Artificial Intelligence in Tourism

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the tourism industry. Currently, nearly every company involved in tourism uses at least one AI-powered technology, with market forecasts predicting a value of $1.2 billion by 2026. Innovations such as natural language processing (NLP), big data and deep learning also enhance the quality of the travel experience.

Artificial intelligence in tourism and travel refers to the use of AI technology to improve various aspects of the tourism industry, including customer service, travel planning, pricing and marketing. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to provide personalized recommendations, automate routine tasks and improve decision-making processes.

In this article, we will discuss the relevance of artificial intelligence in the tourism and travel industry. We will also focus on how the future prospects for AI in tourism factors in modern users, especially Gen Z and Millennials.

Before the AI revolution, traveling was a chore. This was before Skyscanner could recommend cheap flights to your target destinations, before Airbnb could suggest top accommodation based on your previous trips, and before fellow tourists could share tips on Tripadvisor.

Back then, you had to spend time planning your itinerary, searching for flights, and sorting through several filters to find the right hotel.

AI has changed all that in multiple ways through the following innovations.

AI travel assistants

When planning your trip, an AI assistant can help you do everything, from booking your hotel to adding the dates to your calendar. Think of an AI travel assistant as a travel agent, but without an actual human on the other end.

Advanced personalization

Using data science and machine learning, travelers can receive recommendations tailored to their preferences. For instance, if you search for "hotels in Madrid," future app or website results will feature accommodations in the Madrid metropolitan area.

Robots for face-to-face customer services

Hotels, travel agencies, and airlines now use chatbots to improve customer services. Travelers also use these chatbots more frequently, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crown jewel of these AI-powered chatbots is that they can offer answers to frequently asked questions through automated responses.

AI-driven applications for flight forecasting

The FAA uses advanced AI and data science algorithms to predict the demand for flights. These predictions rely on analytics from statistical models that explain and incorporate emerging trends from the different segments of the travel industry.

Data analysis

Since AI works in tandem with data science and machine learning, it gives companies access to massive swathes of data. Using data automation tools, companies can develop descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models to guide their decision-making processes.

Having delved into the concept of AI in tourism, it's clear that this innovative technology holds significant potential for the industry. The integration of artificial intelligence has brought about a transformative change in the way tourism businesses operate, offering numerous benefits for all stakeholders involved — consumers, retailers, and intermediaries. From enhancing customer experiences to streamlining operations and driving revenue growth, AI has proven to be a game-changer. As we navigate through this article, we will further explore the myriad ways in which AI adds value to the tourism industry and why it has become an indispensable tool for modern tourism businesses.

AI offers a better customer experience

Customer satisfaction is vital in the tourism industry because your brand’s reputation and success depend on it. Here are the ways AI can improve the customer experience.

• Personalization. The use of smart recommendations affects the user experience by reducing the steps needed to complete any action. Once the AI knows a few things about you, it can make recommendations based on your tastes.
• Dynamic pricing. Due to instability in the current market, users need to know the price of services in real-time. AI-powered inventory tools can update the cost of your services with little supervision, helping the customer get the best available personal and corporate travel deals at all times.
• Sentiment analysis. AI and ML algorithms can aggregate data to detect consumer sentiment toward your brand.
• Hospitality. Tourism and artificial intelligence merge perfectly: AI optimizes every aspect of travel, and as such, improves the hospitality score.
• Customer support. The level of customer service impacts customers' relationships with a company tremendously, so you need to invest in AI-enabled chatbots that use NLP algorithms to humanize automated responses.

AI simplifies baggage handling

AI tools like BagsID use biometric data to track, trace, and handle operations associated with baggage handling. Together with rapid computer vision, AI can recognize and track luggage during a journey, thereby reducing human error.

AI helps brands stay relevant

Staying relevant in the social media era involves maintaining an impeccable brand identity.

Let’s jump back to the sentiment analysis discussed earlier: keeping an eye on consumer satisfaction data like net promoter score (NPS) lets you know what they feel about your brand. But AI sentiment analysis tools like Brand24 take this up a few notches by analyzing the social media score.

How does sentiment analysis work?

A company like Airbnb surveys its Twitter mentions for keywords relaying a negative experience like “annoying” and “frustrating.” The company then compares the results to those containing positive feedback like “impressed” and “happy.” The net score shows the sentiment of Twitter users toward your brand.

AI offers better data security

Most AI tools are cloud-based, which makes them more secure. Besides, cloud providers like Microsoft (Azure) and Amazon (AWS) use encryption protocols to protect sensitive data, so you don’t have to worry about data leaks.

AI improves the quality of data

Cloud AI tools come with data management integrations to organize, analyze, and interpret massive swathes of data. Together with self-optimizing machine learning algorithms, these tools improve the quality of data available to brands.

Despite the glowing reviews about AI in the travel industry, some detractors still have concerns about the negative impact of artificial intelligence in tourism.

