Microsoft’s latest financial results have renewed investor confidence that artificial intelligence is delivering measurable commercial returns, bringing encouraging news for the global travel and tourism industry. The technology giant’s Azure cloud platform recorded stronger-than-expected growth as demand for AI services accelerated, hosting AI models including OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to heavy AI investment, noting customer demand still exceeds available computing capacity. Microsoft’s share price jumped about 15 percent, adding nearly US$450 billion in market value in a single trading session—the largest one-day gain ever recorded by a publicly traded company. Amazon reported continued strength in Amazon Web Services while increasing planned AI investment to around US$220 billion in 2026. Although Meta acknowledged pressure on margins from its AI spending, it reaffirmed its long-term commitment. The announcements triggered a strong recovery in semiconductor stocks, including South Korean chipmakers SK hynix and Samsung Electronics. AI is transforming every stage of the travel journey, from trip planning to personalised guest service. Having spent more than four decades in hotels and tourism, the author witnessed the industry’s transformation through computerised reservations, the internet, online booking platforms and mobile travel. Hotels are increasingly using AI to respond more quickly to guest requests, personalise communications and improve operational efficiency. Airlines are employing AI to optimise schedules and predict maintenance.