Survey finds 59% of Indians reject bot-only travel planner, etTravelworld

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Like AI travel planning, Indian travelers are showing signs of fatigue with fully automated systems. The same study reveals that 59 percent of respondents reject “Robot-ONLY” Planning, preferring hybrid models that combine AI with human expertise.

Only 11 percent of participants said they were comfortable with fully automated routes, and while AI offers efficiency, travelers still look for human involvement for trust, reliability and personalization. The survey also found that 40 percent of travelers distrust digital-only platforms because of pricing, hidden charges and poor customer service factors that continue to hinder wider adoption.

The findings come alongside the latest release of AYI’s EU-Powered Travel Planner, EIA. The platform allows users to connect with AI while maintaining access to human travel advisors and on-the-ground support.

At the same time, co-founder Ashish Sidhra said, “These findings confirm what we have always believed and that” EIA requires personalizing technology, not faith.

Survey, 25-35 age group, 62 percent of responses revealed demographic patterns with accounting. This segment is driving demand for digital but personal travel planning—seeking speed, flexibility and a tailored experience, but not at the expense of authenticity or control.

When asked about their top priorities, 34 percent of respondents chose the best deals, with stress-free scheduling (28 percent), authentic personal advice (20 percent) and security with reliable support (19 percent) also identified as key considerations.

The survey, conducted in August and September 2025, collected responses from 500 Indian adults who had traveled internationally at least once. Participants were mainly acquired through targeted social media campaigns and travel community outreach in major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Pune and Kolkata. The approach ensured a digitally fluent and travel savvy respondent base, reflecting insights that are particularly relevant to India’s leading urban markets.

The findings reinforce a broader shift: AI is increasingly valued in travel planning, most effective when combined with human emotion, empathy and expertise. Platforms like EIA reflect this balance—AI as the foundation, with humans as the heart of the journey plan.

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