New data shows Gen Z Aussies are increasingly letting artificial intelligence take the lead over travel advisors when it comes to planning their holidays. But here’s how travel agents can showcase why the human touch trumps algorithms.
New Skyscanner research reveals that 55 per cent of Gen Z Aussies feel more confident using AI to plan and book their trips than any other generation with more than half (51%) trusting AI-generated itineraries more than traditional travel agents.
It’s a generational shift in how travel is imagined, planned and booked for digital natives Gen Z, where 62 per cent use apps and digital platforms to travel smarter.
Gen Z grew up with algorithms and now they’re employing them to unlock more travel more often with one in five (20%) unaware they’re even using AI travel tools.
Social media (74%) is also the top source of travel inspo among young Aussies with 40 per cent booking trips based on TikTok alone.
With 52 per cent of global Gen Z travellers also planning to take up to three leisure trips per year and 38 per cent of Gen Z Aussies intending to travel internationally in 2025, it’s a space that advisors need to be across for the future of travel.
More than half of Gen Z (51%) favour online travel agents and direct online channels over traditional travel advisors – only 38 per cent of Gen Z travellers globally use traditional travel agents. However, there’s space for a blended model.
AI versus agent
As Karryon Feature Editor Gaya Avery notes, AI tools are designed to handle tasks, such as finding flights, booking hotels and managing simple requests.
But today’s top travel agents are more than bookers, they’re advisors, curators and problem-solvers.
“They don’t just book travel – they shape it, tailoring experiences to each client’s needs. That’s where artificial intelligence falls short,” she said.
“Travel professionals provide value: personalised service, insider knowledge and human connections that AI simply can’t replicate.”
Read the full report here.
