Survey: AI is becoming a 'mainstream travel planning tool'
The Global Travel Confidence Index jointly released by Allianz Partners and Ipsos shows that AI has moved from experimentation to the mainstream, with 37% of American summer travelers using it to plan their vacations. Hoteliers are responding to this trend through tools such as generative AI and conversational assistants.
At a Glance
- New research from global travel insurance provider Allianz Partners shows that travelers are increasingly turning to AI-powered tools to plan, manage, and insure their trips, expecting a "seamless, app-driven experience" throughout.
- According to the Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index, conducted with Ipsos, more than a third (37%) of Americans planning to travel this summer are using AI to assist with vacation planning. Common uses include recommendations for destinations, restaurants, and activities, as well as itinerary generation, budget planning, and travel research.
- "Technology is changing how people research, plan, and manage their travels," said Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners, in a statement. "From AI itinerary planning to real-time travel assistance, the industry is evolving to meet these expectations." As "digital-native travelers seeking convenience and personalization" increasingly turn to generative and conversational AI, the hospitality industry has an opportunity to invest in generative AI and position itself at the entry point of consumer travel research.
In-Depth
The survey, conducted between March 20 and April 14, 2026, among 2,001 American adults, found that AI is becoming a "mainstream travel planning tool."
Expectations for travel services, including travel protection, are rising. Among respondents planning to purchase travel insurance, nearly two-thirds (64%) said they expect or value 24/7 customer support and emergency assistance through a mobile app.
Meanwhile, as customer expectations rise, one customer service expert noted that conversational AI tools are one way to bridge this gap. Such tools are particularly promising for boosting guest satisfaction, enhancing loyalty, and providing more personalized service.
"These travelers expect fast, intuitive, and mobile-first interactions throughout their entire journey," the report states.
As more travelers turn to AI for trip planning, solutions have emerged to help hotels optimize their visibility in guest searches.
Hoteliers have also begun launching AI tools to assist customers with booking accommodations: In June, IHG Hotels & Resorts launched a ChatGPT app; earlier this year, Hilton began piloting a generative AI-powered digital concierge service.
Meanwhile, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduced a native ChatGPT app to help travelers search for and book hotels; last month, Marriott International released Ask Bonvoy, an AI-driven conversational search tool.