How AI is changing the face of travel industry

Modern technology has disrupted various sectors, including travel and tourism. AI-driven innovations have personalized and enhanced the vacation experience, replacing rigid itineraries with more immersive journeys. Recent advancements in AI and analytics have revolutionized trip planning and execution, with online travel agencies leading the way in providing customers with unparalleled information and flexibility.

AI at the helm of change

AI can bring together diverse markets and connect travellers with the perfect experiences. We’re seeing seamless integration across the travel value chain, from user behavioural analysis for personalized recommendations to biometric systems and hotel facial recognition. Online virtual assistants can answer user queries, offer flight recommendations, book tickets, and even provide detailed itineraries for a trip to a specific geography on a budget in real time.

The travel-AI ecosystem is expanding. In addition to chatbots accomplishing various tasks, OTAs are retaining users through intelligent use of data. AI can understand people’s travel histories and recommend highly curated plans tailored to their needs. Hotels can personalize guest experiences with tailor-made plans and menus, anticipating preferences to build lasting loyalty. Perhaps most impressively, AI-powered tools such as augmented reality and virtual reality can allow people to sample their destinations before booking and explore their destinations better with guided tours and assistance. We’ve only scratched the surface in this regard — there is a whole world of travel experiences waiting to be unlocked as we progress with AI. OTAs could assimilate these solutions and cater to vast customer bases on their platforms through proper integration.

Data has come to the fore in recent times. OTAs have been leveraging technology to establish themselves in the marketplace thanks to sophisticated algorithms and data analytics to cater to different consumer segments and provide competitive prices and curated itineraries. Travel is more open than it ever was, built on the idea of accessibility and affordability.

Making Travel Planning a Delight

Users enjoy exploring destinations through vibrant imagery and personalized recommendations, researching unique experiences, and comparing accommodations. To assist users in this journey, OTAs offer multiple itineraries for users to explore, various booking and travel options, and content from multiple sources to learn more about these destinations, all of these in a personalised and intuitive interface.

Being one-stop solutions, AI, OTAs can offer alternatives, answer questions that user may have, and help them make their plan come to true with trust. With AI, this trend is only rapidly going to scale. Interactive maps, virtual tours, travel blogs with insider tips, summarised reviews and ratings to build trust in chosen accommodations, Personalization through AI-driven recommendations and customized itineraries will all get dramatically better as OTAs adopt more of AI powered by their trusted content sources.

Corporate travel getting smarter

Corporate travel management today revolves around providing options while ensuring policy compliance. With the integration of AI, this dynamic is set to transform. Picture a scenario where a traveller needs to meet a client in another city: an AI travel assistant can understand these needs, the traveller's preferences, and company policies.
This AI assistant would efficiently handle booking flights, selecting accommodations, and arranging transportation, all while adhering to corporate guidelines. In case of disruptions like flight changes, the AI can promptly adjust plans, rebook flights, and modify accommodations as needed.

By harnessing AI in corporate travel, organizations can streamline processes, enhance traveller satisfaction, and optimize cost-effectiveness. This advancement promises a more efficient and personalized travel experience, reshaping how corporate travel is managed and experienced.

The Future looks exciting

As we overcome further challenges, the scope for innovation will extend. Barriers will continue to diminish, and ease of experience will evolve to be even more seamless. OTAs could find ways to integrate richer AR/VR experiences that put users at the heart of their prospective journeys. Expect more information to be delivered in efficient and bespoke ways. With the Internet of Things (IoT) growing, vacationers can imagine a future with one-stop travel platforms followed by self-tracking luggage, smart hotel rooms, and almost-prescient-like responses thanks to predictive analysis. Technology will disrupt and transform; there’s plenty of promise down the road.

The future could bring more excitement to the industry. Think of how travel could go to the next level, and chances are someone’s already working on making it real. Whether utilizing virtual reality to bring hotspots to life at home or creating tools to hyper-personalize trips, we’re on the path to super-efficient customer experiences. Speaking of efficiency, we’ll also build around sustainable operations, presenting engaging solutions that cover environmental concerns while respecting travelers’ demands for more.

Ganesh Ramaswamy

---

Ganesh Ramaswamy is Chief Product and Tech Officer at Cleartrip