Travel operators are increasingly prioritising artificial intelligence (AI) over mobile apps, according to new research from the TravelTech Show. The study reveals a significant decline in mobile app integration, with only 7% of operators adopting them in 2026, down from 30% in 2025. Instead, 64% of operators plan to increase AI investment in the next year, aiming to enhance customer experience and drive booking conversions.
The shift towards AI is accompanied by a rise in multiple payment options and virtual credit cards, reflecting growing customer demand for flexibility. The survey indicates that 27% of operators now offer multiple payment gateways, up from 24% in 2025, whilst virtual credit card usage has increased from 17% to 24%.
Despite these advancements, operators face challenges such as high transaction fees (21%) and integration complexity (17%). Nevertheless, a quarter of operators intend to invest in booking systems to improve the reservation process.
Thauan Albuquerque, TravelTech Show sales manager, commented on the findings: “Operators need to strike the balance between more unified systems and rapidly evolving customer behaviours.”
James Lemon, Stripe Global Industry Lead, noted the industry's shift: “2026 has seen an explosion of innovation across the travel ecosystem, fuelled by financial services, payment technology, and AI.”
The TravelTech Show, Europe's premier travel technology marketplace, will take place on 24-25 June at Excel London, featuring sessions on booking and payment solutions. The event promises to explore the evolving landscape of travel technology and its impact on the industry
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
