The evolution of the travel industry: In-person travel agents → online agents → AI

And it all happened within 30 years. In 1995, the first airline ticket was sold on the world wide web — completely disrupting the travel booking business.

Fast forward to 2023, and humans are conversing with robots to plan their next vacation.

How is AI disrupting travel?

This week, online travel agency (OTA) Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) launched their AI trip planning powered by ChatGPT.

• Users can ask the chatbot for travel recommendations with an option to book directly in the app.
• Expedia plans to expand into flights, car rentals and activities — and has already implemented customer service chatbots.

Similar to travel planning on ChatGPT or Bard, results can be inconsistent — and bookings and more detailed info (i.e., pricing, availability) aren’t available.

Other OTAs have their own plans: Asia-based Trip.com (NASDAQ:TCOM) launched their own AI chatbot in February — while competitor Booking.com (NASDAQ:BKNG) is taking a slower approach.

If AI can do the job, it eventually will.