1. Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a core disruptor reshaping global travel.
From forecasting flight prices and designing personalised itineraries to automating airport operations and optimising routes, AI-powered technologies are transforming traveller experiences, industry economics, and sustainability practices.
This essay will explore key domains of transformation: trip planning and discovery, booking and pricing, customer service and chatbots, operational efficiency (airlines and airports), personalization and recommendations, safety and security, insurance and claims, sustainable travel, and the road ahead.
2. Trip Planning & Destination Discovery
AI Travel Assistants & Chatbot Planners
Innovations like Matador Network’s GuideGeek, a generative AI travel assistant accessed via Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger, help travellers craft custom itineraries. Launched in April 2023, it uses OpenAI models and live travel data, with human oversight to keep accuracy at ~98%.
Expedia offers an integrated AI-based trip planner, and Webjet provides “Trip Ninja” for multi‑city itinerary generation in seconds. Surveys show that around 22 % of travellers now use AI tools for planning, and satisfaction…