# AI reshapes travel booking journey

> Travel companies must build continuity and trust as AI changes how trips are discovered and booked.
- Title: AI reshapes travel booking journey · The Economic Times
- Summary: Travel companies must build continuity and trust as AI changes how trips are discovered and booked. Travel companies need to prioritize continuity and trust…
- Keywords: ai in travel booking, travel industry, customer journey, trust in travel, booking confirmation, continuity in travel, skift research, mckinsey, reshapes, travel, booking, journey
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/travel-industry-may-need-to-prioritise-continuity-trust-as-ai-reshapes-booking-journey-report/articleshow/134502554.cms
- Author: ANI
- Published: 2026-09-26T10:32:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai in travel booking, travel industry, customer journey, trust in travel, booking confirmation, continuity in travel, skift research, mckinsey
## AI reshapes booking journey
Travel companies will increasingly need to focus on building continuity across the customer journey, strengthening trust and making it easier for travellers to return to an existing plan as artificial intelligence reshapes how trips are discovered and booked.
## 65 travel touchpoints by 2026
The report found the number of travel touchpoints has risen to 65 in 2026, from about 45 in 2018.
## 60% use social media for ideas
60 per cent of travellers ranked social media among their top three sources for initial trip ideas.
## 71% comfortable with AI inspiration
71 per cent of travellers are comfortable using ai for inspiration, while 86 per cent said they would consider ai bookings in the future.
## AI visibility challenge
When identical travel prompts were submitted to multiple ai portals and otas, no single hotel appeared in all five responses, suggesting brands may need to improve how their offerings are represented across information sources.
## Post-booking engagement
Half of travellers surveyed had changed booked accommodation after finding a more attractive option, creating opportunities for travel players to maintain engagement after a transaction and continue providing relevant information and reassurance.
## Key takeaway

Travel companies need to prioritize continuity and trust to adapt to AI reshaping booking journeys.