{
  "id": 10008851,
  "title": "Despite AI, personalisation and human touch will remain central to tourism experiences, say speakers at KTM 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/despite-ai-personalisation-and-human-touch-will-remain-central-to",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-26T15:44:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/despite-ai-personalisation-and-human-touch-will-remain-central-to-tourism-experiences-say-speakers-at-ktm-2026/article71513382.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Speakers at the 'Evolving Customer Expectations' seminar during the 13th Kerala Travel Mart (KTM 2026) emphasized that Keralam must expand its tourism offerings beyond backwaters and traditional attractions to create more comprehensive and tailored travel experiences. They noted that shifting traveler behavior, personalization, artificial intelligence, and customer reviews are transforming the hospitality and tourism sector. While technology, including AI, will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the industry, the speakers stressed that personalization and the human touch will remain essential components of guest experiences. During the panel discussion on 'Application of AI/Disruption by AI in the Tourism Industry', the speakers highlighted how AI assists travelers in discovering destinations, automating bookings, comparing options, managing dynamic pricing, and creating personalized itineraries. However, they also stressed that human intervention is crucial for crafting memorable journeys, as humans possess an understanding of travelers' emotions and the ability to create meaningful experiences. They advised that travelers should verify all facts, such as prices, visas, and policies, as AI may occasionally provide inaccurate information. Another seminar at the event discussed Keralam's emergence as a leading adventure tourism destination, surpassing Goa in popularity due to the state's diverse geographical features that offer a wide range of activities. The KTM 2026 event will conclude on Sunday (September 27) at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island.",
  "summary": "They pointed out that changing traveller behaviour, personalisation, artificial intelligence, and customer reviews are reshaping the hospitality and tourism industry",
  "key_points": [
    "Personalization and human touch remain crucial in tourism despite AI advancements",
    "Speakers at KTM 2026 emphasized need to diversify Kerala's tourism offerings",
    "AI assists travelers but requires human intervention for meaningful experiences"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}