AI and Asia’s Travel Rebound Are Reshaping the Industry Fast

Trip.com Group COO Schubert Lou believes 2025 marks a pivotal shift in travel, fueled by Asia’s full rebound and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. With China and the broader region returning to pre-pandemic travel levels, Lou says Asia is now positioned to lead global innovation—not only in travel, but also in fields like robotics, drones, and electric vehicles.

Lou points to tech-savvy demographics, growing demand, and regional solutions driving innovation. He highlights China’s AI leader DeepSeek, drone giant DJI, and EV disruptors like BYD and Xiaomi. These companies, he notes, are solving real problems, not innovating for novelty.

Trip.com is investing heavily in Southeast Asia, targeting high-growth markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, while adding products like group tours, cruises, and private trips in mature markets like Singapore and Hong Kong. Lou says the Singapore office has already outgrown its space due to rapid expansion.

AI is also transforming operations. Trip.com is infusing AI across service processes, including post-booking support and co-pilot tools for customer service agents. Lou sees 2025 as the “Year of Agentic AI,” where conversational and action agents converge to automate complex decisions and improve customer experiences.

Despite growing AI capabilities, Lou envisions a hybrid future. Machines may replace up to 50% of human travel agent tasks for repeat travelers, but high-touch and emotional scenarios will still require human interaction.

He also sees experience-led travel, like concerts and marathons, as a growing driver of bookings, signaling a new era where AI and Asia redefine the future of travel.

Tags: phocuswire

AI and Asia’s Travel Rebound Are Reshaping the Industry Fast

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