
Gen AI becoming top source for travel discovery
Accenture's survey reveals Gen AI is reshaping travel, with 80% of travelers using it for tailored experiences and emotionally engaging brand interactions.
Accenture's latest Consumer Pulse survey of 18,000 consumers in 14 countries, presented in the report, 'Me, my brand, and AI: The new world of consumer engagement,' explores how the adoption of AI across the Travel, Retail and CPG industries, is reinventing the consumer-brand relationship, influencing not just what people buy, but how they think, feel and engage.
A year ago, Accenture's Consumer Pulse Survey found that travelers felt booking a hotel was harder than buying a car and that choosing a flight was almost as hard as choosing a mortgage. Almost three-quarters (73%) of consumers said they faced 'information overload', the result of the sheer number of choices, messages, ads and claims consumers face. As a result, 73% walked away from a hotel or flight booking entirely.
Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and the newer generative AI (gen AI) and agentic AI is enabling travel companies to solve these issues by empowering travelers to discover and purchase the right experiences with confidence tailored to their individual needs.
According to Accenture's Consumer Pulse Survey 2025, gen AI is already the number one go-to-channel for travel discovery ahead of social media and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), for active Gen AI users, defined as people using gen AI tools at least weekly for personal and/or professional reasons.
Gen AI provides an opportunity for the travel industry to reimagine the discovery and purchasing process for travelers.
Eight in 10 (80%) travelers in the sample across airlines, hotel stays, and travel platforms are now using gen AI tools. Brands can no longer treat gen AI users as early adopters. They are the new mainstream.
86% of travelers now want to shape their own experiences, with 93% of active gen AI saying this is important to the personal connection they feel with the brand.
More than nine in 10 (93%) active users have or would use gen AI to help support purchasing decisions.
78% of travelers are open to using a trusted AI-powered personal shopping assistant that understands their needs and goals.
57% of travelers seek an AI assistant that can work across multiple brands and services to autonomously solve for their needs.
Travelers are 1.3x as engaged, and 1.7x as likely to accept a higher price from a travel provider that delivers emotionally engaging experiences
79% want a travel brand that makes them feel special by remembering them personally
Key findings:
More than 8 in 10 (81%) of travelers seek immersive experiences at the research and discovery stage of purchasing.
42% would switch to a brand that could proactively suggest solutions to improve their experience in real-time.
8 in 10 (79%) travelers want a brand that makes them feel special by remembering them personally.
Emily Weiss, Accenture's global Travel lead, said: 'In the space of a year, we are already seeing AI start to solve for the problem of choice and decision overload, with a real opportunity to bring enjoyment back to the arduous process of discovering and purchasing memorable travel experiences. Gen AI takes this a step further by helping travelers have those experiences tailored to their unique needs and preferences in a more human and natural way. For the travel industry, the AI opportunity goes beyond securing bookings. Consider that instead of being overwhelmed by countless options and conflicting reviews, gen AI can act as a personal travel concierge, providing bespoke recommendations based on preferences, budget and location. It can consider factors such as a person's previous travel history, loyalty program status and even real-time data on local events and attractions.'
'With 'agentics' now in the mix – where Al agents assist with complex, goal-oriented tasks with minimal human intervention, such as facilitating pre-booking inquires and reservations – the industry can further assist travelers by reducing the time and effort required to scour for best options and prices. These agents can monitor price changes in real time, integrate loyalty points and offer assistance when plans change,' Weiss adds.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Travel Daily News
an hour ago
- Travel Daily News
Family travel made easy: Why airport buses beat taxis for group trips
For families determined to start vacations on the right foot, airport buses deliver what taxis simply cannot—space to breathe, room to grow, and precious moments of calm before the airport excitement begins. Traveling with children transforms every journey into a logistical puzzle. While taxis might seem like the most straightforward option at first glance, airport buses offer hidden advantages that make them the superior choice for families. Forget about cramming into multiple vehicles or playing luggage Tetris—coaches provide space, savings, and sanity when you need it most. Keeping the Whole Family Together One of the biggest challenges of family travel is staying organized. The thought of splitting up across several taxis—with parents in one car, kids in another, and grandparents in a third—creates unnecessary stress before you even reach the airport. With an airport bus service like Bright Bus Airport Express, everyone travels together in a single vehicle. Parents can keep an eye on restless toddlers, siblings remain within talking distance, and no one gets accidentally left behind at the hotel. This togetherness is especially valuable when managing multiple age groups, from infants to teenagers. Fixed Fares That Won't Shock Your Wallet Nothing ruins the start of a vacation faster than watching the taxi meter climb while stuck in traffic with impatient kids. Airport buses eliminate this financial uncertainty with transparent, upfront pricing that doesn't fluctuate based on demand or delays. Unlike rideshares that surge during peak times, bus fares remain consistent—whether you're traveling at dawn or during rush hour. For larger families, the savings can be substantial, often covering the cost of an extra activity or meal at your destination. Generous Space for People and Belongings Family travel means extra baggage—car seats, strollers, diaper bags, and enough