European travel firms expand outlets and deploy AI to reshape bookings

travel agencies expansion AI flight prediction Booking.com Leclerc Voyages EU competition regulation

Physical travel agencies in France are still growing despite high city rents. Leclerc Voyages announced plans for 25‑30 new stores by the end of 2026, aiming to raise its network by 20 % and reach about 300 points of sale by 2028. TUI France also increased its French footprint, adding outlets and shifting to a more flexible agency model.

At the same time, Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel said artificial intelligence will soon be able to predict flight cancellations and other travel disruptions, allowing the company to intervene before problems occur. Booking has partnered with OpenAI and other tech firms, while adapting to stricter EU competition rules that have forced changes to its contracts with hotels. The firm reported that its platform generated roughly €700 billion of economic activity in Europe in 2025.

Sources

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