24 | AI Powered Travel letter to a client interested in booking a trip to Fiji,” and the response is too broad, refine the prompt to something more specific like, “Write a proposal letter to a client named Sarah who is celebrating her 50th birthday in seven months . She once showed an interest in Fiji so highlight luxury beachfront villas, a special birthday dinner, and personalized activities like a private island tour and a sunset cruise .” 2. Use Follow-Up Prompts Build on the AI’s initial answer with follow-ups . If you ask for “Top 10 beaches in Jamaica,” a good follow-up could be, “Which of these beaches are the least crowded?” 3. Provide More Context Add specifics to get more tailored results . Instead of, “What are the top activities in London?” refine it to “What are the top free activities for history enthusiasts visiting London during the winter?” 4. Learn, Acknowledge, Refine After reviewing the AI’s output, identify what worked well and decide if the results are close to what you’re seeking . Acknowledge what the AI did correctly and then provide a follow-up prompt to fine-tune the output . For example, if the AI’s response to rewriting a blog is too long, you might say, “The blog looks great! Can you please shorten it?” This process helps you progressively improve the quality of the results . 5. Use AI to Train Yourself on Creating Prompts for AI For advisors utilizing applications like ChatGPT or Claude, here’s a prompt designed to aid in learning how to create effective prompts that are both educational and interactive: “I’m a travel advisor, guide me through an interactive, step-by-step training session focused on AI prompt creation for travel advisors . Present a scenario in each step, where I will respond with a prompt based on your guidance . After each of my responses, provide feedback, suggestions for improvement, and help me refine my prompt . Ensure that the training is done one step at a time, allowing for interactive learning and prompt iteration .” While AI tools are evolving fast, the travel industry is still in the early stages of AI’s impact, which makes this the perfect time to master prompt creation . Advisors who learn to use AI effectively will gain a competitive edge, while those who do not may get left behind . So, it is highly recommended by those in the know to embrace AI now — the future is full of opportunities for those who know how to unlock its potential .

AI Powered Travel | 25 that are important to the traveler, such as a desire for a more relaxed pace or a preference for less-touristy areas . If advisors rely too heavily on AI-generated recommendations without cross-checking them with client needs, the customer could end up dissatisfied . Solution: Use AI as a complement to human insight . While AI can handle data analysis and automation, travel advisors should still provide personalized advice and review AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with the client’s desires . 2. Inaccurate or Outdated Information AI tools, particularly those generating travel recommendations or itineraries, are only as good as the data they are trained on . If the underlying data is inaccurate or outdated, the AI may generate misleading or incorrect recommendations . In the fast-paced travel industry, where flight schedules, hotel availability, and travel restrictions are constantly changing, outdated information could result in frustrated clients . “AI is here not to complicate our lives . In fact, quite the opposite . It’s here to simplify them . In the world of travel, where every detail matters and customer satisfaction is key, AI can be our strongest ally . It’s like having a super- efficient assistant who works 24/7 and never gets tired .” With that said, while AI presents significant opportunities for travel advisors to streamline operations and enhance customer service, it also comes with potential risks and challenges . As travel advisors increasingly integrate AI tools into their businesses, they must remain vigilant about potential challenges to ensure that AI enhances, rather than detracts from, the customer experience . Here are several areas where caution is recommended, along with practical solutions for travel advisors to keep in mind so they can confidently employ the benefits of AI . 1. Over-Reliance on Automation at the Expense of Personalization AI’s ability to automate routine tasks can be a double- edged sword . While it can save time, over-reliance on AI-driven processes could lead to a loss of the personal touch that distinguishes travel advisors from self-service platforms . Advisors should be cautious not to allow AI- generated responses or recommendations to replace the nuanced, human-driven insights that clients value . For instance, AI tools may suggest a perfectly optimized itinerary, but the system may overlook specific details CAUTIONARY CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT USING AI Shultz reports that the most common question Cruise Planners hears from travel advisors about AI is, “Should I fear it?” In response, he says, “With all new technology, it’s natural to feel a little scared. But as things evolve and change over time, you have to also adapt … AI is not a fleeting thing. What you need to do as a travel advisor is to think about not only what AI is, but how it can empower you. So the conversation centers around empowering and not replacing. “Within the Cruise Planners network I have no concerns whatsoever about the use of AI by travel advisors, as we have an entire team that listens to our advisors and then determines the best way to integrate AI to meet those needs. The risk is advisors who do not have a system with an integrated solution using various third parties where security and other issues will arise.” – Scott Koepf, Chief Strategy Officer, Cruise Planners