Hugo Pellegrin

💸 Kleio, led by CEO Philippe Wellens, projects that future travel bookings will occur between two AI agents, leveraging the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Google's Agent2Agent protocol. While the MCP standard, adopted by AI developers, facilitates database access for AI, it has limitations, such as not fully resolving iterative travel needs or handling additional product recommendations effectively. It suits offers with precise needs, e.g., a week in Dubai for under €1,000. Kleio raised €3 million to support conversational AI adoption, advocating for travel operators to develop their own AI agents, which allows them to control their inventory and comply with company sales policies while mitigating security risks. AI tools for travel planning are expected to proliferate within six months.

💸 An Opinionway survey for Adyen, involving 1043 French travelers, reveals that 50% prefer cash to avoid bank fees during travel. 60% find single-use cards and installment payments appealing, with 26% trusting neo-banks. 47% use instant transfers to dodge caps, and 20% have faced blocked payments abroad. Despite potential deals, 60% book early, valuing security over less reputable platforms, a sentiment shared by 82%. The study was conducted online from February 19 to 21, 2025.

💲 In March 2025, Business Travel Show Europe surveyed 115 travel and procurement professionals, revealing that 60% believe business travel can be more sustainable. France aims for a 50% carbon emission reduction by 2030. Around 73% of buyers have incorporated sustainability into their travel policies, yet a TravelSmart poll found almost half of 326 multinationals lack carbon reduction targets for travel. Popular strategies include investing in sustainable aviation fuels (55%), reducing travel (50%), choosing carbon-neutral suppliers (42%), and adopting emission compensation mechanisms (36%). However, 27% don’t prioritize sustainability due to perceived management disinterest (26%), costs (15%), and incompatible booking systems (14%).