Trust issues

who can we trust when everything looks (AI) perfect?

February 21, 2025

Hi there,

At FutureTravel, we’re always thinking about how industries (and society) shape the way we travel. And yes, you’ve heard it before: AI is transforming travel. Better photos, more data, endless recommendations.

But here’s the catch: When everything looks perfect, how do we know what’s real? Will we be able to recognise the small imperfections and emotion that make up human communication and connection?

This is where trust comes in. But who do we trust? That’s the challenge.

Polished photos and glowing reviews won’t cut it anymore. Travelers want honest advice, the kind that comes from people who’ve been there, know the trends, and tell it like it is. AI can churn out endless data, but data alone won’t build trust. A five-star rating or a flawless AI-enhanced image doesn’t mean a hotel is actually a good choice. What travellers really need are insights like: “this hotel has a rooftop pool - but it’s under construction until July” or “this boutique hotel looks charming - but it’s on a noisy street”.

Brutal honesty will be in high demand. And it’s a currency only traded between humans.

Trust matters more than ever, and partnerships will play a big role. When a travel brand teams up with a trusted airline, hotel chain, or platform, it strengthens its own credibility. Travellers remember the brands that keep their promises - and they stick with them.

AI will keep changing how we travel. But trust? That’s human. It comes from real experiences, real accountability, and real connections. And in travel, that’s everything.

Just some thoughts. Now, here’s what’s happening in travel innovation, trends, and startups.

RoomPriceGenie just raised $75M from Five Elms Capital to expand globally and keep building its tech. The company, which helps independent hotels automate pricing, now works with 3,000 properties in 65 countries.

With the funding, Chas Scarantino takes over as CEO, while co-founder Ari Andricopoulos moves to Chief Strategy Officer, focusing on product and partnerships. The investment will also support RoomPriceGenie’s new OpenAPI, making it easier for hotels to integrate revenue management systems.

Right now, only 10% of hoteliers use an RMS. RoomPriceGenie is betting that won’t last. And that automation will soon be standard, not the exception.

A YouGov survey found that one in three people in Spain think their area is too crowded with tourists. In Catalonia, that number jumps to 48%. The main concern? Holiday rentals. 45% of Spaniards see them as a problem, compared to just 21% who feel that way about hotels.

In contrast, only 18% of French respondents see overtourism as an issue. And in the UK, Denmark, and Sweden? It’s barely on the radar.

Fun fact: this survey was done in August, during peak tourist season. 🙃

If you're in the startup world, this is where you need to be. Over 2,500 founders, investors, and startup operators will come together for 2 days of networking, insights, and real conversations.

Expect speakers you actually want to hear from (!) like unicorn founders, top investors, and industry leaders. The pitch competition will put 15 early-stage startups in the spotlight, competing for attention and investment. The networking setup is built for real connections, with a matchmaking app, topic-based meetups, and drinks to keep the conversations flowing.

This year’s EU-Startups Summit will be in Malta, at a beaaautiful venue - aka the perfect excuse for a spring getaway. And just to top it off, evening networking drinks happens on a rooftop with sunset views.

If you're serious about startups, this is the place to be. And as a FutureTravel reader, you get a little extra. Use code FTSTART20 for a discount on your tickets.

Changi Airport just made layovers a lot more active. Its new Fit&Fun Zone gives travelers a way to move, stretch, and recharge while waiting for their flights.

The space has five themed zones, designed to fight travel fatigue - whether you want to jump on trampoline pods, test your balance in a rope maze, or unwind on pendulum swings. This replaces an old gaming deck, swapping screen time for movement.

It’s part of a bigger shift in travel, where staying active is becoming a priority. From in-flight yoga guides to hotel fitness programs, more travelers are looking for ways to move, even on the go. Great to see active layovers making space in travel wellness!

The French startup Genial just secured €1.8M to scale its AI-powered assistants, designed to help destinations, hotels, and tourism brands optimize operations and improve customer interactions. Their tech integrates with Salesforce and Zendesk, bringing smarter automation to the industry.

While many travel brands use AI for chatbots, Genial is proving it can do much more. For clients like Atout France, Huttopia, and VeryChic, they’re proving that AI can drive efficiency beyond basic automation. Now, as they expand into North America, they’re pushing travel tech in a new direction.

That’s it for this week. And somehow, February is almost over!

Hope you find a moment to unplug this weekend. A book, a warm drink, good music, and time with friends (or just some quiet time) all sound like a solid plan before winter ends. And well… if ITB prep is still on your to-do list, you’re definitely not alone 😅

See you next week,
Ana

Thank you for reading until the end.

The content of this newsletter is curated and published by Ana Metz, an innovation expert, passionate about technology and excited about the future of travel.

Interested in the most innovative travel startups right now? Explore our Premium Report: “Top 100 Travel Startups” to find relevant insights for you.

Looking for a space to promote your business or service for more than 26k subscribers? Let’s talk.

FutureTravel is a weekly newsletter about the future of travel, featuring the most exciting news about innovation, trends and startups in the industry.