Chris Rowles, AITO's chairman, suggested that agents who ignored AI were doing so "at [their] own peril: it is not going away... be not afraid of it," as the association kicked off its conference which promises to grapple with 'The Algorithm and The Human Side of Travel'
Welcoming agents and operators to AITO's annual conference in Asturias in Spain, Chris iterated that the timing of this year's overseas conference is "our opportunity to step back, to raise our heads above the parapet, to look around without the distractions of everyday running a business, to see the threats that may face us and our industry, but with them to look for the opportunities that are opening up to us."
As such, the association has themed its conference sessions around 'The Algorithm and The Human Side of Travel'. Questioning the future of the industry, especially the human-side of the specialist trade operators and agents that form AITO's membership, the chair continued, "Are travel specialists about to come redundant? How can we harness the power and efficiency of this new technology? How can we thrive rather than just wither on the vine?"
The answer to that first question, Chris believes, in a resounding no. "Perhaps [AI and previous travel tech revolutions] cause change and sometimes create challenges, but we are all still here, and our customers willingly still choose to travel with us for their precious holidays."
That being said, AITO's messaging appears to encourage agents to shy away from complacency in the light of new technology. "I suggest you ignore AI at your peril. It is not going away, and others will embrace it: be not afraid of it.
"Remember, holidays are about people and we are a people industry. We are giving the best experience of support and the touch & feel that only specialists can give.
"It may appear that we have a mountain to climb, but this is what this conference is about: the thought-provoking business sessions... being with your peers and some of your competitors, but always openly talking, learning, expressing concerns and finding solutions."
