The sector must bet on a approach more adapted to the new demands
Today, guided tours are still very similar to those that had been 25 years ago. However, everything indicates that important changes are coming, as stated by Alex Bainbridge, CEO of Autura, during his speech in the European edition of Arival 360. In his presentation on the future of guided experiences, Bainbridge showed how artificial intelligence can completely revolutionize the tourism sector and He warned that operators should adapt if they want to remain relevant.
With the evolution of AI, digital assistants on travelers’ mobile phones are ceasing to be simple sources of information to become true travel companions. This change, according to Bainbridge, forces traditional operators to rethink the classic group trip format. In that sense, he encouraged the sector to start Offer private and personalized experiences at the price of a group tripotherwise, face the possibility of being replaced by solutions based on artificial intelligence.
To stay at the forefront in this scenario in rapid evolution, he stressed the urgency that tour operators review their current model and bet on A more adapted approach to the new market demands. Among his recommendations, he stressed designing modular trips that allow creating more flexible and personalized experiences, replacing large buses with smaller vehicles and incorporating hybrid models that combine the interaction of human guides with artificial intelligence assistance.
Investments in the sector
“Who now invests in your business, must do it with a head and long -term planning“Bainbridge warned. He added:” If you buy a new bus with a 10 -year loan, you could end an asset that nobody wants to use in the near future. “In addition, as noted, the traditional concept of Tour is staying behind. The closed schedules, large groups and fixed routes are giving way to more flexible experiences, on demand.
With the artificial intelligence integrated in travelers phones and available 365 days a year, expectations are moving towards highly personalized interactionss, immediate and contextual.
