Everything AI in Travel chats to Bethany Reitsma of the Travel Tech Association about startup funding in the age of AI

Om avsnittet

In this episode of the Everything AI in Travel podcast, Tony Carne sits down with Bethany Reitsma from the Travel Technology Association to explore the fast-changing world of travel tech startups, AI-native companies, angel investing, and the future of innovation in travel.

Bethany shares how the Travel Technology Association evolved from representing major industry players like Booking, Expedia, and TripAdvisor into building a growing startup ecosystem focused on helping founders get connected, get advice, and get funded.

They discuss:

Why AI-native travel startups are emerging faster than ever
The challenge of fundraising in travel tech today
How angel investors are approaching AI and travel startups
Why proprietary data and integrations matter more than ever
The rise of hyper-personalized travel experiences
How Travel Tech Association helps founders connect with investors
The importance of founder communities and peer learning
Emerging startups like Drifter AI and Pintours AI
How AI is changing travel discovery and trip planning
Why travel startups can now build more with less funding

Whether you’re building a travel startup, investing in travel technology, or simply trying to understand where AI is taking the industry next, this conversation offers a valuable inside look at one of the most important ecosystems shaping travel innovation.

Guest: Bethany Reitsma
Organization: Travel Technology Association

Om avsnittet

Fler avsnitt

What if the biggest thing holding multi-day tours back isn’t demand — but infrastructure?

What if the biggest problem in hotel booking isn’t finding a hotel — but finding one that actually works for you?

What happens when AI agents stop just planning travel and start actually booking it?

What does hotel revenue management look like when AI moves from simply analysing the data to actually telling you what to do next?

Oliver Green chats practical uses of AI for Tour Operators you can do right now

How can travel companies turn their customers into storytellers with a little help from AI?

Everything AI in Travel chats to John Taylor Garner from Odynn on their recent capital raise

Everything AI in travel chats to Jason Swick of SwixAI on orchastrating the AI workspace for DMOs

Egor Karpovich built 12 AI agents in 5 weeks… …and now they’re running parts of his travel company without sleeping.

Everything AI in Travel chats digital identities with Robert Cole