Tuesday, June 24, 2025

As the global travel industry finds itself on the cusp of a technological revolution, events like , held in the vibrant city of , continue to shine a light on the ideas, innovators, and influencers shaping the future of travel. One such voice is , Vice President of Partnerships and Research at , who offered a compelling look into how startups and AI technologies are transforming the travel and hospitality ecosystem—especially for corporate travelers.

Participating in Phocuswright not just as an attendee but as a judge for the prestigious , Moscovici had a front-row seat to witness what she describes as “an exciting spectrum of travel innovations.” From nearly 30 contenders, she observed a surge in startups that are no longer only focused on AI and software platforms—but are beginning to blend digital innovation with real-world, physical service enhancements.

“We saw a ton of variety,” Moscovici shared. “Yes, AI and booking innovation were strong themes, but what caught my eye was the rise of startups integrating in the hotel experience. That kind of diversity was really exciting.”

Among the standout ideas presented was a solution aimed at —particularly relevant in today’s staffing-challenged hospitality sector. One startup introduced a platform enabling to digitally inspect and validate room standards with real-time feedback mechanisms. In Moscovici’s view, this intersection of represents the kind of scalable, high-impact innovation the industry needs.

She emphasized that for corporate travelers, quality and consistency in accommodation aren’t just luxuries—they are necessities.

“As someone working in business travel, I know how much the hotel experience impacts a traveler’s ability to stay . These kinds of tech-driven quality upgrades directly improve the business traveler’s journey.”

The conversation naturally shifted toward AI—specifically and their growing role in the future of travel booking. Moscovici sees this technology as a critical inflection point.

“We’re seeing travelers gravitate toward platforms that offer combined with the ,” she said. “And with LLMs becoming more robust, the potential to deliver is immense.”

From smart recommendations to dynamic itinerary building, AI is enabling a new era of travel planning that is . However, this innovation comes with a caveat: it’s raising consumer expectations across the board.

“Buyers are going to demand more,” she warned. “And as service providers, we need to —offering not just better booking experiences, but deeper intelligence and insight throughout the travel cycle.”

As one of the industry’s leading , BCD Travel is no stranger to large-scale transformation. With a client roster that includes some of the world’s largest corporations, Moscovici highlighted how BCD is aligning its strategy with the evolving priorities of today’s global business environment.

“In 2025, our clients’ top priorities are , especially given the uncertainty around global travel pricing,” she noted. “But beyond that, what remains constant—year after year—is our focus on .”

This sense of responsibility underscores much of BCD’s long-term investment strategy. The company is channeling significant resources—both technological and human—into building solutions that offer for their clients’ employees on the road.

“We’re not just solving travel problems,” Moscovici explained. “We’re helping companies , maintain productivity, and meet their broader business goals in an unpredictable world.”

What makes Phocuswright Europe such a powerful platform is its ability to in the same space. This convergence of fresh ideas and seasoned execution, Moscovici believes, is essential for pushing the industry forward.

“New ideas from the startups and more globally grounded strategies from the larger players—they complement each other,” she said. “It’s how we build a better, more balanced future for travel.”

Set against the stunning urban canvas of Barcelona, Phocuswright Europe 2025 provided the perfect atmosphere for collaboration and creativity. The city, with its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure, mirrored the very tension between tradition and innovation that the travel industry is navigating today.

And for someone like Moscovici—who stands at the intersection of partnerships, research, and strategic foresight—it’s this that inspires hope.

“Innovation doesn’t always mean disruption,” she concluded. “Sometimes, it’s about . That’s what excites me most about where we’re headed.”