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We’ve yet to see how Artificial Intelligence will change the travel experience?

Ahead of Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona on June 10-12 and on the heels of what PhocusWire editors are calling “easily the biggest week so far for generative artificial intelligence” in travel, travel leaders have shared their thoughts about how artificial intelligence has impacted the travel experience so far – and where they think it’s headed in the future. Artificial intelligence will be the key theme at this year’s Phocuswright Europe, which nearly 1,000 representatives from companies across the travel industry are expected to attend. Phocuswright Europe promises to be pivotal event for travel industry leaders across the continent, offering unparalleled insights and networking opportunities amidst the dynamic backdrop of the recent travel industry boom. Travel leaders have mixed opinions about whether AI is changing the way we travel: AI’s impact on travel is on the cusp of exponential growth Eric La Bonnardière, President of Evaneos, thinks AI’s impact on travel is about to grow exponentially: “AI is already changing the way we travel by providing personalized recommendations, improving service to travelers via chabots or instant assistants available 24/7, or enabling new forms of intelligent tourism through the use of augmented or virtual reality. As AI continues to advance, its impact on the travel industry is set to grow exponentially. By enabling local agents and tourism industry players to shed automated tasks, AI will allow them to be more human-centric, focusing on higher value-added projects, such as building new, more authentic and sustainable travel experiences.” But Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze, the largest managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business in Europe, thinks that it is only changing the booking experience – not how we actually travel. “It may not have changed how we travel, but it certainly is impacting how we book travel. In everything from smart dynamic pricing engines to improving how we search for travel, AI already is playing or will increasingly play an important role.” Travel industry needs to get its data in order Chris Hemmeter, Managing Director at Thayer Ventures, an investor in early-stage travel tech, thinks that there are barriers to overcome before we can expect to see any noticeable difference. When asked whether it will change the travel experience, he replied: “Not yet, but it will. In addition to enabling mass personalization, AI will change the way we discover, plan and experience travel. None of that will happen, however, before suppliers get their data house in order and address the technical debt in their antiquated tech stacks.” AI lacks innovation in travel Gee Mann, CEO at Travlr ID, is optimistic about the future for AI, but thinks there are issues that need to be fixed before the travel industry can truly innovate. “Despite the numerous breakthroughs in AI in recent years, I have not yet seen real innovation in travel based solely on the use of AI. AI still has a tendency to have hallucinations and the models are prone to being poisoned. In spite of that, I’m very optimistic about what the next decade holds. I think travel experiences will transform.” AI will help companies rebuild their backend tech Avi Meir, co-founder and CEO at Travelperk, agrees that the real changes are yet to come. “AI hasn’t yet changed the in-trip experience yet, but it will in the near-future. The biggest opportunity for AI in the travel sector today is to rebuild the entire tech stack. We’ve leveraged the technology by transforming the backend, making our teams twice more efficient so travellers can focus on the fun part - booking and managing their trips.”

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Adi Kailash Yatra begins; know about its historical and mythological significance

As per the latest reports, the Adi Kailash pilgrimage recently commenced with the arrival of the first batch of 49 pilgrims at the Dharchula base camp, en route to Jolingkong, which offers a view of the sacred peak. "The initial group of 49 pilgrims, comprising 32 men and 17 women from various parts of the country, reached the yatra's base camp at Dharchula," reported Vijay Nath Shukla, the general manager of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). These pilgrims are journeying towards the Shiv-Parvati temple, situated alongside a lake at an elevation of 18,500 ft in Jolingkong, from where the sacred Adi Kailash peak is visible. "On the occasion of the temple's opening for the year, over 200 devotees were present," stated Gopal Singh Kutiyal, the chief priest of the temple. Jolingkong gained prominence in October last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage at the lakeside temple and had a darshan of the Adi Kailash peak from there. The Adi Kailash pilgrimage will take seven days for each batch to complete, during which the devotees will stay at camps in Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Gunji, Bundi, Chaukori, and Bhimtal, according to Dhan Singh Bisht, in-charge of the KMVN base camp. The pilgrims will depart for New Delhi on the eighth day. So far, over 500 pilgrims from across the country have booked for the yatra this year, added Bisht. The current phase of the Adi Kailash yatra will continue through May and June. It will remain closed during the monsoon months of July and August and will resume from September to November," he elaborated. As reported earlier, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) launched India's inaugural helicopter yatra for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. This pioneering initiative breaks through the limitations posed by season and terrain, and will enable a broader range of devotees to access these revered pilgrimage sites for a greater number of days throughout the year. Mount Kailash is renowned not only among devotees of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism but also among seekers of peace and adventure. Rising to a height of 19,500 ft, this diamond-shaped mountain is nestled in the remote Himalayan ranges of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, standing as one of the world's most spiritually significant peaks. Regarded as the Axis Mundi, the center of the Earth, it is believed to be the stairway to Heaven and the dwelling place of numerous deities. According to Hindu tradition, Mount Kailash is the abode of the supreme God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Jainism, it is known as Ashtapad and is revered as the birthplace of Jainism, where Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, attained enlightenment. The circumambulation, also known as parikrama or kora, of Mount Kailash is believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul. Devotees, including Hindus, Jains, and trekkers alike, undertake the ritual in a clockwise direction, covering a total distance of 52 km around the sacred mountain.

