Majority of Germans Open to AI Managing Their Vacations Planning
In the realm of travel, Germans are increasingly open to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for planning and booking their holidays. A recent survey conducted by Booking.com in April and May of this year revealed that 89% of German consumers express an interest in using AI for future travel planning, signifying a significant trend towards AI adoption in this sector [1][3].
The survey findings indicate that AI is most commonly used for researching destinations and optimal times to visit (38%), finding local experiences or cultural activities (37%), and obtaining restaurant recommendations (36%) [1]. During trips, Germans rely on AI mainly for translation (45%), activity suggestions (44%), restaurant tips (40%), and navigation (40%) [1]. After returning, photo editing is the top AI use case (38%) [1].
Despite this growing interest, traditional sources like search engines, online travel agencies, and recommendations from friends and family remain the primary resource for travel inspiration [2]. However, AI-generated results now appear at parity with paid search results in visibility, likely due to their prominent placement at the top of search pages [2].
Trust in AI for travel planning is growing but remains measured. According to the same Booking.com report, 24% of consumers now consider AI assistants a trusted source—more than travel bloggers (19%) or social media influencers (14%) [1][3]. However, personal recommendations from friends and family are still the most trusted single resource [2].
Despite this increasing trust, concerns persist. The rise in AI adoption coincides with heightened awareness of privacy, regulation, and ethical considerations, especially in Germany, known for its strong data protection laws. The forthcoming EU AI Act, effective from August 2025, introduces strict governance and transparency requirements for AI providers, which may reassure German users but also underscores the need for vigilance regarding how AI systems are developed and deployed [4].
Key takeaways from the survey include:
- **Adoption is High:** Nearly nine in ten German travelers express interest in using AI for vacation planning, and many are already using AI tools for various aspects of their trips [1][3]. - **Trust is Growing but Cautious:** AI assistants are now viewed as more trustworthy than influencers or bloggers, though not as much as personal recommendations [1][3]. - **AI is Not the Top Resource Yet:** Traditional sources like search engines and word-of-mouth still dominate, but AI is gaining ground, especially in visible placements and for practical, on-the-go assistance [2]. - **Regulatory Environment is Evolving:** New EU-wide regulations will increase transparency and oversight, potentially boosting trust among privacy-conscious German consumers [4].
In summary, Germans are embracing AI for vacation planning with enthusiasm, but trust is cautiously optimistic and tempered by a preference for established sources and a watchful eye on regulatory developments. The survey was conducted with 1006 people aged 16 and over in Germany.
In light of the growing interest in AI for vacation planning among Germans, it could be beneficial for community and employment policies to consider integrating AI technologies for travel-related sectors. This potential shift towards AI could also prompt employment policy changes as the demand for AI-related skills increases. Furthermore, the forthcoming EU AI Act, with its emphasis on transparency and governance, may warrant a closer look from artificial-intelligence developers to ensure compliance and build trust among German consumers.
