In 2024, global travelers are trying to regain the travel time they lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combined with the recent advancements in AI technology, this thirst for travel is only growing stronger.
However, AI’s impact on the travel sector is not all peaches and cream.
So, let’s explore 5 ways AI will improve the travel industry and consequently, five ways it may damage the sector.
5 beneficial impacts of AI in the travel sector
1. The personalization revolution
Never before have travelers had so much influence over their travel routes, destinations, activities, and more. AI excels at trip personalization by:
- Analyzing your user data;
- Making suggestions based on known interests;
- Tailoring an itinerary to your time restrictions;
- Scraping the web for special offers and discounts.
2. Instantly accessible customer service
If you’ve had your fair share of travels, the chances are you’ve used customer service at some point. Whether claiming refunds or just making an inquiry, AI is making customer service fast and accessible.
AI chatbot assistants are available 24/7, and any issue that doesn’t require human intervention can be resolved swiftly. This leaves human customer service reps to focus on larger issues.
3. Enhanced travel security
Have you ever had anything stolen while traveling? Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us. However, with the power of AI, travel will be much safer in the future:
- Travel safety recommendations based on real-time data.
- Enhanced security and encryption on travel and financial apps.
- Travel-friendly cybersecurity solutions like a VPN, antivirus, and threat detection.
4. Predictive travel planning
AI will quickly become a traveler’s best friend in the coming years. Thanks to predictive analytics, AI can warn travelers about potential disruptions, safety concerns, and local weather warnings.
Not only that, but AI can indicate the cheapest times to book your accommodations, flights, and tours.
5. An influx of brand-new roles in the travel sector
With any flashy new technology comes disruption. AI is already chartering a path through various industries, revolutionizing them along the way. Now, new roles are being created within travel companies:
- AI engineers;
- Data scientists;
- AI CX managers;
- Chatbot engineers;
- Cybersecurity analysts.
5 possible downsides to AI-powered travel
1. Lack of human influence on travel planning
Part of any successful travel agency has been a well-traveled, and knowledgable workforce. This human touch is what has driven customer loyalty in the travel sector for decades.
Yet, AI is set to minimize human influence on travel planning altogether. For some, the benefits of AI travel planning are sought after, though many travelers are still weary of this new technology.
2. Ethical implications of AI
A huge part of modern AI discourse surrounds the ethical implications of the technology. After all, its creators (us) are rife with innate, pre-existing bias. Making travel an inclusive experience will depend on the advancements we make in Ethical AI.
When AI bias isn’t managed or removed, travelers feel:
- Discriminated regarding their personal preferences;
- Treated unfairly or inappropriately by AI chatbots;
- Ripped off by over, or underpriced recommendations.
3. Sparking a digital divide in travel
This leads us to our next point — fostering digital polarization. Essentially, those travelers with access to AI technologies will be at an advantage. Those without access won’t be offered the same discounts, travel options, or safeties.
This growing divide could potentially make travel a luxury experience, stripping opportunities from people of various socio-economic backgrounds.
4. Questions surrounding sustainability
Some tech-savvy travelers are already using AI to create personalized, eco-conscious travel experiences. As more people seek sustainable travel options, questions are being posed as to how sustainable AI actually is.
AI can hurt travelers’ efforts to be sustainable, due to:
- Increased energy consumption in the creation of AIs;
- The heavy carbon cost of running server farms;
- Dependency on fossil fuels to power AI servers;
- Industry-wide e-waste and water consumption.
5. Increased cybersecurity risks
AI models are a popular target among cybercriminals, especially those that power corporate travel agencies. In the future, travelers might become collateral damage in large-scale data breaches.
In the end, customer security will be either guaranteed or risked, depending on the company’s interests. However, industry leaders are well aware that their customer loyalty would dissipate in the event of a data breach.
Ready, set, travel!
Whether you think AI will ultimately improve or damage the travel sector, one thing’s for sure — travel will never be the same.
Individual trips will become more unique and enjoyable, but along the way, some travelers may get left behind.
So, how do you think AI will transform the travels for you?