PROF. CHRISTO KAFTANDJIEV, Ph.D., Dr. Habil. Professor Christo Kaftandjiev is an internationally recognised expert in marketing, marketing communications, advertising, AI, consumer behaviour, etc. with more than 30 years of professional and academic experience. His expertise is particularly relevant to the global travel industry, including airlines, airports, travel agencies, online booking platforms, tourism brands, hospitality and destination marketing. He specialises in using AI, integrated marketing communications, consumer psychology, semiotics, storytelling and transmedia to create more effective customer journeys and stronger travel brands. Professor Kaftandjiev has delivered keynote speeches, seminars and workshops at more than 150 international business conferences and advertising festivals across Europe, Asia and beyond. He is the author of 10 books on marketing communications and has been a keynote speaker at three World Congresses of the International Advertising Association. His current work focuses on how AI is transforming marketing communications and customer engagement across the travel ecosystem — from inspiration and destination choice to booking, travel experience and post-trip communication. For the Digital Travel Summit, he can bring a unique combination of 30+ years of marketing expertise, global case studies and hands-on experience with AI-generated marketing communications, tailored specifically to the challenges and opportunities of the travel industry.