The most pressing issue with artificial intelligence is data. Consumers are concerned that companies are selling their data without their permission. Unfortunately, regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR) do little to deter the activities of data brokers. Even though Booking.com received a $560k fine (€475k) for GDPR violations, many companies would still rather pay the fine than overhaul their data security.

Aside from that, cyberattacks are at an all-time high. This constant threat to sensitive user and company information is a serious worry for brands that rely on AI. The 94 million user records carted away from Cathay Pacific Airways in 2018 is still a massive shock for the industry.

And most importantly, humans are getting left behind as artificial intelligence in tourism becomes more efficient. Due to the pandemic, over 62 million people lost their jobs in the hospitality industry, and this number may very well continue to rise. The silver lining is that, even with natural language processing, AI-enabled robots and assistants are yet to replace the unique human touch.

Companies within the travel industry use AI tools to cut costs, speed up processes, optimize services, and improve the overall user experience. Let’s check out some excellent AI use cases in tourism.

AI for travel agents

Airlines and travel companies are now replacing human consultants with virtual agents for more efficient services. For example, Westjet uses Juliet — a virtual travel assistant — to help customers manage their travel itinerary.

AI for optimizing operations

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) launched an artificial intelligence-based solution that helps airlines drive growth, accelerate innovation, and streamline operations to meet the current standards of quality and hospitality.

AI for sentiment analysis

We’ve already mentioned Brand24 and how this tool is an excellent example of AI in tourism. But other tools are rising, like PureStrategy use Automated Neural Intelligence Engine (ANIE) — a cognitive computing network — to track customer sentiment.

AI for customer segmentation

Another helpful application of artificial intelligence in travel is in the field of customer segmentation. TravelPerk, a Barcelona-based global travel management platform, uses Twilio Flex and Twilio Segment to segment the market in order to deliver a better customer experience.

AI for personalization

Booking.com, Airbnb, and Tripadvisor highlight the significance of AI in tourism through personalized recommendations.

AI for customer service

Tourism and artificial intelligence are now in a fruitful marriage that will improve the industry going forward.

For example, the famous hotel operator Dorchester Collections used an AI to gain vital insights into guest needs and preferences. The AI analyzed over 7,000 guest reviews using cognitive computing and machine learning. After this exercise, the hotel was able to make changes to the menu to satisfy more guests.

AI for baggage handling

As mentioned earlier, AI-driven baggage handling can streamline the process of moving and tracking luggage. The BagsID technology referenced above has been tested at the Eindhoven Airport with a resounding success.

At the time of writing, AI is continuing to drive innovation in various aspects of travel and tourism. Here are the most relevant applications of artificial intelligence in tourism in 2024.

IoT (Internet of Things)

The proliferation of IoT devices has created a unique opportunity for a successful merger of travel and AI. With the assistance of AI and machine learning, travelers can now utilize their devices for an array of travel-related tasks. This includes planning their trips, conducting voice searches for information, and making reservations. These smart devices, powered by AI, can offer personalized recommendations based on a user's preferences and past behavior, making the travel experience more seamless and enjoyable.

Take AirFrance KLM as an example. The airline uses FlightBeat, an AI-powered system of sensors, to monitor passengers' heart rates during flights. This technology helps the airline ensure passenger comfort and safety. Similarly, British Airways uses comparable technology in their Happiness Blanket. This unique item tracks travelers' emotions during flights, providing valuable data that can be used to improve customer satisfaction.

AI voice search optimization

In the realm of AI and tourism, search engine optimization has become a hot topic. Companies are now investigating methods to optimize search results using voice commands and keywords, facilitated by AI and NLP. This advancement allows users to find relevant information more efficiently, enhancing the overall user experience. AI voice search optimization can understand user intent and deliver more accurate search results, making it easier for travelers to find the information they need quickly and conveniently.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)

Here are some artificial intelligence applications in tourism that rely on VR or AR:

• The National Geographic VR app allows you to visit any location using an Oculus 360.
• Tourists can hop on Asbury park AR tours.
• The American Museum of Natural History hosts AR tours using the Explorer App.
• UK-based travel company Thomas Cook boosted bookings for New York by 190% after introducing a VR-based “Try Before You Fly” campaign.
• The Atlantis in Dubai is using VR to attract more visitors.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology, combined with AI, is set to bring about significant improvements in the tourism sector. Blockchain can enhance various areas such as payments, smart contracts, transparency, luggage management, and loyalty programs.

Here are some companies harnessing the power of AI-driven blockchain technology:

• LockChain (LockTrip) is a marketplace for hotels looking to rent a property.
• Winding Tree is a decentralized Ethereum-based omnichannel marketplace that connects travel sellers and buyers. The company also owns the LIF utility token.

Trip planning

Online platforms like Visits.ai are revolutionizing the way travelers plan their trips. With a single click, the AI collects information about your destination and personal preferences. It then uses this data to fine-tune recommendations and plan your trip. This not only saves time but also ensures a personalized travel experience based on the traveler's unique preferences.