snacks to survive a minor apocalypse. While taxis force painful compromises (Do we really need the stroller? Can the car seat fit?), coaches handle gear with ease thanks to dedicated luggage compartments. There's room for everyone's essentials without the arguments about what absolutely must come along. Plus, many airport buses offer overhead storage for smaller items, keeping the cabin clutter-free. Freedom to Move Without Restrictions Young travelers weren't designed to sit perfectly still for extended periods. Buses provide precious extra legroom and the ability to occasionally stand and stretch—small luxuries that make a world of difference on longer journeys. Some routes even include planned rest stops, allowing everyone to reset with a quick bathroom break or leg stretch before the airport chaos begins. Simplified Car Seat Logistics Navigating car seat requirements ranks high on the list of parental travel headaches. Most airport buses operate under different regulations than private vehicles, often permitting children to ride without bulky safety seats. This single advantage can mean packing several fewer items and avoiding the endless struggle of installing and uninstalling car seats in multiple taxis. Built-In Distractions for Restless Travelers Modern airport buses often come equipped with amenities that taxis can't match—panoramic windows perfect for sightseeing, available Wi-Fi to stream entertainment, and sometimes even tables for coloring books or games. These features help the miles pass more peacefully for all involved. Arriving Composed Rather Than Harried The true value of choosing an airport bus reveals itself upon arrival. Instead of frayed nerves from navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with multiple drop-offs, families step out refreshed and ready to tackle check-in. The journey becomes part of the adventure rather than an ordeal to endure. For families determined to start vacations on the right foot, airport buses deliver what taxis simply cannot—space to breathe, room to grow, and precious moments of calm before the airport excitement begins. The next time you plan a family trip, consider how much smoother the experience could be when you're not counting taxi meters or worrying about separated loved ones. Photo by Alex Kalinin on Unsplash


Travel Daily News
4 hours ago
- Travel Daily News
Planning a trip with the future in mind: How a fertility tracker helps not only at home but also on the road
Vacation and fertility are things that can go hand in hand. When planning a trip, do not forget about yourself, your goals, and your health. Integrating a fertility tracker into your trip makes it not only enjoyable but also conscious. Traveling is an opportunity to escape from the routine and discover new cultures. But for many women, especially those planning a pregnancy, a trip is not only a vacation, but also a moment when it is important to maintain control over their health and reproductive cycle. In such cases, a fertility tracker comes to the rescue, a digital assistant accompanying a woman even on the other side of the world. Why is it Important to Track Fertility While Traveling Many women are sure that they can 'pause' cycle tracking during vacation. However, it is during travel that the body can react to stress, time zone changes, climate, changes in diet, and sleep. All this can affect ovulation and fertility. Let's say you are planning to conceive and at the same time dreaming of a romantic trip to Tuscany or a safari in Kenya. Without systematic cycle tracking, you risk missing your 'fertility window,' those days when you are most likely to get pregnant. And if you are already pregnant but don't know it yet, it is important that your body receives the necessary conditions from nutrition and rest. This is where your fertility tracker comes into play. What is a Fertility Tracker and How Does it Work A fertility tracker is a device or mobile application that helps a woman track her menstrual cycle, predict ovulation, monitor changes in body temperature, hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, sleep, and even emotional state. Some trackers work on the basis of data entered manually, while others, like Mira, offer integration with hormone tests, ensuring maximum accuracy and a personalized approach. When traveling, especially when your usual rhythm is disrupted, such a tool becomes a real find. It reminds you when you should be especially attentive to yourself, suggests which days are suitable for conception, and when it is better to simply enjoy your vacation without expectations. How to integrate a fertility tracker into your vacation 1. Install the app in advance. You shouldn't install the app at the last minute at the airport. Make sure you're comfortable with the interface, understand its functions, and enter enough data before your trip. 2. Take test strips or sensors with you if the tracker requires them. Many advanced models use hormonal tests. Put them in your carry-on luggage so they don't get lost. 3. Monitor your sleep and nutrition patterns. Even short-term sleep disturbances can affect your hormonal levels. Smart trackers help recognize such fluctuations and provide recommendations. 4. Save data in the cloud. If you lose your phone on the road or it runs out of battery at the wrong time, cloud storage will allow you to restore all the information. Real-Life Stories: How a Tracker Helped on the Road Anna and Mikhail, a young couple from St. Petersburg, went on a two-week trip to France. They had been planning a child for a long time, but their work schedule prevented them from following the regimen. Anna took the Mira fertility tracker with her and continued to keep a fertility diary during the trip. Thanks to the accurate determination of ovulation and regular tests, the couple achieved success during the trip. A month later, they found out about the pregnancy. There are hundreds of such stories. Women all over the world use the fertility tracker not only at home, but also in the mountains, on the beach, in big cities, and in small villages. This allows you not to postpone the dream of motherhood because of the vacation, but, on the contrary, to make the trip a special moment of the beginning of a new life. Fertility and the mindful approach to tourism In the modern world, tourism is becoming not just