See a reel, plan a trip: How social media and AI are changing the way Indians travel
Travel discovery is shifting from destination-based searches to experience-based planning, heavily influenced by social media and AI tools. Platforms are increasingly using conversational AI to help users find travel options based on personal interests rather than specific locations.
Why it matters
This trend reflects a broader change in consumer behavior where digital content and AI algorithms are replacing traditional travel planning methods.
From Instagram reels to conversational AI, the way travellers discover their next destination is changing. Travel searches are increasingly driven by desire for an experience or interest rather than the name of a destination.
For many travellers, the first question is no longer simply where to travel, but what they want to experience. Food, festivals, heritage and other cultural experiences are influencing the destinations travellers consider, said Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India.
“Over the last one year, the question has always been, Where do I travel? What is the destination? The question today is, What do I want to experience?,” he said.
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