When Betsy and Tom Butler entered the hotel room, their favorite music welcomed them and the lighting was adjusted to fit their mood. After unpacking, they began a virtual exploration of attractions, restaurants and other things to see and do in the city they were visiting.
The Butlers were taking advantage of one of the fastest-growing innovations in travel. The explosion of artificial intelligence in both leisure tourism and business trips is changing the way many people plan, take and enjoy time away from home. From choosing where to go and booking flights to finding the best accommodations at any price, AI is providing valuable assistance to a growing number of both vacationers and those going on the road for work.