The Future is Agentic: AI and Travel Tech Reimagined

Leading on from our last event, AI in Action, this next chapter in TTI’s thought leadership series explores the transformative power of Agentic AI and the future of Travel Tech.

We’re standing on the brink of a seismic shift in travel – agentic commerce is poised to redefine not just how we book, but why and when we travel.

AI agents will soon handle every step of a travel booking: sourcing optimal itineraries, negotiating rates, securing payments and even flagging unexpected delays in real time. This evolution won’t simply streamline operations; it will demand new standards in:

- Trust & Transparency: How do we ensure our AI advisors abide by ethical data usage and clear consent?

- Strategic Partnerships: Which technology and finance players will emerge as the architects of this new ecosystem?

- Human Oversight: Where should we draw the line between full automation and the irreplaceable value of human judgement?

As travel and tech leaders, our challenge is twofold: to architect seamless, secure AI experiences—and to champion the human insight that gives them purpose. Are you ready to lead the conversation on agentic commerce? Join us at TTI’s Autumn Conference - The Future is Agentic: AI and Travel Tech Reimagined.

Speakers

• Mike Jones, Chief Technology Officer, loveholidays
• Matthew Newton, Chief Architect & VP Enterprise Architecture, Technology Strategy & Planning, CWT
• Douglas McIlwraith, Director of Data Science & Machine Learning, Viator
• James Gray, VP of Digital Marketing, Remarkable
• Paul Stephen, co-Founder, Remarkable
• speaker TBA, SystemsX

Detailed Agenda

09:30 Coffee and Refreshments

10:00 Welcome & TTI Update

Jon Pickles, Chairman, TTI

10:10 Keynote: The Future of Tech at loveholidays

Mike Jones, Chief Technology Officer, loveholidays

Mike has been CTO at loveholidays for just over six years. Across that time he has instituted disciplined measurement covering everything from engagement, engineering velocity, system reliability, and cost attribution. The result is that he has created a foundation for proving transformation actually works and has now been supercharged by AI. Hear from Mike how this was achieved and how loveholidays is now utilising AI.

10:30 Digital Darwinism in Travel: Evolve Fast or Get Cancelled

Paul Stephen, co-Founder, RemarkableJames Gray, VP of Digital Marketing, Remarkable

We’re not in an era of digital transformation — we’re in an era of digital extinction. Most travel brands are clinging to outdated playbooks, proudly claiming digital maturity while operating with siloed data, clunky content systems, and personalisation strategies stuck in 2016. We’ll expose that 85% of brands are faking it, while a ruthless, innovative 15% are redefining the traveller journey with AI, real-time data, and seamless omnichannel experiences. Today’s travellers expect more than booking engines—they want curated, connected, emotionally intelligent journeys. If your brand can’t deliver on that promise instantly, you’re not just behind—you’re irrelevant. We’ll explore the brutal truth of digital evolution: adapt, automate, personalise—or perish.

10:50 Q&A Panel Session

11:05 Networking Coffee Break

11:35 Does Agentic AI have a Place in Corporate Travel?

Matthew Newton, Chief Architect & VP Enterprise Architecture, Technology Strategy & Planning, CWT

Matthew was appointed to lead the transformation of global Enterprise Architecture and the Enterprise PMO, working closely with the C-suite and board to align strategy with delivery and ensure CWT is supported by scalable, future-ready capabilities. In this session you hear from the Chief Architect of one of the world’s largest TMCs the role AI has to play in corporate travel.

11:55 The Role of AI in the Tours and Attractions Industry

Douglas McIlwraith, Director of Data Science & Machine Learning, Viator

Viator, a TripAdvisor Company, is the world’s leading marketplace for travel experiences with over 300,000 travel experiences offered on its website, from simple tours to extreme adventures. Perhaps more than any other travel sector, AI is set to disrupt the tours and attractions industry. In this session, you will hear from Viator’s Director of Data Science & Machine Learning how Viator is harnessing AI and the effect it may have on this important sector of travel.

12:15 AI technologies addressing travel industry-specific challenges

Speaker TBA, SystemsX

SystemsX is a UK-based technology company. Incorporated just two years ago, its mission is to deliver solutions through cutting-edge AI and automation. In this session, you will hear how AI tech is being put in to practice right now, as well as thoughts on the future impact of Agentic AI in travel.

12:35 Q&A Panel Session

12:55 Chairman’s Summary

Jon Pickles, Chairman, TTI

13:00 Close followed by Networking Lunch