to the challenge—together—at Arabian Travel Market 2025.

At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, Qatar Airways took center stage, unveiling groundbreaking technological advancements that redefine the future of air travel. On the first day of the event, held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Qatar Airways showcased Sama, the world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew, now upgraded with remarkable new capabilities, including fluency in Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic.

The introduction of Sama’s expanded linguistic skills marks a major leap forward in Qatar Airways’ pursuit of personalized, culturally resonant digital travel experiences for Middle Eastern and global travelers alike. Designed to handle live interactions, bookings, travel queries, and destination recommendations, Sama was a standout attraction at the airline’s experience stand, engaging visitors in real-time and illustrating the power of AI in enhancing customer service.

According to Qatar Airways’ official release, “the airline’s experience stand centered around cultural resonance, immersive innovation, and the evolving needs of today’s Arab traveler, reinforcing Qatar Airways’ leadership in reshaping the future of digital travel in the region and beyond.”

Sama: Redefining Human-AI Interaction in Air Travel

Qatar Airways’ Sama is not just another chatbot or virtual assistant. She is the embodiment of a next-generation AI digital human, capable of natural conversation, emotional recognition, and now, bilingual fluency that addresses the Middle East’s linguistic and cultural nuances.

By mastering Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic, Sama becomes an even more intuitive travel companion for Arab travelers — a segment critical to Qatar Airways’ regional dominance. She assists with everything from answering queries about flight schedules and amenities to offering personalized recommendations for destinations across Qatar Airways’ vast global network.

This advancement highlights the airline’s deep understanding that travel innovation today must be human-centric, culturally intelligent, and emotionally responsive. Qatar Airways’ investment in AI-driven customer service also positions it ahead of competitors in a global aviation market increasingly shaped by tech innovation.

A Virtual Journey through “The ORCHARD in the QVerse”

Another highlight of Qatar Airways’ ATM 2025 showcase was the launch of “The ORCHARD in the QVerse,” a virtual reality (VR) exploration of the indoor tropical garden at Hamad International Airport (HIA) — one of the airport’s most iconic attractions.

Through VR headsets, visitors were transported into a digitally recreated ORCHARD, experiencing firsthand the lush greenery, architectural marvels, and serene ambience that have made Hamad International Airport one of the world’s top-rated hubs.

This virtual immersion underlines Qatar Airways’ broader strategy to blend physical travel with virtual experiences, giving potential passengers a taste of their journey before they even board a flight.

Qsuite Next Gen: A New Benchmark in Luxury

Alongside the AI and VR advancements, Qatar Airways also presented a full-scale replica of the Qsuite Next Gen — the evolution of its award-winning premium cabin product, which was officially debuted at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom last July.

The Qsuite Next Gen builds upon the legacy of the original Qsuite, offering even more refined privacy features, sustainable materials, advanced ambient lighting, and customizable sleeping arrangements. It was designed based on extensive customer feedback, market research, and a keen focus on enhancing both luxury and functionality.

For many ATM 2025 attendees, stepping inside the Qsuite Next Gen was an unforgettable experience. It signals Qatar Airways’ relentless commitment to leading the world in premium air travel, while integrating modern sustainability goals into cabin design.

A Strategic Statement at ATM 2025

Qatar Airways’ dominant presence at ATM 2025 sends a clear strategic signal: the airline is committed not just to maintaining, but accelerating its leadership in customer experience, digital innovation, and luxury travel.

As regional and international competition intensifies, Qatar Airways’ proactive embrace of AI, VR, and next-gen cabin design reinforces its brand as a forward-thinking airline that respects tradition while innovating fearlessly. Sama’s Arabic fluency and The ORCHARD’s virtual exploration cater specifically to the emerging needs of Middle Eastern travelers, a demographic segment that demands authenticity, quality, and personal connection.

In an increasingly digital world, Qatar Airways understands that the next frontier of airline excellence lies not just in speed or price, but in creating rich, seamless, emotionally intelligent travel experiences.

Shaping the Future of Middle East Travel

The developments showcased at ATM 2025 illustrate Qatar Airways’ broader vision: to create a seamless ecosystem of travel that transcends physical and digital boundaries. Sama represents the future of AI-driven service, The ORCHARD in the QVerse shows the power of immersive brand experiences, and the Qsuite Next Gen sets a new standard in luxury flying.