entertainment, but a part of self-care. We choose eco-tours, practice yoga in Bali, and go on retreats in the Himalayas. The fertility tracker fits harmoniously into this concept; it does not disrupt the rest, does not require strict rules, but at the same time helps to maintain a connection with your own body. And if you add to this regular meditation, a balanced diet, and the absence of city stress, you get the perfect combination when rest really helps not only the body, but also the future life. Conclusion Vacation and fertility are things that can go hand in hand. When planning a trip, do not forget about yourself, your goals, and your health. Integrating a fertility tracker into your trip makes it not only enjoyable but also conscious. The dream of having a child should not be postponed 'for later', especially if technology allows you to combine concern for fertility with the joy of new discoveries. After all, perhaps it is on that trip you dreamed of that a new chapter of your life will begin. Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash


Travel Daily News
5 hours ago
- Travel Daily News
Kenya and Rwanda's travel sector shows record income in 2025
Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute KSh1.2tn in 2024, while Rwanda reaches record highs across GDP, jobs, and spending. LONDON, UK – Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute a record KSh1.2tn. to the economy this year, a record 24% above 2019 levels and equivalent to more than 7% of national GDP. Employment and domestic spending in Kenya is also expected to reach new heights. The sector is also expected to support 1.7mn. jobs in 2025 – maintaining over 8% of total national employment, playing a key role in the country's future, representing nearly one in every 12 jobs in the country. Visitor spending projections show a healthy rise across the board with domestic visitor spending set to reach a new record at just under KSh560bn. International visitor spending is forecast to hit over KSh300bn., up 31% from 2019, and edging closer to surpassing its previous peak of 2011. These record-breaking forecasts reflect a strong rebound for Travel & Tourism sector in Kenya and a growing appetite among travellers to experience the country's coastlines, safari parks, mountains, and vibrant urban centres. The growth reflects Kenya's expanding appeal on the global travel map, underpinned by its natural beauty, cultural heritage, wildlife experiences, and improving infrastructure. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: 'Kenya is on track for an exceptional year in Travel & Tourism. This projected growth in GDP, jobs, and visitor spending is a testament to the country's enduring appeal and to the work done by both government and private sector partners. Kenya has everything today's traveller is looking for. Nature, culture, authenticity, and hospitality, and WTTC sees it playing a key leadership role in Africa's tourism future.' WTTC projects that by 2035, Travel & Tourism will contribute KSh1.8tn. to the economy, supporting over 2.2mn. jobs. That's 500,000 new jobs expected over the next decade – reinforcing the sector's role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth. International visitor spending is forecast to reach KSh409bn., with domestic visitor spending expected to reach KSh821bn. Reflecting on 2024 In 2024, Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector contributed KSh1.2tn. to the national economy, a 10% year-on-year increase, and supported 1.7mn. jobs across the country. nInternational visitor spending reached KSh288bn., while domestic visitor spending totalled KSh528bn., reflecting a strong rebound in both international arrivals and local travel demand. Rwanda's Travel & Tourism Sector Broke all Records in 2024 Rwanda's Travel & Tourism sector broke all records in 2024, with its contribution to the economy, employment and domestic and international visitor spend all reaching record levels. In 2024, Rwanda's Travel & Tourism sector contributed a record breaking Fr1.9tn. to the economy, representing 9.8% of the total economy and 17.7% above the previous peak in 2019. Despite lagging in 2023, job numbers and international visitor spend both reached record levels last year. According to the research from the global tourism body, Travel & Tourism supported just under 386,000 jobs last year, whilst international visitors spent a record Fr1tn. – representing an increase of Fr169bn. on 2019. Domestic spending was above pre-pandemic levels by almost one third (32.2%) to reach more than Fr773bn. This growth reflects the Rwandan government's strategic investment in tourism as a pillar of economic diversification. Infrastructure projects such as the new Bugesera International Airport, which when completed will be able to handle 14 million passengers a year, will further boost long-term connectivity, international visitor numbers and spending. In 2025, Travel & Tourism in Rwanda is poised for another year of robust growth, with WTTC forecasting a 13% year on year increase in economic contribution to reach Fr2.1tn. – 10.3% of national GDP. The sector is set to support more than 402,000 jobs, accounting for over 8% of total employment. Growth is expected to be driven by both international and domestic spending worth Fr1.2τν. and Fr822bn. respectively. Rwanda continues to champion a high-value, low-volume tourism model that prioritises sustainability, conservation, and community benefit, particularly through flagship experiences like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and eco-tourism expansion across Akagera and Nyungwe. Julia Simpson said 'Rwanda is a standout example of how tourism, when supported by clear vision and partnership, can deliver real economic impact and long-term opportunity. The President's focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversification is setting a benchmark not only for Africa, but globally. From gorilla trekking to high-level business events and major sporting competitions, Rwanda is showing what's possible when a country invests in its tourism future.' Looking to 2035 WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the sector will contribute Fr3.1TN to the economy, a 10% share of GDP, and support more than 545,000 jobs across the country. Over 140,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the next decade.