10/06/2025
As the travel industry converges on Barcelona for Phocuswright Europe 2025, from June 10-12, a stellar lineup of visionary leaders are poised to share groundbreaking perspectives on the forces shaping travel’s next era. Top executives from global giants including Expedia Group, Amadeus, Lufthansa Group, OAG, HomeToGo, Rail Europe, Chain4Travel, Omio, Dida, and Zamna, will take the stage, offering an unparalleled look into the strategic shifts and technological advancements driving the sector forward.
Phocuswright Europe, taking place at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, is renowned as the travel industry’s premier executive conference, bringing together decision-makers for candid conversations, sharp debates, and a front-row seat to the latest innovations. The 2025 theme, “The New Age(nts),” promises a deep dive into how new models and technologies are redefining the travel landscape.
Attendees will gain direct access to the minds behind some of the most impactful developments in travel:
Shilpa Ranganathan, Chief Product Officer, Expedia Group, emphasizes the pivotal role of technology in enhancing the travel journey: “Emerging technology, including AI, will transform the experience of travel and five years from now, the AI-based trusted companion will take care of all the hard things in the travel experience, allowing us all to just enjoy our trips and make great memories.”
Nicolas Martiquet, Director of Amadeus Discover, highlights a fundamental industry challenge and opportunity: “Although experiences are key for the traveler, our industry still massively considers this vertical as an ancillary… With my team, we help travel companies give the right place to the experiences vertical.”
Olaf Backofen, Head of Retail Partnerships for Lufthansa Group, points to the ongoing evolution of customer expectations: “One of the biggest challenges is meeting the ever-rising expectations of digitally savvy customers… Keeping up with those expectations while managing the complexities of new technologies is demanding. Delivering real-time, hyper-relevant support—through both chatbots and human agents—is not only a challenge but also a tremendous opportunity for innovation.”
Filip Filipov, Chief Operating Officer, OAG, calls for greater collaboration to unlock the industry’s vast potential: “Travel technology is not a zero-sum game—we have endless possibilities in terms of untapped customers and unexplored destinations. So, sometimes we need to understand that instead of competing. It is our responsibility to enable a better, more connected world.”
Bodo Thielmann, Chief Investment Director at HomeToGo, sees immense opportunity in fragmented sectors: “With a thoughtful, targeted approach, there is significant opportunity for growth and long-term success in this space [vacation rentals].”
Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, champions a connected future for ground transport: “If we can come together more as an industry, I think we have a real shot at offering smoother, more sustainable door-to-door travel experiences.”
Pablo Castillo, CTO and CEO of Chain4Travel, addresses the need for action in adopting new technologies: “Gaining attention for new tech isn’t the issue—the industry is curious and recognizes the need for change. The real challenge lies in turning that curiosity into action.”
Veronica Diquattro, President of B2C and Supply for Omio, emphasizes the role of collaboration in driving meaningful change: “The spirit of collaboration via partnerships with like-minded operators and suppliers is a guiding principle of our business, and without it, meaningful change for travelers will not be achievable.”
Gareth Matthews, Chief Marketing Officer of Dida, highlights the enduring human element in a tech-driven industry: “What makes the travel industry extra special is that despite significant developments in technology, the travel industry is still very much a “people” industry. In my experience, compared to many other industries, it’s relatively easy to build lifelong relationships and friendships.”
Irra Ariella Khi, Co-Founder and CEO of Zamna, urges a focus on fundamental solutions: “The next leap in innovation won’t be flashy. It’ll be quiet, structural and focused on what matters: Can this person fly? Make it simple, and it will scale.”
These thought leaders, along with many others, will explore critical topics from AI and digital identity to distribution models and sustainable travel. Phocuswright Europe 2025 offers an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and forging the partnerships that will define the future of travel.