Translation services

In today's globalized world, overcoming language barriers is crucial in the tourism sector. Machine translation applications like Google Translate are prime examples of AI being used to bridge this gap. Many companies rely on Google’s Translation API to localize their platforms to reach a broader audience.

Other tools like Lingo24 employ AI-powered cognitive computing to provide less robotic translation services. These advanced translation services enhance communication and understanding for international travelers, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of language barriers.

Predicting the future of AI in the tourism and travel industry is tricky considering the blistering pace of innovation today. But we’ve gathered expert insights to predict what the future holds in this area.

Occupancy prediction

Hotels and airlines will invest massively in data science and deep learning algorithms to make better occupancy predictions. This predictive superpower will help them channel their resources better to reduce expenses and maximize profits. Any travel management company can also rely on this technology when planning trip packages.

Biometric identification

According to the New York Times, airports are looking for ways to use biometric verification methods like facial recognition. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has also discovered that facial recognition is 99.5% accurate. Soon, airlines will require passengers to go through biometric verification before boarding planes.

NLP and AI

Tech companies will continue working with AI and NLP technologies to develop algorithms and neural networks capable of replicating and interpreting human emotions. With language model technologies like GPT-4, travel companies can improve translation and platform localization services.

AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things)

A synergy between artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things will produce many AI-optimized devices. The most prominent implementation of AIoT is autonomous cars.

Soon, tourists will be able to use autonomous ride-hailing services to travel to their destinations.

Hyper-personalization

If you thought tourism and travel couldn’t get more personal, think again — companies like Amadeus are exploring hyper-personalization in this sector. The primary driving factor here is consumer behavior, specifically Gen Z and Millennials.

Thanks to this AI-driven change, we’ll soon see personalized pricing, advertising, bundling, bidding, and subscriptions as acceptable payment methods. Travel companies will also extend exclusive insurance deals to travelers. With collaborations like the Amadeus-Setoo partnership, travelers can access the most relevant protection using an AI-powered solution.

The cost of implementing artificial intelligence in the tourism sector can vary widely. This is due to several factors, including the specific AI solution being implemented and the various stages of development involved. For instance, the cost of implementing a simple chatbot would be significantly different from the price of developing a fully integrated virtual assistant.

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down the cost estimates for developing an AI chatbot based on the average market rates.

Design

The design phase involves building prototypes of the chatbot. Depending on the number of features required, you may need to hire several UX designers for this task. For a simple chatbot, the design phase can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000. This cost can fluctuate based on the complexity of the design and the expertise of the designers involved.

Development

Once the design is approved, the next step is the development of a minimum viable product (MVP). This is a basic version of the chatbot that includes only the essential features. The development of an MVP can cost around $8,000. After the MVP is created and approved, the remaining features are added to complete the chatbot. This additional development stage can cost approximately $10,000.

Testing

Quality assurance (QA) specialists conduct various forms of testing to ensure the chatbot functions as expected. This includes testing the chatbot's ability to understand and respond to user queries correctly, handle multiple user requests simultaneously, and function seamlessly across different platforms. The median price for this testing phase is around $7,000.

In total, you can expect to spend around $30,000 to build a chatbot for travel managers and agencies. It's important to note that there are also off-the-shelf chatbot solutions available on a subscription basis. These can be more cost-effective for some businesses, but the downside is that they offer limited customization options.

If you're looking for a company that specializes in travel & hospitality software development, EPAM Startups & SMBs could be the ideal partner for you. They have a wealth of experience in developing AI solutions for the tourism sector and can provide expert guidance and support throughout the development process.

EPAM has a proven track record of implementing AI development solutions for companies and brands in the travel and tourism industry. The company also offers machine learning and big data development services.

Here are the projects EPAM worked on over the past few years:

In 2017, EPAM helped Southwest Airlines design a new digital wayfinding system to guide customers through the airport. We redesigned all of the existing airport signage and added new sign types at key locations throughout the airport based on customer and employee feedback. This redesign project garnered a 96% approval rating.

EPAM also partnered with the TUI Group to create a new upload tool using ADAM/Hybris that allows TUI’s partners to work correctly within the content workflows. The project resulted in over 1,000 monthly asset exports and 30,000 monthly asset imports across 10 locations worldwide.

In addition, EPAM partnered with a British hotel chain to optimize the lengthy, inefficient process of manually assessing each hotel’s performance. EPAM assembled a team of Java developers, UX designers, and project managers to engineer an ORM tool with two separate views. Since the solution’s integration, the client has been able to create effective action plans and marketing campaigns to address lower-than-average performance.

If you want to implement or build an AI solution for your travel business, reach out to us right away. Developers at EPAM Startups & SMBs can help your brand implement AI technologies and machine learning algorithms to boost your business performance and better satisfy the needs of your customers.

Artificial intelligence is changing the tourism and travel industries, especially following the COVID pandemic. Hotels, airlines, and hospitality service providers now rely on AI-powered tools to optimize operations, maximize profits, and boost the user experience.