Kayak's CEO: First AI-Online Travel Deal Will Be Like 'A Dam Breaking'

Key Points

• Kayak CEO Steve Hafner predicts a major AI-travel industry partnership by 2025, potentially transforming the market.
• Concerns arise about traditional travel sites losing relevance due to changing consumer behaviors and AI advancements.
• Kayak is developing its own Large Language Model and plans to leverage social media for a mass-market approach.

Summary

Kayak CEO Steve Hafner anticipates a significant shift in the travel industry by 2025 due to a potential partnership between AI engines and major travel companies, likening it to a 'dam breaking.' He expressed concerns over traditional travel sites becoming obsolete as consumers lean more towards AI-driven solutions and social media. Meanwhile, Kayak is building its own Large Language Model and aims to harness social media's mass-market potential, while recognizing the growing influence of social media influencers in the travel sector.