Booking travel that involves more than just one mode of transportation can be complicated. You book flights on the airline website, bus tickets through a different portal and then a train connection somewhere else. Veronica Diquattro, president of B2C and supply for Omio, explains how this multi-modal platform is working to change that. Pursuitist caught up with Diquattro to discover how the future of travel reservations will be different.
How does the Omio app and website differ from other travel search engines?
Omio is a multi-modal travel booking platform that searches, compares and books trains, buses, flights and ferries, all in one place. Unlike other platforms that focus solely on flights, a single mode of transport or accommodation, Omio enables travelers to compare and choose the best journey based on price, time, convenience, or mode of transport, whether it’s a scenic train ride or a budget-friendly bus trip. With availability in 45 countries, 30+ languages and currencies, Omio is designed for international travelers looking for seamless journeys without the hassle of translation or conversion.
Our app and website simplify complex and fragmented cross-border travel across Europe, the U.S. and Southeast Asia, unifying thousands of travel providers and partners into one intuitive platform.
How does Omio incorporate artificial intelligence?
Omio has been leveraging the power of AI for many years to augment the pre, during and post-booking experience. Travel is a deeply personal experience, and consumers demand complete customization to meet individual needs and manage their journeys effectively. Our Future Journeys Report, highlights a significant shift in AI-powered travel, where we see AI proactively curating itineraries based on travelers’ psychological profiles and emotional needs.
Why does Omio not include premium cabin air booking options?
Most of Omio’s travelers are driven by value, and the majority of air bookings are for economy class seats. Because of this, premium cabin options haven’t been a major demand driver on the platform yet. That said, we are always listening to our customers and evolving our product, so expanding into premium air options is certainly something we’re considering as we continue to grow. Taking our flight offering to the next level is a key focus for us this year.
Why do you see rail as such an important growth sector in travel, especially the term “multi-modal” travel?
Modern day travel remains extremely fragmented, with a multitude of operators, disconnected systems, outdated infrastructure and little cohesion between transportation modes. Omio started life in Europe, where trains are the backbone of mobility, and now offers the largest inventory of bookable transportation options across three continents. Journeys are rarely linear – they’re often complex and involve many stops – for example, train transfer to a major airport to catch a flight, bus ride to a regional city and ferry to an island. As travelers demand increased flexibility, personalized and sustainable choices, combining transport modes is a non-negotiable.
Omio found that 50%+ of consumers find online travel booking more complex than a decade ago. Why is that?
The world of travel is evolving faster than ever, and with it the complexity of planning a journey. Travelers today face an overwhelming number of transportation options, platforms and pricing structures, often leading to confusion.
With more than one billion annual users, Omio has a deep understanding of travel behavior and leverages customer data, along with AI and user-centric design, to streamline the entire booking experience. The Omio platform unifies thousands of transportation providers into one intuitive interface, making it easy to compare and book multimodal journeys in just a few clicks. From mobile tickets, seat maps to live notifications, plus 24/7 customer support, we are committed to delivering more than just bookings.
How do you see Gen Alpha (currently ages 5-7) traveling differently than Gen Z?
Generations Alpha and Generation Z are the most globally connected and digitally fluent generations yet, growing up in communities that transcend borders and, with a smartphone in hand, have an appetite to turn online inspiration into real-world exploration. As highlighted in our Future Journeys report, 70% of adults traveling with children are already choosing experiences and destinations inspired by their interests, which are influenced by streaming platforms and social media. Young travelers will increasingly expect seamless and sustainable travel, with an expectation for multi-modal travel to be the norm by 2030.
What is “travel-tainment?”
This is a term referenced in our Future Journeys report and is inspired by social media feeds, streaming platforms and digital spaces. The travel booking process will evolve into a blend of entertainment and algorithm-led discovery. By 2035, the traditional act of researching a trip – endless scrolling, multiple tabs and price-hunting – will be outdated. Instead, travelers will stumble upon them through binge-worthy storytelling shaped by their habits, values and moods.
What are “Easy Escapes?”
Another reference from the report, Easy Escapes refers to the future of travel, where convenience, personalization and sustainability come together to make trip prep effortless. In 2035, we expect that instead of packing bulky luggage, travelers will pre-book essentials and have them waiting at their final destination. A smart booking platform will offer seamless coordination and loyalty-driven perks to allow travelers to travel light, hassle-free and arrive prepared to focus on the experience.
