Time to shape tourism trajectory

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) has the potential to disrupt our tourism landscape.

- SABINE LEHMANN

AI CAN bring a whole range of options to your travel plans. How thoughtfully we use it will determine how best we experience different destinations, says the writer.

(Independent Media)

But will this be a force for the good of the industry and our citizens, or will Al further enhance the digital divide?

The reality is likely to be far more nuanced and more complex. We should, however, take this opportunity to shape the direction of travel (excuse the pun) rather than wait and respond to changes in our tourism environment.

AI is helping tourism adapt to a massive social transformation that many organisations haven’t fully grasped. Until the late 80s, people went out of the home for experiences and entertainment. We engaged with the world outside the home and brought back those experiences and learnings into the home.

The opposite is now true. Most tourism products are first engaged with in the home via small or large screens - a TV show, Instagram or TikTok posts often curated by influencers and/or Al.

This grand social shift means we are spending proportionally much more of our time and money on in-home entertainment.

OFTEN travel is about connections both personal and societal and experiences whether fantastic or horrific. Don't let AI make travel so safe that it removes the human connection.