Skift Commerce Summit 2026: AI Agents Are Here, but Travel Isn’t Ready

Skift’s Commerce Summit 2026 is set to tackle the urgent question of how AI agents will reshape travel booking, customer relationships, and the economics of travel commerce. The event comes as AI agents are already operational, but the travel industry has yet to adapt, leaving a critical gap between technological capability and industry readiness. Key stakeholders—including airlines, hotels, online travel agencies, and technology providers—face five pivotal decisions that will determine who ultimately controls the booking flow and owns the customer. These choices will shape revenue models, distribution strategies, and brand loyalty in an era where autonomous shopping and booking become the norm. The summit will convene top executives and innovators to debate these decisions, with a focus on actionable strategies rather than abstract predictions. As the window for early-mover advantage narrows, the outcomes of these discussions could define the competitive landscape for years to come. Travel leaders who act now will be positioned to thrive; those who hesitate risk being sidelined by more agile entrants and AI-native platforms.