AI travel agents

AI agents are increasingly handling tasks traditionally performed by human travel agents, such as planning itineraries and booking trips. The shift revives debate about whether automated assistants can replicate the personalised service that human agents once provided, and what it means for the travel industry's workforce as conversational AI tools gain mainstream adoption among travellers.

Travel industry outlet Travel Weekly reports on how Expedia Cruises is using artificial intelligence in its operations. The company, a vacation franchise network within the Expedia Group, is applying AI tools to support travel agents and improve customer service. Details of specific applications remain limited, but the piece reflects growing adoption of AI across the travel and cruise booking sector.

A new travel app called Viamour has launched, combining AI agents with social connections for travellers. The product promises to help people meet others and arrange travel plans using agentic AI. Early reception is modest but curious, with the tech community discussing whether AI agents can genuinely improve how travellers form social connections.

Booking.com has introduced Lola, a new AI-powered travel agent, as the company continues to roll out artificial intelligence tools across its travel platform. The announcement has drawn attention from technology and travel watchers, who see it as another step by major online travel companies to automate trip planning and customer assistance.

Skift is hosting a webinar examining what happens when artificial intelligence becomes the travel agent, shaping which hotels travelers ultimately book. The discussion focuses on how hotels can position themselves to be selected by AI-driven recommendation and booking tools, a shift that could reshape hotel distribution, marketing, and visibility as more trip planning moves from search engines to conversational AI assistants.