Are you still planning your trips the same way? Discover the new features that are coming!

In a world where technology is evolving at a rapid pace, the tourism sector is no exception. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we plan our travels, making the process simpler, faster, and more tailored. New startups and established giants are competing in innovation to offer powerful tools that revolutionize the travel experience. This article delves into these novelties and explains how they are redefining the planning of your vacations.

The impact of artificial intelligence on the tourism sector

AI assistants are emerging not only in the travel sector but are also beginning to integrate into our daily routines for planning vacations. Innovative startups like Mindtrip leverage AI’s potential to create personalized itineraries in just a few clicks. Imagine being able to request a route in Mexico, and instantly receiving suggestions for hotels, restaurants, tours, and activities.

With the rise of platforms like Booking.com and Google, access to these tools is becoming essential. These major players are beginning to integrate AI features into their systems, providing users with an approach almost similar to that of a digital travel agent.

The new planning tools

Innovative solutions such as those offered by the Mindtrip app allow users to book every step of their journey directly. This platform aims to simplify the user experience by offering tailored suggestions to meet every need. Thanks to real-time recommendations, users can modify their itinerary without having to contact a travel agent.

Moreover, companies like Navan provide services specifically designed for businesses, while others, like Vacay, aim to capture vacant market segments with innovative offers. It is clear that AI has the capacity to positively transform the travel experience by providing relevant answers to questions posed in everyday language.

The industry giants and their gradual adoption

Although historical players like Expedia and Booking.com have started to integrate AI, their adoption remains partial. For example, Expedia has launched an assistant named Romie that offers tools only for certain stages of planning, while Booking.com has introduced SmartFilter, allowing personalized searches for hotels tailored to specific criteria.

The reaction to this booming AI tool landscape is varied among these giants. Even though these innovations promise to add value for users, they still need to be refined to meet all customer segments.

The small players facing the technological revolution

Despite the emergence of these powerful new tools, small travel agencies struggle to keep up. As noted by Eva Stewart from a consulting firm, the tourism industry is often dominated by local players, such as small hotels or tour operators, who do not have the means to integrate AI into their systems. While the adoption of AI agents is progressing, it is likely to remain slow for these players who are often constrained by their infrastructures.

The quest for personalized services remains an asset for consumers. Artificial intelligence can not only optimize the initial planning but also intervene in real-time in case of changes, thus facilitating the travel experience without having to rely on human assistance.

Towards a fully digital travel agent

As startups demonstrate innovation, experts like Jukka Laitamaki predict a rise in digital solutions. Users, now familiar with tools like ChatGPT, expect more efficient digital travel agents in the near future. However, large historical platforms, armed with unlimited resources and a solid customer base, may benefit most from this transformation.

It is clear that the future of tourism lies in a beneficial integration of artificial intelligence. Platforms like Airbnb are also taking the time to evaluate how such a solution could integrate into their offerings, ensuring a thoughtful and effective advance in the travel ecosystem.

The tourism sector is thus at a crucial turning point, and the pathway towards a digitally enriched future powered by AI is already underway. With these developments, planning trips becomes more accessible and efficient, paving the way for new discovery experiences.