Vlogs, Ventures and Virtual Guides: Reshaping Automation and Authenticity in Travel with AI

Abstract

Travel is the purest form of bonding with nature. It restores the idea of self and our discernment of the world we live in. Today, every human experience including travel is predictably influenced by technology. Artificial Intelligence has seeped into our households, our circadian lives and routine journeys. Travel decision making is now severely manipulated by viral vlogs. Tourists are now looking at personalized, curated experiences that can be diarized with exclusivity on social media. Brands are marketing travel merchandise that is fabricated to offer a homely consolation in difficult terrains. Amateurs and professionals alike are using AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered smartphones, drones, gimbals, 360 cameras to capture travel stories with dynamic visuals. However, the rise in digital cartographies of travel interferes with the core experience of travel itself. The study emphasises that although travel is being seen as rejuvenation, the roadmap to this emotional recovery is a fusion of social media engagements and technology. Key informant interviews were conducted with travel vloggers, travel entrepreneurs and tour operators to understand the contemporary social media induced travel-mindset and the role of AI in serving as a catalyst of a tech-driven nature sojourn. The research further examines the role of AI in the domestic travel industry of India and ascertains whether it hinders the solemn experience of travel itself. AI models are today offering customization of travel planning with increased efficiency and involve a lower cost in comparison to travel operators. However, the tourist acceptance towards a full-fledged AI travel design is uncertain.