India, October 2025: Even as AI transforms industries worldwide, Alike’s latest survey reveals early signs of AI fatigue in travel planning. A striking 59% of Indian travellers reject purely automated approaches, instead demanding hybrid solutions where AI collaborates with human expertise.
This shift in sentiment aligns with Alike’s vision for AI in travel, a belief that underpins the recent launch of their AI trip planner, Eia. The platform empowers travellers to co-build and co-create trips with AI while still retaining access to human travel advisors and on-ground support.
According to the survey, 59% of travellers prefer a hybrid model, rejecting “robot-only” planning. Only 11% are comfortable with fully automated itineraries, signaling that while AI has promise, travellers want the human touch for confidence and personalization.
A clear trust gap emerged, with 40% distrusting online-only platforms due to misleading pricing, hidden charges, and poor customer service. This lack of transparency continues to block wider adoption of digital-only booking platforms.
The 25–35 age group, accounting for 62% of responses, is driving the trend toward digital-yet-personal planning. This demographic expects speed, flexibility, and tailored experiences, but not at the cost of authenticity or control.
While 34% prioritize best deals, stress-free processes (28%), and authentic personal advice (20%) are nearly as important. Safety and reliable support also rank high, with 19% citing them as key considerations.
Commenting on the insights, Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder at Alike, said: “These findings confirm what we’ve always believed—AI should be an enabler, not a replacement. Travellers want technology that inspires confidence and enhances personalization, not algorithms that strip away agency. With Eia, we’re shaping a future where AI amplifies human creativity, and humans remain the final custodians of meaningful travel experiences.”
Key Takeaway: The survey underscores a clear shift – travellers value the efficiency of AI, but only when it is paired with human emotion, empathy, and expertise. For Alike, solutions like Eia embody this future—AI as the foundation, humans as the heart of travel planning.