Indian travellers embrace AI as co-pilot but hesitate to give it full control: Report

Indian travellers are using AI not as a pilot but as a co-pilot, with 98% willing to use it in their future travel plans, but only 12% feel comfortable with AI making decisions independently, and 10% feel uncomfortable trusting AI without human approval, according to the latest Global AI Sentiment Report by Booking.com.

Booking.com’s new research identifies distinct segments among consumers based on how they feel about AI: almost half (46%) of Indian respondents identify as AI enthusiasts, intrigued by AI’s potential, while 28% are AI advocates, actively championing its benefits and responsible adoption. Those enthusiastic about AI feel it will make life easier (87%), save time and effort (65%), expand learning opportunities (64%) and enhance productivity (54%).

However, this excitement also comes with significant caution. While 99% of Indian consumers express enthusiasm for AI, 5% classify themselves as AI cautious, wary of AI’s development or use, and 4% as AI sceptics. Notably, 10% identify as AI detractors, signalling a meaningful segment resistant to AI adoption.

Santosh Kumar, regional manager, South Asia at Booking.com, says that in India, people are not just curious about GenAI but are actively using it as a trusted co-pilot, shaping travel decisions and enabling memorable experiences. "The opportunity ahead is tremendous. As we enter this next phase, building trust, ensuring transparency, and prioritising safety are critical."

Though Indians are open to integrating AI into their daily life, the lack of a human touch generates doubts. Around 38% find AI impersonal and double-check AI outputs even when they trust the technology: 32% always fact-check, and 42% do so sometimes. Only 16% of consumers fully trust AI, finds the report. "This hesitation creates a clear boundary: most Indians are not ready to cede full decision-making to AI." 

In travel, 69% of Indian consumers expect autonomous trip planning to go mainstream shortly, as there is a growing reliance on technology to make journeys better. When planning a trip, Indian travellers most often use AI to research destinations and the best time to visit (53%), find local experiences or cultural activities (44%), and get restaurant recommendations (42%).

Once in-trip, Indian consumers use AI tools for translation capabilities (55%), in-destination activity suggestions (52%), restaurant recommendations (49%), and navigating unfamiliar locations or transport systems (41%). After returning home, the top AI use case is photo editing, cited by 51% of Indian respondents, the report shows.