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1600-year-old unique Roman indoor swimming pool with frescoes discovered

As per the latest development, archaeologists in the Albanian port city of Durrës have unearthed a remarkable find: a 1600-year-old Roman indoor pool, a rarity in the region. If reports are to go by, this discovery occurred during excavations for a future school building, where Albanian archaeologists stumbled upon the remnants of ancient villas once inhabited by Roman elites. Among these villas was one containing the indoor pool, but that was not the only remarkable discovery. The entire enclosure was adorned with Roman mosaics, remarkably preserved despite the passage of almost two millennia. Durrës stands as Albania’s oldest economic and historic hub, serving as a permanent bridge between the East and the West. Originally known as Epidamnus by the Illyrians in the seventh and sixth centuries BC, the city was colonised by the Greeks in 672 BC, who named it ‘Dyrrhachium’ or ‘The city between the two hills.’ The Romans took control of the city around 230 BC. Catullus, the Roman historian, referred to the city as ‘Dyrrhachium Adria e Taberna,’ or ‘The Adriatic Tavern.’ Cicero, who sought refuge in Durrës circa 57 BC, described it as ‘admirable,’ largely due to its vibrant and lively atmosphere. The recent discovery astonished even the seasoned archaeologists of Durrës, who are accustomed to Roman remains. Prior to the construction of a school, excavations in Durrës revealed an aristocratic ancient Roman neighbourhood, as detailed in a May 9 Facebook post from Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage. Covering an area of 1,200 sq m, the archaeological excavations have offered a unique glimpse into the urban layout of the area, believed to be a part of the city. Among the ruins of an ancient Roman villa were traces of an indoor pool adorned with well-preserved mosaics. The excavations revealed the remains of an indoor swimming pool within a Roman period residence, the first of its kind discovered in Albania. Its entire surface is adorned with vibrant frescoes of remarkable artistic quality, highlighting the exceptional preservation of the mosaic floor featuring geometric motifs crafted from marble, stone, glass, and ceramic tiles. Archaeologists estimated that the Roman ruins dated back to between 1 and 400 AD, making them at least 1,600 years old. Excavations at another part of the site unveiled numerous walls and a substantial brick floor believed to be remnants of a two-story ancient Roman bathhouse. Additional fragments of walls, ceilings, and tile mosaics were also uncovered. Excavations at the construction site are ongoing, promising further insights into Durrës’ rich history.

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Surge in Schengen Visa applications from India leads to appointment challenges as interview slots fall short

