Indian travellers embrace AI and biometrics for smarter, seamless journeys: Amadeus report

A recent report from Amadeus has found that Indian travelers are at the forefront of adopting artificial intelligence and biometric technologies, aiming to enhance their travel experiences. The study, titled Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade, surveyed 9,500 travelers globally across seven countries, including India, China, Singapore, France, Spain, the UK, and the US. This research delves into how modern technologies are altering travel and hospitality. The findings indicate a notable increase in the use of generative AI among Indian travelers for trip planning, with adoption climbing from 17% last year to an impressive 26% this year. Among those engaging with generative AI, a remarkable 97% reported favorable outcomes. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) stated that this technology helped them save time, while 45% discovered off-the-beaten-path attractions, and 44% found the planning process more enjoyable and creative. The study also emphasizes the significant impact of loyalty programs on travel behavior, revealing that 92% of Indian travelers participate in at least one loyalty scheme. Among these, 47% said that such programs have motivated them to travel more frequently for leisure, and 46% chose premium upgrades due to these incentives. On a global scale, the report notes that travelers are increasingly relying on AI for informed decision-making, with a 64% rise in use compared to the previous year. Approximately 64% of respondents expressed willingness to pay for an AI travel assistant to offer in-trip information, with 17% indicating they would allocate up to 5% of their trip's value for such services. However, 25% of those surveyed voiced concerns about outdated or inaccurate AI-generated information, with an equal proportion feeling that the technology did not adequately reflect their preferences. Decius Valmorbida, Amadeus’ President of Travel, remarked on the growing enthusiasm for generative AI, stating, "The rapid rise in Generative AI usage shows that travelers are eager for smarter, more personalized experiences. However, the data also reveals a clear message: expectations are high, and the industry must collaborate to meet them. At Amadeus, we see a significant opportunity to work together across the travel ecosystem to ensure AI delivers real value." Mani Ganeshan, Senior Vice President and Head of APAC Engineering at Amadeus India, highlighted India's digital-first landscape, stating that travelers are not only receptive to innovation but also expect it. He pointed out that AI-driven technologies such as intelligent itinerary recommendations and real-time rebooking are streamlining the travel process from planning to biometric boarding. Furthermore, the report revealed that 90% of Indian air travelers experience some anxiety while traveling, particularly regarding security checks, packing, and flight delays. Yet, many are open to adopting technology to alleviate these concerns. Two-thirds of global respondents showed interest in remote baggage check-in, while 74% of Indian travelers favored biometric gates for a smoother airport experience, surpassing the global average of 69%. With the rise of contactless payments and mobile wallets, India is emerging as a key market for biometric and AI-driven travel innovations. Other tools that help reduce travel anxiety include real-time updates through mobile apps (29%), digital wallets for document storage (27%), smart baggage tracking systems (26%), and integrated super apps (26%).