With artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly playing a role in trip planning, it only follows that the technology is also increasingly subject to misuse and as a source of scams.
“AI for travel is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s becoming a practical tool for travellers looking to streamline their trip planning,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce. “While still in the early stages, AI is proving valuable for tasks such as destination research and itinerary building.”
Among those who used artificial intelligence for travel, nearly 70% of respondents to a recent Global Rescue survey rated the technology as “very useful” or “mostly useful,” showing a positive sentiment toward its functionality. Close to half of travellers (44%) used AI for basic research and a third (36%) found it helpful for suggesting itineraries based on specific parameters, such as trip length, activities, or budget.
“AI for research is enabling travellers to cut down the time it takes to sift through endless sources of information, helping them make better decisions faster,” Richards said. “It’s ideal for identifying the right destination and creating customized travel plans, especially for those short on time or planning complex itineraries.”
Other uses of artificial intelligence in travel planning included finding lodging, restaurants, and activities (10%) and coordinating flights (2%). While AI adoption in trip planning remains modest, the data suggest a steady increase in its application as travellers seek ways to simplify the process.
Scams
However, travellers should be vigilant regarding AI use since it is a new source of scams. “The proliferation of AI is an impending threat to travel due to tech scams including deepfake cons, identity impersonation, or misleading travel advice from bots, putting travellers at risk of fraud, misinformation, or malicious intent when booking trips or managing itineraries,” said Global Rescue’s Harding Bush.
Richards emphasized the evolving role of AI in the travel industry, noting that while most travellers still plan trips traditionally, those who have adopted AI tools are reaping its benefits. “We expect to see a continued rise in the use of AI for travel, particularly as the technology becomes more accessible and refined,” he added.
AI-powered systems are expected to play a significant role in enhancing international security checks with some of the early applications focusing on enhancing screening processes and threat detection. AI systems are being tested in several airports globally, including Dubai International Airport and JFK International Airport in New York.
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