How will Artificial Intelligence Affect the Future of Travel Planning?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in recent months, with many debates and differing opinions on its benefits to society. At the same time, AI is being integrated into countless business processes and services, including within the travel industry.  

AI for travel planning 

Gone are the days of endless online scrolling, researching places to visit and activities for your upcoming trips. While AI can quickly generate travel itineraries, there are a few important points to remember before turning your AI-generated travel itinerary into reality.  

1. Although AI can be a great tool, there is no substitution for customer service when it comes to human interaction. Travel agents can help customize trips to your specific preferences, using their experience and insider knowledge. For example, AI may suggest a resort with a waterpark when travelling with children. But, your travel agent will inform you of critical information, like if the waterpark will be closed for renovations on your selected dates. 
    

2. Travel agents provide support when you need it. If you need to cancel or reschedule your plans, or run into issues during your travel, having someone working and advocating on your behalf can be invaluable.    
    

3. Access to consumer protection. By booking with a TICO registered travel agency or website, you’re automatically entitled to TICO’s consumer protection, including a complaints process and a Compensation Fund. It’s easy to verify if a company is registered with TICO by using this online search tool.  

AI can bring convenience and efficiency to travel planning, but it’s important to ensure you’re making an informed purchase decision and have all the necessary details so that your trip is a success.  

Book with a TICO Registered Travel Agency

To verify if a travel agency or website is TICO registered, check our online directory.  

Take the TICO Traveller Quiz to see what type of traveller you are.  

Sign up to receive quarterly travel consumer protection email updates. 

For more travel tips and information, visit the Smart Traveller Guide.  

All travel agencies and websites located and operating in Ontario are regulated by TICO. Registered travel agencies and websites provide additional consumer protection for your travel investment that may not be available when booking with travel agencies and websites based in other countries or provinces. For more information about how TICO helps, click here.  

Any questions can be directed to tico@tico.ca or 1-888-451-TICO (8426).