As ATM 2025 concludes, Qatar Airways’ innovations are sure to dominate conversations about the future of Middle Eastern tourism, aviation technology, and customer experience design.

It’s no longer just about flying — it’s about experiencing a holistic, deeply personalized journey from the moment a traveler dreams of a destination to the moment they arrive home. And at the heart of that vision, Qatar Airways is leading with ambition, excellence, and a profound understanding of the future traveler.

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Transforming Corporate Travel: BCD’s Yannis Karmis on AI and SkyLink’s Innovations

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Friday, July 18, 2025

In an insightful interview, Mr. Yannis Karmis, Senior Vice President of Product Planning & Development at BCD Travel, explores how AI-powered solutions, specifically SkyLink, are revolutionizing the corporate travel landscape within the broader hospitality and tourism industry. Mr. Karmis highlights SkyLink’s capacity to deliver smoother, smarter, and more personalized travel experiences by automating bookings, streamlining complex itineraries, and providing instant multilingual support directly within popular collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack.

Emphasizing the solution’s user-centric design, he discusses how SkyLink optimizes travel program compliance, balances cost efficiencies, and enhances traveler productivity through intuitive conversational interactions.

Moreover, Mr. Karmis addresses how SkyLink navigates regional challenges related to data privacy and compliance, particularly in European and Asian markets, ensuring global deployment aligns with local expectations and builds trust.

Looking ahead, he envisions AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping corporate hospitality and travel management, combining automation with essential human oversight to deliver exceptional travel experiences and robust data intelligence.

How do you see AI-powered solutions like SkyLink transforming the corporate travel experience within the broader hospitality and tourism industry?
AI-powered solutions like SkyLink are making corporate travel smarter and smoother. By automating bookings, personalizing itineraries, and providing real-time support, they help companies save time and money while giving travelers a more seamless and stress-free experience.
SkyLink stands out by integrating directly into tools employees already use such as Microsoft Teams and Slack, offering a fully touchless experience that’s up to 10 times faster than traditional booking methods. It also boosts program compliance with real-time, dynamic recommendations based on company policy and market conditions.

In what ways does SkyLink enhance traveler productivity and satisfaction, especially for frequent business travelers navigating complex itineraries or last-minute changes?
SkyLink transforms the business travel experience by making it as easy as having a conversation. Travelers can describe what they need in plain language via chat or voice and book within seconds, even for complex, multi-city trips or repeat itineraries. It works right inside Microsoft Teams and Slack, so there’s no need to switch platforms. The traveler can @tag an assistant or travel arranger to join the conversation, and SkyLink will prompt hotel bookings at the right time, improving both attachment and advance booking rates.
SkyLink also flags major events, offering curated information on weather and policy, and responding instantly in multiple global languages. Whether the traveler is on his desktop or mobile, SkyLink remembers the conversation, so the traveler can pick up where he left off anytime without having to wait for an agent. And if plans change, the traveler can cancel or rebook trips, even those made outside SkyLink. It’s a flexible, intuitive solution that keeps frequent travelers productive, informed, and in control.

Can you elaborate on how SkyLink ensures travel policy compliance and cost optimization without compromising traveler comfort and personalization?
SkyLink offers the right balance between policy compliance, cost control, and traveler comfort. It uses smart nudges and real-time reminders to guide travelers toward in-policy choices, without disrupting their planning flow. By prompting hotel bookings at the right time, it improves attachment and advance booking rates, helping companies maximise their spend while making it extremely easy for the traveller. SkyLink also personalised recommendations to each traveler’s preferences, company policy, and trip context, so every option feels personal, yet compliant.

How does integrating SkyLink into platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack reflect changing trends in digital engagement within the hospitality sector?
Integrating SkyLink into Microsoft Teams and Slack reflects a major shift in how travellers want to engage with travel tools – seamlessly and right where they already work. We’ve seen an increased appetite from our customers to try new travel technologies, whether our own internal solutions or third party partner solutions and AI has accelerated that interest. By meeting users in familiar platforms, SkyLink removes friction and makes adoption easy.

