Women Leading Travel & Hospitality recently released its fifth annual Top Women in Travel & Hospitality report. The valuable resource highlights female executives who are at the forefront of the travel and hospitality industry. We asked several of our 2025 Top Women in Travel & Hospitality honorees what innovative strategies or technologies they think are shaping the future of the industry. Perhaps not surprisingly, several shared their insights on how artificial intelligence is a potential game-changer for the industry.

Frid Edmond, Senior Vice President, Customer Engagement Centers, Marriott International

I see AI and data analytics transforming our industry by enhancing personalized guest experiences and streamlining operations. Adopting digital tools for communication and feedback will foster a more agile, responsive business model, enabling us to anticipate and meet evolving customer needs with actionable insights. I’m excited about a future where we can leverage these tools to build more capacity for our people.

Robin McClain, Chief Marketing Officer, Destination DC

I think the biggest opportunity with AI is deciding how to incorporate it while balancing what’s now with what’s next. One of the major ways we connect with consumers currently is through digital ads that drive to washington.org. That method will become obsolete at some point soon. However, the website content we develop will still help inform future content delivery — whatever it looks like. It’s both exciting and strange to consider when the technology isn’t fully accessible yet, but I know we will still be inspiring consumers to travel to Washington, D.C. through whatever platform is next.

Tywana Minor, Owner, Live Travel Go

AI is revolutionizing not just travel, but every industry, making it essential to embrace, study and continuously adapt to its advancements. In the travel space, AI-driven personalization, automation, and predictive analytics will redefine the customer experience. I also see a shift toward more sustainability-focused travel experiences, which will shape and drive client expectations. Travelers are seeking more responsible, meaningful experiences. As a proud member of Tourism Cares, Live Travel Go is committed to promoting sustainable tourism that positively impacts communities and the planet.

Gissell Moronta, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Atrium Hospitality

The two biggest challenges we face are integrating AI and technology into our processes while keeping the personal touch that makes our industry special. As AI continues to evolve, there’s a real risk of over-reliance, leading to communication that feels robotic and disconnected from who we are.

Customers aren’t just looking for efficiency; they want personalized experiences that feel thoughtful and genuine. The key is finding the perfect balance and using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection. It’s about personalization at scale, leveraging AI for efficiency while ensuring every interaction still feels warm, authentic and uniquely ours.

Susan Santiago, President, U.S. and Canada, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

At Hyatt, we believe that innovative technologies and AI help us advance care through data-driven decision-making and greater automation, ultimately freeing up capacity to focus more on human interactions and guest experiences. For example, we’re expanding our use of AI to enhance on-property experiences and improve operational efficiency through tools that support tailored guest recommendations. This is a journey to build the Hyatt of the future, without ever losing our focus on care and our people who are at the heart of Hyatt.

Read additional interviews from our 2025 Top Women in Travel & Hospitality report. Want to connect with women leaders like the ones featured in our report? Apply to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member today!