The Rise of AI in Travel Planning
“Just ask ChatGPT!” is becoming as common as “Google it.” While AI isn’t suited for everything—it won’t replace your doctor or therapist anytime soon—it’s proving invaluable for travel planning. From mapping road trip routes to suggesting local dishes and listing must-see attractions, AI quietly simplifies the process.
Research from Marriott Bonvoy shows that 52% of travellers in the UAE and 50% in Saudi Arabia have already used AI to plan or research holidays. Looking ahead, 77% in both countries expect to use AI more. Among users, AI significantly influences decisions on destinations, accommodation, and transport, with high impact reported in the UK, France, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Google’s New AI Travel Tools
Earlier this year, Google introduced AI-powered travel tools to help plan trips more efficiently. These tools assist travellers and businesses alike in making smarter decisions.
Ctrl, Alt, Retreat
Take David and Christina, remote IT professionals from Dallas. They planned a two-month trip across Asia with different itineraries for each country. For Nepal, with little time to plan, they turned to AI. By feeding ChatGPT their rough itinerary and preferences—like spending slow, mindful days learning Buddhism—AI suggested the Kopan Monastery, which they embraced. This example shows how AI can quickly identify unique, meaningful experiences with minimal input.
From Choice Overload to Personal Concierge
In early 2023, many dabbled in AI travel tools out of curiosity. Now, AI is addressing the real challenge: choice overload. Emily Weiss from Accenture highlights how AI acts like a personal travel concierge, delivering recommendations tailored to preferences, budgets, and local events. It can even factor in past travel history and loyalty status, making planning less stressful and more enjoyable.
Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search has helped travellers without a fixed destination for years. Now, AI enhances this inspiration process, helping users decide where to go next.
AI’s Role in Hospitality Today
Personalised service remains the heart of hospitality, and AI is enhancing rather than replacing human touch.
Shangri-La Bengaluru uses AI platforms like SevenRooms and TotalEngage to personalise guest experiences. These tools track dining preferences and integrate spa, room, and feedback data to tailor communication and anticipate guest needs, all with guest consent. Yet, guests still enjoy personal greetings and interactions throughout their stay.
Kandima Maldives employs a 24/7 AI-powered virtual concierge chatbot with a 95% understanding rate. This chatbot handles inquiries efficiently, offering real-time assistance while maintaining strict data privacy standards—a key concern when using AI in hospitality.
While AI chatbots haven’t replaced face-to-face service, Mumbai-based MarTech company AiVANTA demonstrates that AI-generated videos can complement human interaction, boosting guest loyalty. One Indian hotel brand saw a 12% increase in loyalty point redemptions after using personalised AI video messages.
Are AI Tools Outperforming Traditional Search Platforms?
AI tools are gaining popularity because they simplify discovery and booking. Booking.com, for example, has integrated AI and machine learning for over a decade, offering personalised and frictionless experiences. Their AI Trip Planner, available in several countries, provides curated itineraries and real-time support using OpenAI’s ChatGPT API.
AI as a New Colleague for Travel Agents
Travel operators juggle many personalisation requests and real-time changes. AI helps by analysing past preferences, trends, and seasonal data to generate customised itineraries quickly, allowing agents to focus on creative details.
However, planning multi-day trips remains complex. Sanjith Mukund of JrnyOn explains that AI needs clear inputs and context to assist effectively. Still, AI speeds up repetitive tasks and maintains consistency, prompting travel companies to rethink how they structure content for future AI use.
Maija de Rijk-Uys of Go2Africa sees AI as a background support tool rather than a threat. Especially in luxury and safari travel, human connection and local expertise remain irreplaceable. AI helps by handling routine work, letting experts focus on delivering personalised service.
In practical terms, AI might help secure your preferred airline seat with the best meal or let your hotel know exactly how you like your spa treatment after a late flight.
Conclusion
For hospitality and events professionals, integrating AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch. Instead, AI can handle time-consuming tasks, provide data-driven insights, and enhance personalisation. This allows teams to focus on crafting memorable, authentic experiences that guests value.
If you want to explore how AI can fit into your role or organisation, check out AI courses tailored for hospitality professionals to upskill and stay ahead in this evolving landscape.
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