Rapid fire with Richie Karaburun of New York University

As we look forward to The Phocuswright Conference, taking place November 18 through November 20 in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of short Q&As.

Recep “Richie” Karaburun, a clinical associate professor of hospitality and tourism and and director of HI HUB Incubator at the New York University School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, is set to participate in a session on Tuesday, November 18th titled “Master Class: A New Era for Hotel Sales, Distribution & Operations - The AI Revolution” meant for distribution, sales and operations leaders and all other interested attendees.

Below, Karaburun shares the challenges he faces, the sectors in hospitality ripe for growth, how he uses artificial intelligence (AI) and what he’s learned over his career in travel.

What are the greatest challenges you currently see students and professionals facing in hospitality and travel?

One of the greatest challenges is adapting to rapid technological change while maintaining the human touch that defines hospitality. Students and professionals alike are navigating a world where AI, automation and new business models are reshaping expectations. At the same time, sustainability and inclusivity are no longer optional—they’re essential skills and values. Balancing innovation with authenticity and purpose is the key challenge for the next generation of leaders.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known 20 years ago?

I wish I had fully appreciated how important adaptability is. The travel and hospitality industry changes quickly, and resilience combined with a willingness to reinvent yourself makes all the difference. Networking is also something I emphasize with my students—your network truly is your net worth, and building meaningful relationships early can open doors you don’t yet see.

What sectors in hospitality and travel are most ripe for growth, partnerships or M&A?

Experiential travel and lifestyle brands are areas where I see significant opportunity. Wellness, sustainability and personalization are driving consumer decisions, and companies that can merge those areas will thrive. I also believe partnerships between traditional hospitality and technology companies will accelerate, especially in areas like distribution, loyalty ecosystems and AI-powered guest experiences.

How are you personally using AI in your day-to-day work and how do you wish you could use AI in the future?

I use AI in my teaching and research to analyze trends, generate insights and prepare case studies for students. It helps me bring real-time industry developments into the classroom and make discussions more engaging. Looking ahead, I’d like to see AI play a greater role in predictive analytics for travel behavior and in helping companies design more personalized and sustainable experiences.

Who are you most looking forward to hearing speak at the conference and why?

I’m looking forward to hearing from leaders who are shaping the future of travel distribution and technology. The Phocuswright stage always attracts executives who are pushing the boundaries, and I’m especially interested in perspectives on how AI, consumer expectations and new business models will come together to define the next decade of travel.