The future of travel is AI: What you should know

The convenience of mobile travel planning. Picture: istock Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more prominent as the digital world expands and integrates into modern society. People and companies have found ways to combine the world of travel with technological automation, leading to new discoveries you may not have even known existed.

The future of travel is not about faster bookings or smarter destination recommendations, but about deepened personalisation and data-driven support features that are exquisitely curated just for your needs. AI appears to be making travel experiences effortless for the user, whether you are planning a cross-country rail escape or simply checking into a hotel that uses AI for easier access. Kelsey van Eck from Irvine Partners unpacks three ways AI is transforming the travel industry right now.

Ever heard that your phone tracks your every word and move to better understand your preferences and suit your algorithm? Well, imagine the concept of a “personal concierge” right in your pocket, with the world at your fingertips with a simple tap of a button. Forget planning an itinerary at a travel agency; AI-powered travel assistants are on the rise and are already reshaping travel planning across the world.

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In December 2025, the South African tourism industry partnered with the North American company GuideGeek to launch its first AI travel planner, Siyanda, which means “we are growing/increasing” in isiZulu and isiXhosa. This platform was designed specifically to encourage easy travel in South Africa for locals and international travellerss. Van Eck says that advisors and travellers in the country can use it as well.

“Whether it’s a safari in the Kruger, a vineyard tour in Stellenbosch or the best dining spots in Cape Town, visitors are able to stretch their budgets while making every journey feel enriching,” Kelsey says. Navan Edge is also well known amongst CEOs as the personal business AI agent considered “the always-on travel assistant who truly gets you”. This platform can handle complex itineraries, rebook flights, or automatically shift reservations when needed.

“The assistant doesn’t just react. It thinks ahead, ensuring every detail is handled. This is a new era where AI assistants don’t simply provide information, they are the orchestrators of seamless, supported journeys globally.”

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