From Search Queries to Smart Conversations
The fundamental shift in travel planning is moving beyond the simple search bar. Instead of typing fragmented queries like “hotels in Goa” or “things to do in Rajasthan,” travellers are now having nuanced conversations with AI-powered tools. A recent
survey highlighted that Indian travellers are rapidly adopting AI, with 61% having used it to plan at least one trip in the past year. They are seeking personalised recommendations based on their unique interests, budgets, and even past travel behaviours. This evolution means you can ask an AI assistant to “plan a 7-day family-friendly trip to the hills in summer with a mix of adventure and relaxation, focusing on vegetarian-friendly hotels,” and receive a detailed, structured itinerary in seconds. This conversational approach slashes decision fatigue and makes planning feel more intuitive and less like a chore.
The Rise of the Hyper-Personalised Itinerary
The biggest draw for Indian travellers is hyper-personalisation. AI excels at sifting through vast amounts of data to craft journeys that feel tailor-made. According to a recent survey, creating customised, day-by-day itineraries is the most valued feature for 45% of users. Imagine an itinerary designed for a traveller with anxiety that avoids crowded tourist traps, or a culinary trail through Vietnam curated specifically for your dietary preferences. This level of detail extends to discovering off-beat destinations. While 72% of travellers discover new places through social media reels, AI helps turn that inspiration into a feasible plan. Companies are leveraging AI to map hotels near specific national park entry gates or suggest experiences that align with your personality, be it a wellness retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
India's enthusiastic adoption
Indian travellers are not just experimenting with AI; they are leading the world in its adoption for travel planning. A Skyscanner report noted that India has the highest global adoption rate, with a staggering 86% of travellers confident about using AI tools. This confidence is fuelling a boom in usage, with one in three Indians currently using AI for vacation planning. Popular tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews are being used for everything from initial inspiration to comparing flight options. The government and major travel players are also leaning in. The Ministry of Tourism has launched a revamped 'Incredible India' platform with AI-powered features and is backing a National Digital Tourism Stack designed to be AI-first. This ecosystem aims to connect everything from homestays to local guides, making them discoverable across multiple digital platforms.
A Co-Pilot, Not the Pilot
Despite the rapid adoption, travellers still value human oversight. Most Indians see AI as a 'co-pilot' for their travel plans, not the sole decision-maker. The technology, while powerful, has its limitations. AI tools can sometimes produce factual errors or 'hallucinations,' such as suggesting non-existent attractions or providing unrealistic transit times in traffic-heavy Indian cities. They can also lack the nuanced understanding of local culture, seasonal closures, or safety considerations that a human expert provides. Over-reliance on AI can also diminish the joy of serendipitous discovery—the unplanned detour to a charming cafe or a spontaneous conversation with a local that often becomes a cherished memory. The most effective approach seems to be a hybrid one, where AI handles the heavy lifting of research and logistics, while the traveller applies their own judgment and remains open to spontaneous adventures.
