Navigating Languages, Leadership, and Technology in Travel with Fritz Oberhummer

In this episode, Sonia Kampshoff welcomes Fritz Oberhummer, Head of Solution Architecture for EMEA at Sabre Corp, to share his fascinating journey through languages, cultures, and technology in the travel industry. From growing up in an Austrian ski resort to navigating life and work in London, Madrid, and beyond, Fritz reflects on how language shapes not only communication but also cultural understanding and business relationships. He also explores how AI is transforming the travel industry, from booking experiences to biometric travel, and what this means for the future of travellers worldwide.Key TakeawaysLanguages for conflict resolution in business: cultural nuances, workplace dynamics, and even mealtime conversations vary widely across countries and must be adapted to.Living abroad is the best way to learn a language: it takes three to four years of immersion to deeply understand both the language and its cultural context.AI is reshaping travel: from facial recognition at airports to AI-driven personal travel agents, technology is making journeys more seamless and personalized.AI will disrupt jobs as well as industries: while AI brings efficiency and convenience, it also poses challenges for global workforces, especially in industries like customer service and call centres.The resurgence of hand-made goods: the AI revolution will bring us to want and purchase more hand-made, authentic goodsAbout the GuestFritz Oberhummer is the Head of Solution Architecture for EMEA at Sabre Corp, a global leader in technology for the travel industry.Originally from Austria, his family runs a hotel in the third generation. From early on he was surrounded by international visitors, sparking his lifelong passion for languages and cultures.His career has taken him across the US, UK, Spain, and Germany, giving him first-hand experience of how language and cultural understanding shape global business. Today, he combines his deep knowledge of technology and strategy to bridge the gap between commercial needs and technical solutions, while also exploring how innovations like AI and biometrics are redefining the travel experience.Fritz on LinkedIn: Fritz OberhummerHis personal website: oberhummer.comAbout Sonia KampshoffSonia is a translator turned multilingual digital marketer specialising in paid media, and now also a podcaster. Growing up bilingual, languages have been a constant in her life.In 2025 she launched a podcast where together with her guests she explores the huge variety of jobs and career opportunities open to people with language skills. She is available to speak on podcasts and stages about marketing, languages, work and podcasting.LinkedIn: Sonia KampshoffInstagram: WorkingWithLanguagesWebsite: MorePerfect.DigitalIf you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone who may like it too, and subscribe to the podcast.✉️ Join my free newsletter☕ Support my work, buy me a coffee