The travel industry has never been particularly fond of standing still. Just when businesses think they have mastered one wave of disruption, another arrives carrying fresh challenges, new technology and a few surprises.
That reality sits squarely at the heart of RateHawk Futurecast, a major online event being staged by travel technology platform RateHawk as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.
Scheduled for 23 June 2026, the free virtual event will bring together senior travel executives, technology leaders and industry experts to tackle a question that is increasingly keeping boardrooms, agencies and suppliers awake at night: what will the travel industry look like over the next decade?
The event arrives at a time when artificial intelligence, evolving customer expectations, and rapidly changing distribution models are reshaping how travel is bought, sold, and experienced.
Drawing on insights from a joint study conducted by RateHawk and leading travel research organisation Phocuswright, the discussion will focus on some of the most significant trends expected to influence the sector through to 2036.
Among the topics under the spotlight will be changing consumer behaviour, the growing influence of social media as a distribution channel, the increasing use of automated and agentic workflows, and the critical role of API partnerships in helping travel businesses scale efficiently.
For many travel professionals, these are no longer future challenges. They are already reshaping day-to-day operations.
The speaker line-up reflects the scale of that transformation. Senior RateHawk executives will be joined by representatives from online travel agencies, global hotel brands, agency networks and technology providers.
One of the event’s highlights will be a fireside chat featuring Felix Shpilman, Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Travel Group, alongside a panel discussion moderated by experienced travel technology journalist Matthew Parsons.
Astrid Kastberg, Managing Director of RateHawk, believes the industry is entering a period of accelerated change.
“In 2026, RateHawk celebrates 10 years of growth alongside an industry that has gone through constant change. Looking ahead, we believe the next decade will be even more transformative, with the pace of change accelerating every year.
Across the travel industry, businesses are facing new challenges, rising expectations, and increasing pressure to adapt quickly. With Futurecast, we wanted to create a space where industry leaders can come together to openly discuss these changes, share their experiences, and explore what it takes to build resilient and future-ready businesses,” Kastberg said.
It’s a timely conversation.
The industry has already weathered economic uncertainty, shifting traveller expectations and a technology revolution that continues to gather pace. The next ten years promise even greater complexity, but also significant opportunity for businesses prepared to adapt.
For travel companies seeking a glimpse of what comes next, Futurecast may offer more than predictions. It could provide a practical roadmap for navigating one of the most transformative periods the industry has ever faced.
Registration for the free event is available through the official Futurecast website:
RateHawk Futurecast Registration
Additional speakers and the full program are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
