Travel Startup Investors Look Beyond AI Hype

PhocusWire reports that at a Phocuswright Europe 2026 panel, investors and founders said AI remains hot, but software alone is no longer a moat. Roger Sharp of Web Travel Group noted that in M&A, 'all the money' is going into AI, but startups must look beyond the AI wrapper. Obvlo CEO Callum McPherson argued that embedding AI into systems and workflows creates a moat. Nuitée's Leyla Allahverdiyeva said partnerships with Revolut and Grab give investor confidence. Sharp emphasized that early-stage companies solving real needs and growing fast can still raise money.