Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries across the globe, and the travel sector is no exception. Recently, leaders from Google and Sabre emphasized that AI will soon become an integral part of the travel industry and will be expected by consumers at every stage of their journey.
Speaking at a webinar hosted by both companies, Carrie Tharp, Google Cloud’s Vice President of Global Solutions and Industries, highlighted the growing importance of AI in the travel ecosystem. According to Tharp, AI will be applied to every step of the travel experience, from booking flights and accommodations to offering seamless, personalized recommendations for travelers. This shift is poised to make AI indispensable to travel companies looking to enhance customer experiences.
Gary Wiseman, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Sabre Travel Solutions, elaborated on this, noting that travel suppliers and agencies will need to adopt AI to keep up with evolving consumer demands. AI will enable them to provide travelers with tailored experiences, including inspiration for trips, personalized shopping selections, and advanced self-servicing options. This level of customization will allow travelers to make quicker, more informed decisions while planning their journeys.
Wiseman used a specific example to demonstrate AI’s potential in revolutionizing the travel booking process. He explained that when a customer wants to change a flight booking, AI will not only suggest new flight times or dates, but it will also recognize the customer’s preferences, such as seating arrangements. “It’s not only going to propose a flight at a new date or time, but it’s also going to know that I prefer to sit in a premium economy window seat and so it will double check and make sure there is vacancy for that,” said Wiseman.
In this evolving landscape, AI’s role in offering hyper-personalized services will no longer be a luxury but a necessity for businesses in the travel industry. “I think over time this will be table stakes for anyone in the industry. It won’t be a differentiator, it will be something that is expected by the traveler,” Wiseman added.
The future of travel will undoubtedly be shaped by AI, with consumers expecting technology to offer smarter, more personalized experiences. As a result, travel companies that do not embrace AI may find themselves falling behind, while those that do will thrive in an increasingly digital and customer-centric environment.