Whether it's incorrect visa information or unsuitable route suggestions - the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) is not always accurate is regularly demonstrated in practice. Nevertheless, trust in smart technologies is growing: according to a new "Amadeus" study, many travelers do not want less digital support, but better.
Tears in front of the camera: Spanish influencer Mery Caldass recently vented her anger publicly - she would never trust "that bastard" again, she said, referring to ChatGPT. Her trip to Puerto Rico with her boyfriend came to an abrupt end after it emerged that the artificial intelligence (AI) had falsely claimed that EU citizens did not need a visa. It remains the case that an electronic entry permit is still required.
A new global study by "Amadeus", the platform for airlines, travel agencies and hotels, shows that expectations of smart tools are rising rapidly.
The analysis entitled "Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade" is based on a survey of 9,500 travelers from seven countries, including China, France, India, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and the USA. It sheds light on how digital technologies will shape the travel experience in the future.
Generative AI is particularly in demand for planning; its use has increased by 64 percent compared to the previous year among the participants in the study. They cite the following advantages: saving time (42 percent), personalized recommendations (37 percent) and inspiration for new travel destinations (36 percent). Around a third of respondents feel safer with AI-supported planning - and 64 percent would even be prepared to pay for a digital travel assistant to accompany them on their journey.
But technology has its pitfalls: 25 percent report inaccurate or outdated information, just as many report a lack of awareness of personal preferences.
90 percent of air travelers find certain phases of the journey stressful - from packing to security checks. At the same time, the desire for the smoothest possible process is growing. Technology should help to make precisely this mix of comfort, efficiency and experience possible. For example, two thirds of those surveyed showed great interest in luggage collection from home - for greater convenience and a feeling of security. 69 percent prefer biometric touchpoints to reduce waiting times and document checks.
Also in demand are: real-time information via app (29 percent), digital wallets (27 percent), smart baggage tracking (26 percent) and so-called super apps for overall travel management (26 percent).
