This Week in Startups Kayak CEO Steve Hafner on the state of travel, AI's place, hospitality trends, and more! | E1822
6 snips
Oct 3, 2023 Steve Hafner, Co-founder and CEO of Kayak, dives into the transformation of the travel industry. He discusses the impacts of AI on user experiences and how technology is reshaping hospitality trends. Hafner shares insights on navigating post-pandemic recovery and the economic dynamics of travel. He also highlights innovative dining solutions like QR code ordering and the importance of building consumer trust in this evolving landscape. From luxury travel to modern hotel brands, Hafner's perspectives offer a glimpse into the future of travel.
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AI Impact on Travel Uncertain
- Steve Hafner believes ChatGPT's impact on travel is uncertain, despite the hype.
- He acknowledges he could be wrong, like when he dismissed Kayak on Blackberry.
Local Dining Habits
- Most dining is local and people are familiar with their restaurants.
- They primarily want quick bookings, not recommendations, especially outside major cities.
Kayak and OpenTable During COVID-19
- During COVID-19, Kayak helped stranded travelers and waived OpenTable fees for restaurants.
- They even created a meta-search for toilet paper due to shortages, as a fun project.
