TLDR: New research from Amadeus indicates a significant increase in travelers’ appetite for technology, particularly AI, to enhance their travel experiences in 2025. The study, ‘Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade,’ surveyed 9,500 global travelers and found that 64% are willing to use an AI-travel assistant for in-trip information. Generative AI usage for travel planning has surged by 64% compared to last year, driven by benefits like time savings (42%), personalized recommendations (37%), and discovering new destinations (36%). However, 25% of travelers reported frustrations with AI’s outdated/inaccurate information or inability to capture personal preferences. The research also highlights high levels of travel anxiety (90% of plane travelers) and a strong interest in biometric gateways (69%) and remote baggage check-in (66%) to alleviate stress.
A recent global study by Amadeus, titled ‘Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade,’ reveals a significant and growing reliance on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), among travelers to enhance their journeys in 2025. The research, which gathered insights from 9,500 travelers across countries including China, France, India, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the USA, underscores a clear desire to eliminate pain points and friction throughout the travel experience.
One of the most striking findings is the surge in Generative AI (Gen AI) usage for travel planning, which has increased by 64% compared to the previous year. Travelers are leveraging Gen AI for various benefits, with 42% citing significant time savings, 37% appreciating highly personalized recommendations, and 36% valuing the discovery of new destinations. This increased adoption has also led to greater confidence in travel decisions, reported by 35% of global travelers who used Gen AI in their planning.
The appetite for AI-powered assistance extends to the in-trip experience, with 64% of travelers expressing willingness to use an AI travel assistant for real-time information. Furthermore, 17% of respondents indicated they would be willing to pay up to five percent of their total trip value for such services.
Despite the enthusiasm, the study also highlights current limitations and frustrations with AI. A quarter (25%) of travelers reported encountering outdated or inaccurate information from AI-generated results. Another 25% found that AI struggled to truly capture their personal preferences, indicating areas where the technology needs further refinement.
Decius Valmorbida, President of Travel at Amadeus, commented on these findings, stating, “The rapid rise in Generative AI usage shows that travelers are eager for smarter, more personalized experiences. But the data also reveals a clear message: expectations are high, and the industry must work together to meet them. At Amadeus, we see a big opportunity to collaborate across the travel ecosystem to ensure AI delivers real value – reducing friction, enhancing confidence and making every journey more intuitive and enjoyable.” Francisco (Paco) Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus, added, “Travelers are embracing AI with enthusiasm, but they’re also demanding more. In Hospitality, we see this as a call to action: to deliver technology that not only responds to traveler needs but anticipates them. From booking the perfect stay to navigating the trip itself, hyper personalization and real time accuracy are no longer optional, they are expected.”
The research also delved into traveler anxieties, revealing that a significant 90% of those traveling by plane experience some level of anxiety. Common worries include packing (26%), going through security (27%), travel to the airport (26%), and the flight itself (24%). To mitigate these concerns, travelers are highly receptive to innovative technological solutions. Biometric gateways are favored by 69% of respondents for a smoother airport experience, while two-thirds (66%) show strong interest in remote baggage check-in services, where luggage is collected directly from their homes.
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Other technologies already helping to alleviate anxiety include real-time travel updates via apps (29%), digital wallets for secure document storage (27%), smart baggage tracking systems (26%), and integrated ‘super apps’ for comprehensive travel management (26%). The study emphasizes that technology is crucial in transforming the traveler experience by offering convenience and reassurance.