With the rise of autonomous booking tools, how does BCD Travel maintain the balance between human service excellence and automation in business travel?
Travel is deeply human and personal. While technology advancements help in reducing traveler friction, the human touch cannot never be replaced, especially in times of emergency. As a TMC, we’ll never lose sight of the importance of human connection. We see AI as an opportunity to help our people work smarter and faster, focusing on high-impact tasks that drive traveler (and client) satisfaction. Further, our technologies will always have the human oversight of technologists and business analysts to monitor and measure precision.

What unique challenges and opportunities does BCD face when introducing AI-powered travel assistants into different global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia?
Introducing AI-powered travel assistants like SkyLink into global markets brings both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. In regions like Europe and Asia, there’s strong interest in AI but also a heightened focus on data privacy, security, and compliance. While the technical onboarding is relatively straightforward, the review process can take longer due to thorough evaluations by clients’ security and compliance teams. That said, once we engage directly with these teams, progress tends to accelerate. The opportunity lies in meeting this demand with transparency, flexibility, and local sensitivity, ensuring we deliver innovation that aligns with regional expectations and builds trust.

Looking ahead, how does BCD Travel envision the role of AI in shaping the future of corporate hospitality and travel management over the next 3 to 5 years?
In the next 3 to 5 years, AI will play a key role in transforming corporate travel and hospitality. It’s moving beyond basic automation to deliver smarter, more personalized experiences, helping travelers get what they need faster, while helping companies manage costs and stay within policy. With real-time guidance, predictive insights, and easy integration into everyday tools, AI will help strike the right balance between traveler satisfaction and business goals. At BCD, we’re focused on building AI solutions that focus on agent efficiency, traveler satisfaction and data intelligence.

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Accel Powers New Wave of AI and LeapTech Startups, Igniting Travel Industry Innovation and Global Tourism Growth

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Friday, July 11, 2025

The travel industry is standing at the brink of a radical transformation, and the engines of that change are roaring louder than ever. Accel, a global powerhouse in venture capital, has announced a bold expansion of its pre-seed scaling program, unveiling Accel Atoms AI and Accel Atoms X.

This move is set to fuel the next generation of travel tech startups. These innovators could redefine how people explore the world, how airlines optimize operations, and how hotels deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

Startups Fuel AI Boom in Travel

AI is no longer just a buzzword. It’s becoming the core driver reshaping the tourism and travel landscape. With Accel Atoms AI, the VC firm is focusing on Indian and Indian-origin founders poised to build AI solutions with global impact.

These founders are stepping into a unique opportunity. Travel is inherently global, and solutions that enhance real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and customer personalization can ripple across borders.

From AI agents handling complex itinerary changes for travelers to systems analyzing demand patterns across continents, the potential for AI in tourism is explosive.

Moreover, Accel’s decision to back startups from day zero ensures that founders can test, iterate, and launch transformative products without being bogged down by geographical limits.

Travel and Cross-Border AI Ambition

In the past, travel tech startups often started locally, refining solutions for one market before scaling. That model is fading fast.

Indian-origin founders are now moving into global markets earlier than ever, aiming to serve travelers in New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore—all at once.

Travel businesses, especially airlines and hotel groups, want partners who can operate on a global scale. They seek technology providers who understand regulatory nuances in the US, consumer behavior in Europe, and emerging market dynamics in Asia.

AI plays a crucial role in this shift. Whether it’s dynamic pricing for flights, predictive maintenance for aircraft, or hyper-personalized travel offers, AI is enabling the travel industry to operate with a precision once unimaginable.

Accel’s support for Indian-origin founders globally could unlock solutions that help airlines reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and deliver better traveler experiences.

LeapTech Set to Redefine Travel Experiences

Meanwhile, Accel’s Atoms X program is opening doors for innovations that feel like science fiction today but could become everyday reality tomorrow.

LeapTech focuses on breakthrough products, technologies, or business models that can radically improve human experiences—including travel.

For tourism and hospitality, this could mean:

  • Advanced robotics managing hotel operations seamlessly.
  • Next-generation aircraft designs reducing flight times dramatically.
  • Sustainable tourism solutions built around new materials or energy systems.
  • Virtual reality travel experiences so immersive they redefine destination marketing.

These ideas often need longer development timelines. Traditional venture capital models hesitate at such horizons. Yet Accel’s willingness to back these founders right from inception shows deep conviction in reshaping industries—including how people move and explore the world.

