Almost half of Irish people are using AI to plan holidays, new loveholidays research finds

AI search is becoming a new travel companion for Irish holidaymakers, with almost half (44%) of people surveyed by loveholidays already using it for travel or holiday planning. 

A survey of 1,000 Irish respondents conducted by the online travel agent found that AI has moved firmly into the mainstream as a search tool, with three in four (76%) saying they use AI search in their personal life (41% use it at least weekly, while 14% use it every day).

AI search is changing how people plan holidays

When it comes to travel, AI search is already part of the holiday planning journey, with the research showing that:

·       44% of Irish people have already used AI search for holiday or travel planning

·       73% are open to using AI search more in future to search for, compare or plan holidays and short breaks

·       7% now use AI search first when looking for holiday ideas, rising to 12% among under 35 year olds.

The findings suggest AI search is moving from a novelty to a practical planning tool, helping holidaymakers find inspiration, compare options and make decisions quicker.

Younger Irish holidaymakers are leading the way

loveholidays’ research shows that younger people are driving adoption of AI search for travel planning. Among 18-24 year olds, 71% have already used AI search for travel or holiday planning. AI usage is also particularly high among under 35 year olds, with 90% saying they use AI search in their personal life and 55% using it at least weekly.

AI search could help ease holiday decision fatigue

The research also highlighted that holiday planning can feel overwhelming, with comparing prices (34%), choosing accommodation (32%), selecting flight times (28%) and deciding where to go (24%) the biggest pain points.

Almost a third (32%) believe AI search could save them time during the holiday planning process, whilst 28% say it could suggest holiday ideas they may not have considered themselves. A quarter (25%) believe AI could make it easier to compare different holiday options and one in five (21%) say it could help reduce the decision fatigue involved in planning a trip.

Together, the findings point to a clear role for AI search as a travel planning aid, helping holidaymakers narrow down options and feel more confident before they book.

To capture this demand, loveholidays has launched a dedicated app within ChatGPT, available to download through ChatGPT’s app store.

The app allows holidaymakers to plan their trips through conversation. By describing their desired holiday, from budget and destination to holiday type and must-haves, the app will curate a shortlist of the best deals from the online travel agent’s website.  

Clem Walshe, Commercial Director for Ireland at loveholidays, commented: “The way people search for holidays is changing and as an online travel business, it’s really important that we show up in the same places our customers are researching their trips. From deciding where to go, to comparing prices, accommodation and flight times, there are lots of decisions to make before booking. Our research highlights how AI search can ease that decision fatigue by behaving like a personal travel assistant.

“loveholidays has introduced a new ChatGPT app that makes recommendations tailored to your preferences, helping to take the stress out of holiday planning. Holidaymakers can narrow down their options and move from inspiration to booking with greater confidence, whether they’re planning a spontaneous city break or a luxury two-week all-inclusive.”

More information on loveholidays’ ChatGPT app can be found here: https://www.loveholidays.ie/about-us/loveholidays-chatgpt.html.