Are printed travel guides on the verge of disappearing?

IN SHORT Printed travel guides are unlikely to disappear but must evolve. Many travelers, like Lydiane St-Onge, prefer the internet for planning. Websites offer testimonials, stories, and useful data. Guides retain an advantage in the itinerary refinement phase. Objective content from the guides versus sometimes biased information online. Requests for small regional guides and circularization of information. New technologies, like ChatGPT, influence planning habits.

In the digital age, a question arises with acuity: are printed travel guides on the verge of extinction? As more and more travelers turn to the Internet and apps to plan their adventures, it is legitimate to question the future of these traditional works. This article analyzes the evolution of travel guides and their relevance in the face of digital dominance.

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Many experts agree that, although they are not about to disappear in the immediate future, printed travel guides must evolve to remain relevant. There is no doubt that the rise of online resources and travel apps has changed the way we prepare our trips, but this does not mean the end of paper guides.

The role of printed travel guides in the travel experience #

Despite their challenges, printed guides continue to play a key role in the travel experience. They offer travelers a tangible experience, allowing them to consult without relying on an electronic device. This helps enrich the journey by providing diverse and accessible content that can serve as a reference on the ground, as mentioned by Tarek Maalouf.

It is certain that printed travel guides must evolve to adapt to an increasingly digitized world. However, due to their reliability and utility in planning and executing trips, they are not likely to disappear completely anytime soon. Their transformation and integration with new technologies will determine their place in the future of tourism.

Guides, still useful during iteration #

Despite this transition to digital resources, printed travel guides still retain added value. When it comes to refining itineraries or adding visits, these works often offer more objective content than what is found on websites. Travel expert Julie Brodeur highlights the reliability of the information contained in the guides, resulting from rigorous editorial work.

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Adaptive guides facing a new reality #

Travel guide publishers, such as Ulysse, have had to face the impact of the pandemic, which necessitated an adaptation of their offerings. Sales of large classic guides have decreased, while demand for smaller formats, suited to current needs, remains stable. These pocket guides, often focused on walking tours or practical advice, remain relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Digital complementarity #

For some industry players, such as Explorateur Voyages, using travel guides alongside digital platforms proves beneficial. Tarek Maalouf mentions that these guides constitute “an undeniable mine of information”. They are particularly useful for structuring an itinerary, choosing transportation, and providing detailed descriptions of local attractions. Nevertheless, it is essential to integrate these tools in a complementary manner to the use of the Internet.

The emergence of new technologies #

New technologies are beginning to significantly influence how travelers plan their adventures. AI-based applications, like ChatGPT, allow for the creation of personalized itineraries based on individual preferences. This could well lead to a further decline in the use of printed guides, as evidenced by Lydiane St-Onge, who states that she uses these new technologies for her travel preparations.