4 | AI Powered Travel “AI is any type of computer technology that’s designed to think like a human,” says Brian Shultz, Chief Information Officer, Cruise Planners. “It’s a way for machines to understand, respond, and perform tasks that usually require human intelligence — things like recognizing speech, making decisions, and solving problems . “In the travel space, it’s something we can use in the vein of an assistant . If we have tasks that we’re doing as travel advisors each and every day, we should ask if there is something out there that can automate some of those tasks, or take some of the minutia out of doing those tasks? And AI is the perfect solution for that .” AI’s role in travel has grown significantly, transforming how travel advisors operate and serve clients . From automating routine administrative tasks, such as booking management, to generating personalized travel recommendations, AI helps travel advisors work more efficiently . Additionally, AI-driven tools enable advisors to provide real-time assistance, predict travel disruptions, optimize pricing, and offer tailored itineraries . By leveraging AI, travel advisors can enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital and fast- paced industry . Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include problem-solving, learning, natural language processing, and decision- making. In the context of the travel industry, AI encompasses a wide range of technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, all of which are designed to improve efficiency, personalization, and customer service. WHAT IS AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)?