AI arranged my summer holidays

Assistant: Hey there! Planning a trip? The way younger travelers, especially Gen Z, are doing it is pretty cool! Let me fill you in on the latest trends.

Planning a vacation used to entail trudging through travel guides and brochures. But not anymore. Gen Z is shaking things up, embracing the power of AI and social media to map out their next adventure.

Take it from Shauna Moran, a data journalist at GWI. According to her, using TikTok to plan holidays is becoming commonplace, with more people jumping on board every day.

'With a 16% increase in travel research using social media since the start of 2023, social platforms are almost as appealing as traditional travel booking sites for holiday inspiration,' Moran explains.

Gen Z's love for AI isn't limited to their computers either. Thirteen percent of travelers are using AI tools like ChatGPT to spearhead their vacation research. On the AI front, tools like ChatGPT surpass established sources such as online forums (12%) and brochures (10%) in ranking. But it seems AI hasn't fully sewn its wings yet—young travelers primarily use it for high-level research rather than on-the-ground or food-specific choices.

Now, you might be thinking, 'So what?' Here's why you should pay attention: Expedia Group is taking note.

On May 14, they launched Expedia Trip Matching—an industry-first feature that can convert any Instagram reel into a bookable travel itinerary. Instagram users can now DM Expedia any video that tickles their fancy, and the AI will take the reins, generating a tailor-made itinerary featuring travel tips inspired by the video.

Travel expert Rob Torres, SVP of Expedia Group Advertising, isn't beating around the bush: 'Travel habits are changing, and we must adapt if we want to stay relevant.' And adapt they will, as Expedia integrates with OpenAI Operator and Microsoft Copilot Actions to build a bridge between AI planning and booking with established brands.

'Travel will always bounce back, but how we travel and how we're inspired to travel is shifting vastly,' Torres added. 'We need to keep up with the times.'

So there you have it! Gen Z is flexing their expertise in travel planning, turning to TikTok for inspiration and ChatGPT for personalized recommendations. And established booking sites are catching on, blending social media, AI, and sustainability into a fresh, effective approach to holiday planning. Happy travels!

Featured image: Eirik Uhlen / Unsplash

Enrichment Data:

Trend Discovery: Travel trends unfold quickly on social media, with hashtags like #TikTokTravel and followings of influencers offering an ongoing stream of destination inspiration.
Community Influence: Shared experiences on social media platforms magnify word-of-mouth recommendations, affecting travel decisions for others.

AI (ChatGPT)

Personalized Suggestions: AI tools like ChatGPT can create travel itineraries based on user preferences and interests, making holiday planning more convenient and enjoyable.
Efficient Research: AI simplifies the travel research process, delivering crucial information in just a few clicks.

Travel Booking Sites Adapting to Change

Influencer Partnerships: Established booking sites forge partnerships with popular travel influencers to boost their credibility with younger generations.
User-Generated Content: Encouraging users to share their travel experiences on social media fosters a vibrant community, strengthening trust and promoting decision-making.
AI Integration: Booking sites are integrating AI to offer personalized travel recommendations, enhancing user experiences.
Sustainable and Budget-Friendly Options: In response to Gen Z's priorities, booking sites focus on providing eco-friendly accommodation options and budget-friendly alternatives to cater to the needs of cost-conscious travelers.

Gen Z's unique approach to holiday planning involves the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
The integration of AI into travel planning facilitates the creation of personalized itineraries based on user preferences and interests, making the process more convenient and enjoyable.
Take for example Expedia's new feature, Expedia Trip Matching, which can convert any Instagram reel into a bookable travel itinerary, showcasing the adaption of established booking sites to the shifting travel landscape.
As a result, travel booking sites are prioritizing sustainability and budget-friendly options in response to Gen Z's travel preferences, thus catering to the needs of cost-conscious travelers.

AI arranged my summer holidays