Travel Professionals Must Watch AI Trends Closely

For travel professionals, these developments can’t be ignored. The companies emerging from programs like Accel Atoms AI and Atoms X could soon be the partners airlines, hotel chains, and tour operators rely on to stay competitive.

The future of travel booking might be determined by a startup’s AI agent that can plan multi-country itineraries, navigate visa regulations, and optimize costs instantly.

Meanwhile, LeapTech startups could design entirely new categories of travel products—from aircraft that consume half the fuel to biodegradable hotel materials that delight eco-conscious travelers.

The competitive advantage for travel companies will hinge on identifying and integrating these innovations faster than rivals.

Tourism Faces Fresh Opportunities and Challenges

While AI brings opportunities, it also raises questions about privacy, data security, and fairness in pricing. Personalized offers can delight travelers, but hyper-dynamic pricing could spark backlash if consumers feel manipulated.

Moreover, LeapTech may raise regulatory hurdles. Innovations like urban air mobility or AI-driven border control systems require governments and travel operators to align faster than ever before.

For tourism boards and travel policymakers, the stakes are high. Embracing these technologies could position regions as leaders in sustainable and smart tourism. Ignoring them could leave destinations behind in a hyper-connected world.

Funding Fuels Ambition

Startups joining Accel’s programs can receive up to $1 million in funding alongside access to over $5 million in perks and infrastructure support from Accel’s partners.

This funding power ensures that travel-focused AI or LeapTech startups can build robust solutions without compromising on speed or scale.

Founders also benefit from mentorship by global industry leaders, helping them navigate not just technical challenges but the unique dynamics of the travel market—from regulatory issues to seasonal demand swings.

India at the Heart of Global Travel Innovation

India is emerging as a pivotal player in global travel tech innovation. With its massive engineering talent pool and increasingly sophisticated startup ecosystem, Indian-origin founders are uniquely positioned to solve travel problems at global scale.

Accel’s programs recognize this potential, offering a bridge between India’s deep tech expertise and the world’s largest tourism markets.

As travel recovers and evolves post-pandemic, new demands are surfacing. Travelers want seamless digital experiences, hyper-personalized service, and sustainable practices. Airlines and hospitality brands are under pressure to transform.

Indian-origin founders, backed by programs like Accel Atoms AI and Atoms X, could deliver the solutions that define the travel industry’s next decade.

The Road Ahead for Travel Tech

Accel’s expanded programs represent more than investment—they’re signals of where the travel industry is heading.

AI and LeapTech will reshape how airlines price seats, how hotels delight guests, and how entire cities market themselves to visitors. For travel professionals, staying ahead means keeping a close eye on the innovations emerging from startup ecosystems like Accel’s.

Change is arriving faster than ever. The winners in the travel industry will be those who see it coming—and seize it with both hands.



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Emerging Business Travel Startups To Compete At Business Travel Show America 2025: Key Innovations In AI, Expense Management And More To Watch There

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Friday, July 11, 2025

The business travel landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by a combination of emerging technologies and innovative solutions that aim to make corporate travel smoother, more cost-effective, and more efficient. The upcoming Business Travel Show America 2025, scheduled to take place in New York on October 15-16, promises to showcase some of the most groundbreaking advancements in this space, with 12 dynamic startups and scale-ups competing to demonstrate their unique approaches to reshaping the industry.

This highly anticipated faceoff, sponsored by American Express Global Business Travel, will see these companies battle for attention from industry leaders, decision-makers, and potential investors.The competition provides a platform for these companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies in various sectors of corporate travel, including artificial intelligence (AI), expense management, hotel booking, and event planning.

