In a world where time is of the essence, travellers turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline their trip planning, and the results are promising. According to the Global Rescue Fall 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 70% of those using AI for trip research and itinerary planning find the technology either “very useful” or “mostly useful.” While only 11% of travellers have adopted AI as part of their travel toolkit, the growth potential is immense.
AI as a Powerful Planning Tool
AI has shifted from a futuristic concept to a practical resource for many travellers today. Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce emphasizes this transformation: “AI for travel is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s becoming a practical tool for travelers looking to streamline their trip planning.”
From destination research to customized itinerary building, AI is now actively helping travellers organize their journeys more efficiently. The survey results reflect this: nearly half of the respondents (44%) use AI to assist with initial trip research. Additionally, 36% have found AI particularly helpful in crafting tailored itineraries based on trip duration, activities, or budget preferences.
Richards further elaborates on AI’s advantages: “AI for research is enabling travelers to cut down the time it takes to sift through endless sources of information, helping them make better decisions faster. It’s ideal for identifying the right destination and creating customized travel plans, especially for those short on time or planning complex itineraries.”
AI: A Growing Asset, But Still Early Days
Despite these promising numbers, AI’s role in trip planning is still in its infancy. A mere 11% of travellers use AI for this purpose, highlighting a large gap between awareness and widespread adoption. However, the consistent positive feedback from those who have integrated AI into their travel routines suggests that broader use is just a matter of time.
Among the additional benefits reported, AI is helping travellers find accommodations, restaurants, and local activities (10%), with a small number using AI to coordinate flights (2%). As technology advances and AI becomes more user-friendly, experts predict these numbers will steadily rise.
The Dark Side of AI: Scams and Risks
However, the excitement surrounding AI in travel planning comes with a word of caution. With every technological leap, new risks emerge, and AI is no exception. Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and Global Rescue’s associate director of security, warns travellers about the potential dangers AI can introduce. “The proliferation of AI is an impending threat to travel due to tech scams, including deepfake cons, identity impersonation, or misleading travel advice from bots, putting travellers at risk of fraud, misinformation, or malicious intent when booking trips or managing itineraries.”
As AI systems become more integrated into travel platforms, unscrupulous actors may leverage the technology for scams, leading to identity theft or financial fraud. For this reason, experts urge travellers to exercise caution, especially when using AI-powered platforms to book trips or plan itineraries. Staying informed about potential risks and adopting cybersecurity best practices will be crucial for safe travel planning in the AI era.
AI in Security: Enhancing International Travel Safety
On a broader scale, AI is expected to revolutionize travel planning and safety. Several airports, including Dubai International Airport and JFK International Airport in New York, are testing AI-powered systems to enhance security checks, optimize screening processes, and improve threat detection. These developments underscore AI’s expanding influence on global travel beyond trip preparation and itinerary planning.
The Future of AI in Travel
As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely to play an even more significant role in the travel industry. Richards is optimistic about AI’s future, predicting its application will become more widespread. “We expect to see a continued rise in the use of AI for travel, particularly as the technology becomes more accessible and refined,” he says.
While AI adoption in travel planning may still be modest, its potential to transform the industry is undeniable. As more travellers embrace this technology and become aware of its benefits—and risks—it’s clear that AI is set to become an indispensable tool for modern-day adventurers.
Written by: Soo James
