One third of French people have already let artificial intelligence have its say in planning their holidays. Goodbye headache of comparators and Excel spreadsheets: welcome digital assistants, capable of finding the most original ideas for a getaway in the blink of an eye. A checkerboard of advantages in sight, this trend is gradually taking root, without ever completely replacing the traveler’s instinct, who is fond of freedom and improvisation.
Artificial intelligence is making a spectacular entrance into the tourism world! According to a recent Ipsos survey, one third of French people have already turned to AI to plan their holidays. Time-saving, unique ideas, and conversational assistants are on the rise, but the French traveler is not yet ready to delegate everything to the algorithm. An analysis of a revolution in progress, balancing digital innovation and the eternal need for freedom.
Organizing vacations by voice, with three questions asked to a digital assistant, without opening the usual flight or hotel comparators: the promise of AI is enticing, and it is already widely appealing in France. According to a study conducted by Ipsos for Kayak, one in three French people have already used some form of AI to prepare their stay, with the proportion rising to more than half among those under 35 – a generation eager for instantaneity and innovation.
The era of juggling between a dozen tabs and an Excel spreadsheet to not forget anything may soon be a thing of the past. Now, asking an AI for a customized itinerary in Tuscany, recommendations for a sporty weekend in the Algarve, or a list of restaurants in Tokyo has become almost routine. No more hours of research and endless comparisons.
Why such success? Time-saving above all!
The key to the success of AI lies in its efficiency. According to the study, 46% of users cite the time-saving aspect of these services as their main benefit. Gone are the headaches of the abundant tourism offerings and contradictory advice found on blogs. AI offers a quick, structured, and sometimes even inspiring filtering process. It’s no surprise that 73% of respondents believe these tools will completely revolutionize vacation planning in the coming years.
Another advantage, highlighted by 40% of respondents, is inspiration. The algorithm, with its fresh and comprehensive perspective, suggests ideas that had never been considered before. Sometimes, it even dares to veer off the beaten path and propose unique experiences; perhaps the ones we would have forgotten while browsing from site to site, too busy tracking the best deal.
Still cautious but curious users
However, entrusting the entirety of their vacations to an artificial intelligence remains a utopia for many. Only 17% say they would let the algorithm conduct their travels from start to finish. The majority of French people prefer to keep control, using AI as a compass or source of information rather than an autopilot. After all, who would dare delegate the management of a complicated check-in, a last-minute canceled train, or a sudden strike to a robot, even a very well-trained one?
We are thus witnessing a new cohabitation. On one side, the desire for efficiency and ease; on the other, the need to maintain a degree of freedom, intuition, and above all improvisation in the adventure. Because what would a trip be without a bit of the unknown or those small mishaps that we later laugh about over a drink?
The rise of travel super-apps
The big booking platforms are eager not to miss this opportunity. Kayak has developed its conversational assistant, as have Booking, Google, and Hopper. Each aspires to establish itself as the digital co-pilot for discovery enthusiasts. The race is on to become the trusted ally that can orchestrate a stay as well as the most seasoned of globe-trotters… provided they can convince the main stakeholders.
The future of vacations in the age of algorithms
This fundamental shift not only disrupts the way we prepare for vacations, but also our relationship with tourism. Why not consider taking off with a home exchange, for instance? Or anticipate the famous disease of well-deserved vacations, which arises just before departure…
AI, far from reducing human beings to a series of clicks, can also help anticipate unforeseen events: travels with children and minor issues, tips for enjoying more economical vacations, or inspiration for an impromptu road trip while listening to a podcast about French culture.
In light of all these developments, the modern traveler has never had access to such a range of tools and ideas. But there is no doubt: AI is not about to steal those little pleasures that give travel its charm. It is up to each individual, therefore, to tame these new generation assistants – as long as they keep a much more personal compass: that of curiosity.
