AI, Ads, and Air Miles: The Future of Travel Marketing Isn’t Human (But It Still Feels Like It)
The New Era of Algorithmic Wanderlust
The first time an AI-generated travel ad was seen it was both impressive and slightly terrifying. The ad was for a made-up island with crystal waters, zero tourists, and eco-luxury villas that did not exist. It was easy to imagine booking that trip. This marked the era where even wanderlust can be algorithmically engineered.
AI is Changing How Travellers Dream, Plan, and Book
AI is quietly rewriting how the travel industry works. From dynamic pricing and predictive search ads to chatbots that can plan an entire trip during a lunch break, AI is already the travel agent, creative team, and data analyst rolled into one.
Paid media is getting smarter. Not just showing the right ad at the right time, but predicting what travellers will crave next. AI can now recognise behavioural patterns that suggest someone is planning a trip before they even realise it. Creepy for some. Effective for business.
When Ads Start to Feel More Human Than Ever
Some of the most successful travel brands are blending AI precision with emotional storytelling.
Consider British Airways’ “A British Original” campaign, personalisation done right. Each ad feels specific and personal while being built on a smart data and creative engine. Booking.com uses AI to tailor offers that feel designed just for the user.
In Spain and Italy, hotel groups are using predictive bidding to identify shoulder-season travellers, then serving them tailored video ads showing quieter beaches, slower mornings, and better deals. AI at scale combined with human insight creates campaigns that feel authentic.
The Secret: Use AI to Make Your Brand More Human, Not Less
The irony is that the more AI is used, the more important human creativity becomes. Machines can automate optimisation but cannot replace intuition. They can suggest who to reach, but only human creativity can decide what to say and why it matters.
The brands that succeed are those that use technology to serve their story. AI excels at scale and efficiency, but creativity, empathy, and emotion are what make someone actually book the flight.
The Future of Travel Marketing Feels a Lot Like the Past
The next year will bring AI that auto-generates ads, copy, and even itineraries. Travellers will still want to feel something. They will still want belonging, inspiration, and a reason to click book now. AI can inform decisions but cannot replicate genuine human connection.
The future of travel marketing is not human in execution but must feel human in experience. Combining AI-powered insights with creative strategy that speaks to real people ensures campaigns do not just perform well but make travellers feel like the journey has already begun.
Conclusion: Storytelling is Still the Ticket
For brands ready to explore what this kind of storytelling looks like, partnering with experts in paid media and digital creativity is the best way to ensure campaigns capture attention and inspire bookings. No robots required in the meeting room.
Director of Digital Media
