(WIFR) – A recent survey by Matador Network reveals that over half of travelers are considering using artificial intelligence (AI) to plan and assist with their summer travel this year. The survey, conducted by the creators of the AI travel assistant GuideGeek, highlights the growing role of AI in the travel industry.
GuideGeek, one of many free AI tools available, helps travelers plan their getaways by advising on the best places to stay, dine, and explore, while also offering money-saving tips and strategies to avoid crowds. This technology provides real-time information on flights, hotels, weather, and currency conversion. Ross Borden, CEO of Matador Network, compares using this AI to chatting with a knowledgeable friend.
“Imagine you have a friend in Barcelona that has lived there all their life and you’re asking her for advice before you go on your trip to Barcelona, that’s GuideGeek,” Borden explains. “Except it’s not just Barcelona, it’s every city, every state, every country.”
The survey indicates that families traveling with children are particularly inclined to use AI travel tools, being 69% more likely to have already used AI for trips compared to travelers without children.
Borden emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on the travel industry, which he believes has been stuck in outdated online booking methods. He sees AI as a way to simplify and modernize the process.
“You’ve got 30 browser tabs open, you’re scouring the internet for the best deal. AI is a great tool to just cut through all of that and get you into what you are interested in,” says Borden. “It’s a massive saver of time and money. Instead of trip planning taking weeks or days, it can take minutes.”
To maximize the benefits of an AI travel assistant, Borden advises travelers to be specific about their needs, including their destination, travel companions, and preferences for an ideal vacation.
Since its launch, GuideGeek has answered more than 3.7 million questions in multiple languages, demonstrating its broad utility and appeal.