Phocuswright Europe 2025: Shaping the next era of travel

Phocuswright Europe has developed its most cutting-edge and insightful program yet for 2025, bringing together global thought leaders to address the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the travel industry. 

Taking place from June 10-12 at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, the conference will focus on the intersection of technology, strategy and market disruption that is redefining the future of travel. 

With the theme “The New Age(nts),” Phocuswright Europe will delve into the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence, digital identity and autonomous technologies. 

From consumer behavior trends to the evolution of travel distribution and marketing, the agenda is designed to provide industry executives with the insights they need to lead in an increasingly complex landscape. 

The executive-led program will feature a dynamic mix of high-level interviews and panel discussions, each offering a unique perspective on the future of travel. The confirmed lineup includes some of the most influential figures across the travel ecosystem, including: 

• Shilpa Ranganathan, Chief Product Officer, Expedia Group 
• Matt Goldberg, CEO, Tripadvisor 
• Pepijn Rijvers, President, Viator 
• Marnie Wilking, Chief Security Officer, Booking.com 
• Alix Boulnois, Chief Business, Digital & Tech Officer, Accor 
• Greg O’Hara, Founder & Senior MD, Certares Management 
• Marc Mekki, Founder & Advisor, Inspire Limitless 
• Michael Cawley, Chair, Hostelworld; Non-Executive Director, Ryanair 

In addition to these executive interviews, attendees can expect to engage with thought-provoking panel sessions on key topics including: 

• Ground Transportation Revolution – A deep dive into how sustainable, multimodal solutions are reshaping the way travelers move from point A to point B, with insights from leaders at Rail Europe, BlaBlaCar and Omio. 
• The Role of Digital Identity – A look at how the European Commission's digital wallet initiative could unlock the potential of AI to create seamless, personalized travel experiences, with leaders such as Nick Price and Annet Steenbergen. 
• Experiences as Travel’s Next Battleground – Explore how OTAs, airlines, credit card companies and aggregators are competing to own the traveler experience, from inspiration to booking, with top players in the field. 
• Sustainability and Responsible Travel – Leaders from destination management and the private sector will discuss how to balance business growth with sustainability in the face of overtourism pressures. 
• Innovation in Hospitality Tech – An inside look at how disruptors like Mews, Lighthouse and Hostaway are accelerating innovation in hospitality technology and the challenges they face along the way. 
• The Future of Short-Term Rentals – A candid discussion on how Airbnb, HomeToGo and other market leaders are navigating the evolving regulatory and competitive landscape in Europe’s short-term rental market. 

“Our mission at Phocuswright is to bring the most forward-thinking leaders together to address the crucial questions shaping the future of travel,” said Pete Comeau, managing director of Phocuswright. 

“As the industry stands at the crossroads of significant change, driven by AI, digital identity and a heightened focus on sustainability, Phocuswright Europe 2025 will serve as the essential platform for executives to gain actionable insights and make informed decisions about the future.” 

Phocuswright Europe is also known for unveiling the brightest new ventures in travel tech. The event will feature the 2025 Global Startup Pitch, where innovative startups will compete to showcase their breakthrough ideas and solutions to an audience of investors and industry leaders. 

The full program will also include a range of exclusive, intimate sessions where executives can engage directly with industry pioneers in a more personal setting. Sessions such as “Coffee with Rod Cuthbert” and “Executive Exchanges” will provide attendees with a unique opportunity for informal, high-impact conversations with some of the most influential minds in travel.