2153 GMT - Investors in travel agents are questioning whether artificial intelligence is a friend or foe to the sector. Initially, AI collaboration was seen positively as it could lower costs and improve services, says Jefferies. More recently, investors are pondering whether AI agents could go direct to the traveller, bypassing travel agents. Analyst John Campbell, in a research note about WEB Travel, says AI developers are quiet about intentions to compete directly in travel. But no current plan doesn't mean never. "Whilst there's no doubt travel's complex even for AI, and acting commercially could undermine consumer trust in the truthfulness of AI, in the end, all it takes is for one to break ranks," Jefferies says. AI is one reason why investors in WEB Travel will stay cautious, despite its cheapest multiple in years. (david.winning@wsj.com; @dwinningWSJ)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 16, 2026 17:53 ET (21:53 GMT)
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