AI Changes How Aussies Plan Their Holidays

Remember popping into a visitor information centre to grab a brochure or ask a local for directions? For many Australians, especially those on a road trip, these centres with their bright yellow 'i' signs were a familiar and helpful sight. But times are changing, and it seems AI is playing a small but significant role in this shift.

The article highlights that more and more visitor centres are closing their doors. One big reason? The rise of digital tools. We now have maps on our phones, book accommodation online, and increasingly, we're using artificial intelligence — or AI, which is essentially smart computer programs — to help us plan entire holidays.

Imagine asking an AI tool to suggest a week-long itinerary through regional Queensland, complete with places to stay, things to see, and even local restaurants. These tools can crunch vast amounts of information in seconds, offering personalised suggestions that were once the domain of a local expert or a stack of brochures.

For travellers, this means incredible convenience. You can research and book everything from your couch, tailored to your budget and interests. But it does raise questions about the future of local tourism information and those friendly faces who once welcomed us. It’s a good example of how AI, while making things easier in some areas, can also subtly change our communities and how we interact with the world around us.

This isn't about AI replacing human connection entirely, but rather changing where and how we seek information. It’s a trend worth watching, especially for small businesses in tourism who might need to think differently about how they reach visitors.