The scarcity of visa interview slots has resulted in frustration among applicants and travel agents, leading to cancellations and unnecessary financial burdens due to the inability to obtain visas in a timely manner. Schengen visa applications from India experienced a significant rise last year, boosting the application numbers to 9.7 lakh, marking a substantial 44 percent increase from the previous year's 6.7 lakh. India secured the second position in terms of the percentage surge in applications, following closely behind China. However, the surge in demand has led to a concerning issue of insufficient available visa interview slots, causing disruptions to the travel plans of numerous Indian applicants. Anil Kalsi, Vice President of the Travel Agents Federation of India, highlighted the pressing issue, stating, "Appointments are simply not available with a majority of Schengen countries. If you want to travel to Europe this summer, the earliest appointment date for Germany and Italy is in July. This is making life very difficult for travelers," the TOI reported. The scarcity of visa interview slots has resulted in frustration among applicants and travel agents, leading to cancellations and unnecessary financial burdens due to the inability to obtain visas in a timely manner. Emphasising the importance of planning ahead to avoid last-minute setbacks, a spokesperson from visa processing agency VFS Global stressed upon the fact that visa decision timelines are under the discretion of respective foreign missions. While most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the travel date, recent revisions in the Schengen Visa Code now allow applicants to apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before their intended travel date. Despite these measures, the ongoing challenge of limited visa interview slots continues to pose a significant hurdle for Indian travelers. Compounding the issue, the European Union's policy of granting short-term visas to frequent visitors has broadened the challenges faced by travelers. In response to these difficulties, the European Commission recently announced new visa rules aimed at facilitating smoother travel for Indian nationals. Under the updated regulations, Indian citizens now have easier access to long-term Schengen visas with multi-year validity. The revised visa framework, known as the "visa cascade", enables Indian nationals residing in the country to secure long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to two years. These visas allow holders to travel freely within the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, and the new visa rules aim to streamline the visa application process and enhance travel opportunities for Indian nationals.

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First city museum in Madhya Pradesh to showcase history using modern technology

In a landmark decision, the Indian Government has sanctioned the establishment of Bhopal's inaugural city museum, marking a significant milestone. Spearheaded by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, the Bhopal City Museum will be housed in the left wing of Moti Mahal. This pioneering project aims to serve as both a tourist interpretation centre and a hub for citizen engagement, catering to enthusiasts of heritage and culture. Referring to this, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the Tourism Board, added that Moti Mahal's historical importance as a cornerstone of the city. The proposed museum, comprising 11 galleries, will delve into the rich history of Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh, exploring the region's historical and geographical evolution, with a specific focus on Bhopal's formation. If reports are to go by, anticipation is high for this museum, which promises to unveil the intricate layers of the region's history and culture. Visitors can anticipate an array of exhibits, including prehistoric rock paintings, archaeological discoveries, ancient tools, royal attire from Bhopal and its environs, temple remnants, sculptures, and artwork from the Bhopal Nawab era. Leveraging modern technology, the museum aims to offer an immersive and enlightening experience suitable for all age groups. In a further endeavour, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, intends to establish a dedicated museum honouring the great Parmar King Raja Bhoj, showcasing his life and accomplishments in the right wing of Moti Mahal. Adding to the cultural landscape, the Tribal Museum in Bhopal will feature seven traditional houses representing the state's major tribes: Gond, Baiga, Bhil, Bharia, Korku, Kol, and Sahariya. Designed to provide insight into tribal life, tribal families from these communities will reportedly stay in these houses for periods ranging from three to six months, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into their lifestyle. This initiative aims to dispel misconceptions and foster understanding about tribal societies. Shukla highlighted the opportunity for visitors to engage directly with tribal communities within their own constructed dwellings. Featuring walls crafted from mud-plastered bamboo sacks, idols of Bada Dev, storage sheds, traditional milling equipment, beds, daily utensils, and kitchens, these houses will offer a comprehensive immersion into tribal culture. Starting from June 6, 2024, visitors can experience the varied cultural aspects of the tribal communities. Going forward, Madhya Pradesh plans to establish various theme-based museums at key heritage and cultural sites, further enriching the tourism landscape.

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India rises to 39th position in WEF index for travel

India has climbed to the 39th position in the latest World Economic Forum's "Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024", as travel improves after the pandemic. The United States (US) led the rankings and India was the top performer in South Asia and among the lower-middle-income nations, said the annual report on Tuesday India was 54th in 2021, but changes in index criteria limit its direct comparison with 2022 and 2023. Spain, Japan, France, and Australia feature are the top four countries in the 2024 list, in that order. According to the index, which was compiled in collaboration with the UK-based University of Surrey, India demonstrates high price competitiveness (18th) and possesses competitive air transport (26th) as well as ground and port (25th) infrastructure India's robust natural (6th), cultural (9th), and non-leisure (9th) resources contribute to its travel appeal, with the country being one of only three to secure a top 10 ranking across all resource pillars, the WEF said. Despite a decline compared to 2019, India still performs well in terms of sustainability in travel and tourism demand, particularly due to the increased prevalence of sustainable long stays among inbound visitors. Like other countries, India's travel and tourism industry has felt the impact of global inflationary supply-side trends. This has led to a decline in price competitiveness, while the recovery of air transport and tourist services infrastructure hasn't reached the level seen in 2019.

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