ARTIFICIAL Intelligence is rapidly changing the way people plan, book, and experience travel.
Although it offers convenience and speed, its growing use can expose travellers to serious risks.
For consumers, the disadvantages can include loss of privacy, financial harm, misinformation, cyberattacks, data breaches, and reduced control over personal decisions.
One of the greatest concerns is the enormous amount of personal information that AI-powered travel platforms can collect.
Travellers may provide their names, passport details, dates of birth, payment information, locations, travel history, and personal preferences.
If this information is poorly protected, hackers can steal it through data breaches or cyber-attacks.
Stolen information can potentially be used for identity theft, financial fraud, scams, or other crimes.
A single security failure could therefore affect thousands or even millions of travellers.
AI systems can also become targets for computer viruses, malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
For a traveller overseas, losing access to reservations, payment accounts, or important travel information could turn a holiday into a stressful and expensive experience.
Another problem is that consumers may trust AI-generated information too easily.
AI can produce incorrect or outdated recommendations, potentially causing travellers to book unsuitable hotels, visit unavailable attractions, or waste money on services that don’t meet their expectations.
Because AI responses can appear confident and convincing, consumers may not realise that the information is wrong.
AI can also reduce consumer independence.
Instead of making their own choices, travellers may allow algorithms to determine their destinations, restaurants, activities, and itineraries and this can make travel less spontaneous and less authentic.
Therefore, the rapid expansion of AI in travel should not be viewed only as progress. Convenience comes with significant risks.
