Technology and human support drive shifts in global travel industry

The global travel and tourism industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. The Arabian Travel Market 2026, scheduled for September 14–17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will focus on these shifts, including the integration of artificial intelligence for itinerary planning, biometric airport experiences, and data-driven hotel personalization.

In the corporate sector, research indicates a growing demand for a hybrid approach to travel management. While technology excels at handling routine tasks such as flight searches, hotel bookings, and simple itinerary changes, human support remains critical during complex disruptions. According to CTM research, 50% of respondents believe a combination of technology and human assistance provides the optimal traveler experience, noting that human intervention is essential for managing stressful situations like cancelled flights or urgent international itinerary changes.