Chatbots, Personalization and Planning: How AI is changing the way Indians travel

From AI-powered chatbots to personalized itineraries, Indian travelers are embracing technology to make every journey smarter and more seamless. (Image: Canva)

Artificial Intelligence is no longer confined to tech labs and software code—it's quietly, yet unmistakably, transforming the way we travel. From recommending destinations to translating foreign languages in real time, AI has become the invisible concierge of modern tourism. In India, where digital adoption is among the highest globally, this technological shift is not only welcome—it’s being enthusiastically embraced.

A recent Global AI Sentiment Report by Booking.com offers compelling insight into how Indian travellers are engaging with artificial intelligence across every stage of their journey. Surveying over 37,000 people across 33 countries, the report paints a detailed picture of a future where AI is not merely a tool, but an integral travel companion. And in this future-forward narrative, Indian travellers are emerging as early adopters and vocal champions.

India at the Forefront: High Interest, Measured Trust

The findings from the report are striking. A staggering 99% of Indian respondents expressed interest in using AI for travel. Equally notable is that 96% claim to understand how AI works, and 98% are willing to integrate it into future travel planning. These numbers place India at the very top of the global adoption curve.

However, this is not blind faith. A significant 38% of Indian travellers find AI solutions impersonal, and only 12% are comfortable with AI making independent decisions about their holidays. The majority prefer AI to play a supporting role—one that augments, but does not override, human judgement.

The Demographics of AI Usage: Enthusiasts, Advocates, and Detractors

Indian travellers are not a monolith when it comes to technology. According to the report, 46% are identified as “AI Enthusiasts”—curious, optimistic, and ready to experiment. Another 28% are “AI Advocates”—supporters of responsible and ethical AI use. A smaller segment (10%) are “AI Detractors,” who remain wary of its capabilities and implications.

Yet, the overarching sentiment is clear: AI is seen as a tool for empowerment. Eighty-seven percent believe it will simplify life, 65% think it will save time, and 54% expect it to boost productivity.

A Global Perspective: How India Compares

Across regions, AI enthusiasm varies. Latin America reports a similarly high interest, with 98% excitement and 89% familiarity. However, it is the Asia-Pacific region—including India—that shows the highest rate of AI integration in everyday life. By contrast, North America and Europe exhibit more scepticism, with travellers often cross-checking AI-generated information and relying more on traditional sources.

In India, however, AI is already part of the routine digital diet—used for everything from movie recommendations to shopping filters. This comfort with everyday AI usage translates easily into travel.

The Human Element Still Matters

Despite this broad uptake, the Indian traveller is not ready to surrender entirely to automation. While 99% use AI-powered search tools and streaming services, trust remains a guarded asset. Around 32% of respondents consistently fact-check AI outputs, and 42% do so occasionally. Only a modest 16% fully trust AI results without review, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency and human oversight.

With AI as their travel companion, Indians are planning smarter, exploring responsibly, and redefining what it means to journey in the digital age. (Image: Canva)

AI Across the Travel Journey: From Planning to Postcards

The utility of AI in Indian travel is wide-ranging. Before the journey, it aids in:

• Destination research (53%)
• Identifying cultural experiences (44%)
• Finding restaurants (42%)
• During travel, its role becomes even more pronounced:
• Translation support (55%)
• Real-time suggestions (52%)
• Navigation and maps (41%)

Perhaps most tellingly, AI assistants are now more trusted than work colleagues (23%) or social media influencers (31%) when it comes to trip planning. After the trip, over half (51%) of travellers turn to AI for photo editing—proving that its utility doesn’t end once the journey does.

Smarter, Greener, More Ethical Travel

One of the more revealing trends is how Indian travellers want AI to support responsible tourism. About 82% appreciate suggestions that help avoid overcrowded destinations, and 80% prefer recommendations that contribute to local communities. AI is not merely viewed as a convenience; it's also expected to be a force for good.

This indicates a shift towards sustainability and cultural consciousness—one that may well define the future of global tourism.

India’s AI-driven travel future is taking off—where innovation meets tradition to create smarter, more personalized, and responsible journeys. (Image: Canva)

India’s AI-Driven Travel Future Is Taking Off

India's open-armed embrace of artificial intelligence in travel planning reveals more than just technological enthusiasm—it reflects a generation of travellers who are seeking smarter, more personalised, and socially responsible experiences. AI is not replacing the magic of travel; it’s refining it.

With human oversight as a compass and AI as a co-pilot, Indian tourism is navigating into a new era—one that is efficient, ethical, and extraordinarily well-informed.