Would You Let Artificial Intelligence Book Your Next Travel?
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has steadily infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily lives, from our devices to our workplaces. Now, AI is poised to revolutionize yet another domain: the world of travel. As AI technology advances, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Would you let artificial intelligence book your next travel?” According to Technavio, the global travel technology market is expected to grow by $6.4bn between 2019 and 2023. Find out more about artificial intelligence in travel below. ai in travel
According to Booking.com’s recent research, 44% of those surveyed would be willing to use an app to pre-plan their activities, with 46% happy to use apps to make it faster and easier to research and book.
Because of this, those in the travel and tourism industry are increasingly looking for new channels to reach customers in ways that appeal to their need for convenience, speed and user-friendly digital experience
Airlines will be investing in travel technology to compete ai in travel
EasyJet recently launched a feature designed to make “your Instagram travel inspiration a reality”. Found within the easyJet app, Look&Book allows customers to upload an image, and then find out where the image was taken, along with how to book flights to said destination.
Aditi Mehta, Solution Strategy Director for Travel at PROS believes that the near future will see more airlines investing in this type of technology to compete:
‘Because of this trend, airlines are investing heavily in technology to offer more tailored, personalised experiences via their online and mobile channels. They see this as an opportunity to own the end to end experience for a traveler and help them find exactly what they are looking for when it comes to price, location, time, and add-on services like hotels and tours. The travel companies that are able to provide this experience seamlessly and in real-time will be able to capture market share and have more sustainable business models in this digital economy.’
Personalized Itineraries Tailored to Your Preferences
One of the most compelling advantages of AI in travel planning is its ability to provide personalized itineraries. Unlike human agents who rely on standard questions and templates, AI algorithms analyze vast datasets, including your past travel history, preferences, and even your social media activity. This allows AI to craft a travel plan that is uniquely tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast seeking hidden gems in historic cities or an adventure lover looking for off-the-beaten-path trails, AI can curate an itinerary that matches your specific desires.
Moreover, AI-powered platforms can adapt to real-time changes. If a sudden interest in a local festival or a newfound desire to explore a nearby city arises, AI can seamlessly incorporate these changes into your itinerary, ensuring that your travel plans remain as dynamic as your interests.
Speed and Efficiency: Booking in Seconds ai in travel
Gone are the days when booking travel meant endless hours of searching through countless websites and comparing prices. With AI, booking your next adventure can be accomplished in seconds. AI algorithms swiftly analyze millions of options, from flights and hotels to local transportation and activities, providing you with the best deals tailored to your preferences and budget. The convenience of having a comprehensive, curated list of options presented to you within moments is one of AI’s greatest selling points.
Additionally, AI can automatically manage your bookings, send reminders, check for delays or cancellations, and even reschedule flights or accommodations in case of unforeseen changes. This level of efficiency and speed is unparalleled, allowing you to spend less time planning and more time enjoying your trip.
Cost Savings: Finding the Best Deals
Another significant advantage of using AI for travel bookings is its potential for cost savings. AI-powered tools constantly monitor price fluctuations and can predict future changes, ensuring you secure the best deals possible. Unlike human agents, who may have limited access to databases or operate on commission-based models, AI systems operate purely on data, devoid of any bias or profit-driven motives. This allows them to find the most economical options across a wide range of airlines, hotels, and travel providers.
Some AI platforms even use machine learning to understand your price sensitivity and can automatically book a flight or accommodation when prices drop below a certain threshold. This proactive approach can lead to significant savings, especially for budget-conscious travelers.
24/7 Customer Support: A Reliable Travel Companion
Traveling can often involve unexpected hiccups—missed flights, overbooked hotels, or lost luggage. Here, AI shines by providing 24/7 customer support through chatbots and virtual assistants. Unlike traditional customer service channels that might leave you on hold for extended periods, AI-powered support is instantaneous, and capable of resolving queries and issues in real-time.
These virtual assistants are constantly learning from each interaction, becoming more adept at handling a wide range of scenarios. They can answer questions about your itinerary, suggest alternative travel plans in case of disruptions, or even provide recommendations for local attractions and restaurants. The reliability and accessibility of AI support provide peace of mind, knowing that help is always just a click away.
Travel technology: artificial intelligence in travel
AI and machine learning-based travel planning are also expected to become key parts of creating a more personalized travel experience. Such technology is already used to scour the internet for the cheapest flights but is now being used to organize other elements of a holiday.
Apps such as TripIt, which takes travel plans and automatically organizes them into an easy-to-understand itinerary, have grown in popularity. According to Deloitte, consumers have begun to expect personalized recommendations based on past behaviors, indicating that the travel planning process could undergo a major transformation, on a similar scale to the move from physical travel agents to online services, if customers are willing to part with enough personal information.
Launched a few years ago, the travel app Lola uses natural language processing to understand users’ travel needs and then generates a series of recommended itineraries based on this. For more extreme trips, there is GOEX, an app that uses AI to assess how dangerous a trip will be based on a variety of factors, allowing users to plan accordingly. artificial intelligence in travel
Although it may be a while before AI is wholly responsible for the travel planning process, Booking.com found that there is an appetite for this technology. 29% of global travellers would be willing to let a computer plan a trip based on previous holidays.
Andri Kristinsson, CEO and co-founder of Travelade said:
“The key advantage of adopting AI to do this is its ability to sort through vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, giving a clearer picture of what is going on in real-time. In the near future, we’ll no doubt see a rise in innovative travel startups that are able to make use of such technology to find solutions. For example, providing travellers with the tailored experiences they seek but also serving to move them away from the overcrowded cities of Venice and Reykjavik, to more unique alternatives, such as Verona and Húsavík, continues to expand holidaymaker’s vision and experiences.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Travel with AI
So, would you let artificial intelligence book your next travel? The answer ultimately depends on your comfort level with technology, your desire for personalization, and how much you value speed and efficiency over human interaction. AI presents a host of exciting possibilities that can make travel planning more accessible, personalized, and cost-effective. Yet, it’s essential to remain aware of its limitations and the importance of balancing technology with human insight.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: AI will continue to reshape the travel industry in ways we are only beginning to understand. By embracing these changes, travelers stand to benefit from a world of new possibilities, where the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
