The face of travel and tourism is constantly evolving, but since the implementation of AI technology within the industry, the changes are becoming much more rapid. This technology has been executed across almost all areas of the industry, transforming the way we plan, book and experience our trips.
Not only is it benefiting tourists and travellers, but the AI technology is also making systems more efficient for the hotels and airlines, as well as other tourism companies. Due to streamlining operations for businesses, experts have predicted that AI could lead to a huge boost in the global economic activity from the travel and tourism sector over the next decade.
AI systems can be used to automate processes like hotel management, baggage handling, marketing, sales, and customer service, which will save time and money and improve the customer experience. Better service and increased revenues for businesses is a win-win for the industry.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence is rife everywhere, and it is shaping the landscape of many different industries just as it is within the travel sector. The fashion industry, for example, has begun utilizing AI, from using it at fashion shows to the general use of AI models. Even the online gambling industry is jumping on the bandwagon, with AI software being able to make online casino games more secure through detecting suspicious patterns which could be indicating cheating or fraud.
The significant impacts of AI on the travel and tourism industry show no signs of slowing down, with the trend likely to continue in the years ahead, and AI-driven features becoming increasingly commonplace. Here we will look at some of the ways AI is shaping the industry, and the benefits these have on the sector.
Automated Processes
AI software can be used to automate processes, from booking flights and accommodation to recommending restaurants. This can save businesses time and money, as well as decrease common errors that occur within these processes.
Smart booking assistants, like AI-powered chatbots, have become increasingly popular and integral to today’s digital world. Within the travel industry, they allow customers to quickly search for relevant information, help to book flights or accommodation, find deals, and even to help get personalised recommendations, without having to contact customer service. These chatbots mean the experience is more instant, so customers can make informed decisions quicker.
AI-driven SEO (search engine optimization) tools are also benefiting travel companies. Through analysing the behaviour of potential customers and making it easier to tailor web content and target potential customers most likely to make a purchase, businesses are getting higher sales at a lesser marketing cost.
AI-powered forecasting tools are also helping the sector by predicting demand and allowing companies to prepare accordingly. These can be used by airlines, airports and hotels to ensure that they have the right number of resources to match demand, so they can deliver better customer service.
Enhanced Customer Experience
The ability of AI-powered platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home to provide tailored suggestions for destinations, activities, restaurants and accommodation based on user preferences has changed the landscape of the travel industry. These personalised recommendations, often based on previous searches and preferences, can then be acted on within these platforms, which are able to book flights, find information and offer local advice and assistance.
As well as these platforms, companies can now offer customized experiences tailored to individual users, by leveraging big data and machine learning. Predictive analytics means customers can be presented with options that match their interests, helping them find the best deal and thus enhancing their overall experience. Flight forecasting systems are a good example of this. These use machine learning algorithms to forecast airline prices in real-time, meaning customers often get the best possible deal. They can also predict flight delays and suggest alternative routes, which should result in fewer customer delays.
Saving time and manpower
Being able to save time and manpower is another way that AI is benefiting the sector. Self-service kiosks are being rolled out in more and more airports and hotels, with AI technology helping to speed up the often tedious task of check in and check out processes, saving time for both staff and travellers. Another system benefiting from the technology is baggage handling. By using automated robots and AI, bags can be automatically tracked and lost luggage located, making the process of retrieving items much easier – not to mention less strenuous.