It is designed not only to highlight the importance of innovation in corporate travel but also to allow these emerging businesses to pitch their solutions to an audience that includes the industry’s top decision-makers. In an era where businesses are constantly searching for ways to streamline operations, save on costs, and improve employee travel experiences, the solutions presented at the Business Travel Show America could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

The Finalists: A Glimpse into the Future of Corporate Travel

The competition will feature a diverse range of finalists, each presenting a distinct approach to solving the pain points of corporate travel. The 12 finalists include companies focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data solutions, all aimed at improving various facets of the travel experience for business professionals. Here’s a closer look at the finalists:

  1. Altour – Leveraging AI-powered communication tools to improve traveler experience by automating responses and streamlining the booking process.
  2. EmPath and Juno – Platforms designed to enhance the traveler experience, focusing on personalization and real-time updates to ensure employees have the best possible trip experience.
  3. Engine – A platform that simplifies group planning with live hotel pricing, allowing companies to easily manage corporate events and large-scale bookings.
  4. FareAudit – A real-time fare auditing solution that ensures companies are paying the best rates for air travel and that no overpayments are made on tickets.
  5. Groupize and Nowadays – Focused on AI-driven event management, these platforms aim to streamline the planning process, reducing the time and resources needed to organize successful corporate events.
  6. HRS – A hotel platform that provides a wide range of services for corporate travel, including booking, expense tracking, and managing accommodations for business travelers.
  7. Roamr – A unique cultural travel network that aims to integrate cultural experiences into business travel, offering employees opportunities for local engagement during business trips.
  8. SeatCash – Specializing in airfare prediction, this platform uses data analytics to forecast future flight prices, helping companies save money by booking at the most opportune times.
  9. Traxo – Providing data insights, this tool helps companies track and manage business travel data, providing actionable intelligence to optimize travel policies and reduce costs.
  10. Versa – A platform that automates the expense receipt process, allowing travelers and companies to streamline the reimbursement process and avoid manual data entry.

These companies represent the cutting edge of corporate travel, utilizing technology to address long-standing challenges in the industry. With innovations that touch on everything from AI-enhanced communication tools to AI-powered event management, these startups are paving the way for smarter, more efficient corporate travel solutions.

Innovation Driving Change in the Corporate Travel Industry

As corporate travel continues to rebound from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for smarter, more efficient travel management tools has never been higher. According to recent research by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the business travel industry is expected to see substantial growth over the next few years, with companies focusing on improving the traveler experience and cutting costs.

Startups like those competing at the Business Travel Show America are addressing key pain points that have plagued businesses for years. With the implementation of AI and machine learning, companies can automate manual tasks, manage budgets more effectively, and improve the overall travel experience for employees. From automating expense receipts to predicting the best airfare rates, the future of corporate travel will be powered by these advanced technologies.

In fact, AI is expected to play a major role in the future of business travel. AI-powered communication tools, like those offered by Altour, can significantly improve the booking experience, allowing employees to interact with virtual assistants to answer questions and make changes to their travel plans in real-time. Similarly, AI-driven expense management tools such as Versa are helping businesses simplify their financial processes, automating expense report creation and reimbursement approvals.

The Role of Travel Tech in Shaping Corporate Travel

Travel technology has evolved from simple booking systems to complex platforms that integrate AI, data analytics, and real-time feedback to optimize every aspect of business travel. The trend toward more automated, personalized travel experiences is clear, and it’s only expected to accelerate in the coming years. As businesses become more focused on optimizing their travel budgets and improving employee satisfaction, the role of innovative startups in the corporate travel space will continue to grow.

The competition at the Business Travel Show America underscores the importance of collaboration between startups, established industry players, and corporate travel decision-makers. It’s an exciting time for the business travel industry as new technologies promise to transform how companies manage their travel programs, creating more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

The Future of Corporate Travel

The Business Travel Show America 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of technology in the corporate travel sector. As AI, machine learning, and data-driven solutions continue to reshape how business travel is managed, the tools and solutions presented at the event will undoubtedly influence how companies approach corporate travel in the years to come.

For those attending, the opportunity to see these innovative startups pitch their solutions offers a glimpse into the future of business travel. Whether it’s improving traveler experience, enhancing expense management, or optimizing hotel bookings, the finalists at the Business Travel Show America represent the best and brightest of the future of corporate travel.

Conclusion

As the corporate travel space evolves ever further, technology breakthroughs like those exhibited by the Business Travel Show America startups are building the road to the next evolution of business travel. Through the implementation of these new wave technologies, organisations are able to streamline, save, and provide a seamless employee travel experience. Whether through comms platforms powered by AI, real-time expense reconciliation, or smarter event management systems, the corporate travel future is bright—and the Business Travel Show America competition will unveil the best offerings to help organisations navigate the new space.



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