(Lebanon, N.H. – October 28, 2024) A growing number of travelers are using artificial intelligence (AI) for trip planning, according to the Global Rescue Fall 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. The survey revealed that one-out-of-10 (11%) of the world’s most experienced travelers have started to incorporate AI tools into their travel preparation, with most finding it beneficial for research and itinerary suggestions.

“AI for travel is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s becoming a practical tool for travelers looking to streamline their trip planning,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce. “While still in the early stages, AI is proving valuable for tasks such as destination research and itinerary building.”

Among those who used artificial intelligence for travel, nearly 70% rated the technology as “very useful” or “mostly useful,” showing a positive sentiment toward its functionality. Close to half of travelers (44%) used AI for basic research and a third (36%) found it helpful for suggesting itineraries based on specific parameters, such as trip length, activities, or budget.

“AI for research is enabling travelers to cut down the time it takes to sift through endless sources of information, helping them make better decisions faster,” Richards said. “It’s ideal for identifying the right destination and creating customized travel plans, especially for those short on time or planning complex itineraries.”

Other uses of artificial intelligence in travel planning included finding lodging, restaurants, and activities (10%) and coordinating flights (2%). While AI adoption in trip planning remains modest, the data suggest a steady increase in its application as travelers seek ways to simplify the process.

Travelers should be vigilant regarding AI use since it is a new source of scams. “The proliferation of AI is an impending threat to travel due to tech scams including deepfake cons, identity impersonation, or misleading travel advice from bots, putting travelers at risk of fraud, misinformation, or malicious intent when booking trips or managing itineraries,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and associate director security for Global Rescue.

Richards emphasized the evolving role of AI in the travel industry, noting that while most travelers still plan trips traditionally, those who have adopted AI tools are reaping its benefits. “We expect to see a continued rise in the use of AI for travel, particularly as the technology becomes more accessible and refined,” he added.

AI-powered systems are expected to play a significant role in enhancing international security checks with some of the early applications focusing on enhancing screening processes and threat detection. AI systems are being tested in several airports globally, including Dubai International Airport and JFK International Airport in New York.

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Contact 

Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey 

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1.100 current and former members between October 1-20, 2024. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel. 

About Global Rescue 

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.