American Travelers Sharply Increase AI Use for Trip Planning
New data shows 56 percent of American travelers used AI for at least one trip in the past twelve months, up from 43 percent in late 2025 and more than double 2024 levels, signaling a structural shift in discovery behavior.
Travelers are experimenting with AI for itinerary ideas, price checks, and route optimization, even if they still complete bookings through familiar channels. For brands, AI is quietly becoming the top of funnel where preference is formed long before the booking engine appears.
Impact on Travel & Hospitality
Treat AI surfaces as the new meta search, investing in structured content, APIs, and brand presence inside assistants to capture demand before it reaches OTAs or search.
