SINGAPORE – Where people seek travel advice has always mirrored their broader relationship with technology.
In a nod to changing times, Lonely Planet, the stalwart of travel guides, said in 2023 that it was developing its own AI tool. AI travel planning app Layla suggested beginning the second day with breakfast at Somtum Der, “known for its authentic Som Tum”. The itinerary continued with a hike up Golden Mount temple, followed by a long sequence of culinary stops including lunch at Supanniga Eating Room, a street-food tasting tour, dinner at fine-dining restaurant Gaggan Anand, and concluding the day at the Asiatique The Riverfront night market.
With Layla and Tripadvisor, these recommendations were also interspersed with marketing links for tours and hotels. In May, travel booking website Kayak introduced a suite of AI tools, including one that produces tailored flight recommendations for specific queries like “best flights to beach destinations under $500”.