WTTC report says AI is set to revolutionize travel and tourism

01-02-24

• As a global leader in travel and tourism, WTTC is committed to driving innovation and supporting the industry to adopt AI and other cutting-edge technologies

Major new reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC ) and Microsoft highlight the transformative power of AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Travel & Tourism, marking a commitment to a digital future with unparalleled customer experiences. 

The first in a series of AI reports, announced during the world tourism body's FITUR event and in collaboration with WTTC industry partner Microsoft, is set to redefine travel and tourism standards and call on the industry to further integrate such technologies. 

To promote sustainability and excellent customer experiences, WTTC recognizes the crucial importance of AI in revolutionizing the industry. 

Throughout the traveler's journey, WTTC believes that AI can play a critical role in delivering an enhanced and personalized experience now and in the future.  

This technology can power personalized recommendations and marketing strategies by analyzing traveler data, optimizing pricing strategies through real-time adjustments, and delivering instant responses and fine-tuned interactions through sophisticated AI-powered chatbots.

The report also highlights that AI capabilities extend to predicting future demand patterns, efficiently allocating resources, and providing valuable information to governments and travel and tourism stakeholders.  

This contribution can be instrumental in promoting sustainability with efficient resource management by monitoring and minimizing environmental impacts, ensuring a more responsible and sustainable industry. 

Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said, "As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of travel and tourism, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change.  

"The transformative capabilities highlighted in this report demonstrate that AI is not just a technological breakthrough, it is a strategic tool that can personalize the customer experience, drive sustainable improvements and create real-time pricing models."

Julie Shainock, general manager of Travel, Transportation and Logistics at Microsoft, said, "The use of Microsoft's Azure OpenAI models across the travel industry enables greater productivity for businesses and drives a more personalized consumer experience.  

"For travelers, the ability to generate more inspiration and personalized offers at the time of booking is providing tools for consumers to proactively help them while at the destination to anticipate their needs with relevant information to enhance their trip. For travel companies, GenAI is there to increase productivity, automate the predictable and allow our human-centric approach to the highest value moments in travel to shine brighter."  

Despite growing examples of AI applications in travel and tourism, the report reveals that the sector lags behind other consumer-facing industries in AI adoption. The rise of AI in several sectors last year is now a relevant force, and the travel and tourism sector must act now to leverage its impact. 

Challenges for travel and tourism companies to overcome include a shortage of AI-trained workers, limited AI infrastructure, and the absence of a formal "AI strategy" in many business plans. 

Travel and tourism companies are urged to embrace AI as a strategic priority, investing heavily in talent to foster collaboration between humans and AI.  

Amid concerns about the impact of AI on employment, the report addresses the potential for job creation and recognizes that while AI will be disruptive, it will in turn generate new opportunities. 

In the quest for sustainable AI practices within the travel and tourism sector, responsible data management emerges as a crucial strategy.  

Implementing measures such as data minimization, efficient storage and responsible data disposal becomes critical for organizations looking to minimize their carbon emissions when using new digital technologies and significantly reduce their AI environmental footprint. 

The report explores the applications of AI in society and business, emphasizing the need for safe and responsible AI system design in travel and tourism, marking a milestone in the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability, and showcasing the potential of AI to shape a bright future for travel and tourism.