The Role of AI in Today’s Africa Traveller

Indeed, there was a time when travel agents held the key to the castle of travel dreams. Today, self-service in travel is standard, though lately, technological advancements have baked in AI travel planning tools into almost every platform. From Tripadvisor to self-check-in and keyless hotel rooms to gamified destination campaigns starring virtual reality avatars.

Early Adopter vs Cautious Laggard: Which Are You?

If these developments excite you, consider yourself an early adopter, striding fearlessly into the fathomless ocean of the unknown, confident in your ability to chart your course. Laggards, by contrast, pick their way gingerly along the high-tide mark the beach of traditional travel, brows furrowed with concern, weighing up the pros and cons.

I regard myself as an early adopter, yet, as I've gotten older and become a mother, I exercise more caution in such matters. Recently, I planned a local family holiday with ChatGPT, carefully selecting a destination I'd already been to. Doing so enabled me to identify any red herrings or AI hallucinations. Generative AI, based on large language models (LLM), is still in its infancy.

It's also essential to understand that mistakes can happen. Always check your facts and verify the source of the information you're getting from generative AI platforms. Ultimately, the buck stops with you if you're taking up the mantle of travel planner for your trip this time.

VR and the Advent of the Metaverse

Stand aside, space tourism. There's a new kid on the block. Have you heard of the dot world suffix and the metaverse? Although foreign to many of us, the concept should cause pause for thought. Imagine roaming cities and countries without even leaving your living room.

For those contemplating this new frontier, the flight or flight response may send logical minds into a tailspin as they grapple with all the possible negative implications for the industry. If we permit ourselves to dream, float off into the "what if" supernova of creativity.

Could this act of bravery eclipse a fearful, knee-jerk reaction? The future of travel in its glorious, bizarre form may present opportunities for exploration and investment in visitor economies beyond our wildest travel dreams. Understanding how to harness such a force is the collective challenge we face.  

Today's Modern Traveller Craves Personalisation

While VR inspires and AI is your right-hand researcher, truly transformative travel experiences hinge on first-hand knowledge and relationships with real people, such as travel consultants.

Becoming an exceptional travel consultant requires obsessive attention to detail, and an ability to draw out of their clients' desires, wants and needs. Sometimes, what's needed requires long hours as clients in varying time zones require support and travel advice.

By applying their first-hand experience and know-how, they personalise their clients' trips, sometimes navigating complex multi-country itineraries, transport timetables, unscheduled changes, rate of exchange changes and booking policies. It's no mean feat, to be sure.

The Rhino Africa Legacy

Luke Lalin, Head of Marketing at Rhino Africa, says that some of their travel consultants have built exceptional careers in their organisation since its inception in 2004.

Being at the coal face of travel consulting and having weathered the many storms that batter the travel industry, these seasoned consultants are savvy, dependable and, above all, highly experienced. He says, "These stalwarts of travel stand steadfast in the face of geopolitical events, global health threats, financial recessions and disruptors like AI."

The feedback these travel planners get and the number of repeat and referral bookings is telling. And their experience means to their clients, not to mention the destinations and countless businesses and jobs the travel consultants help support, is beyond measure.

First-Hand Experience and Dedication

"Our team spends countless hours on familiarisation trips, sometimes away from their families, getting to know a destination through first-hand experience or the priceless relationships nurtured over time," Luke continues.

"Long days, demanding deadlines and gruelling site inspection schedules come with the territory. Notwithstanding, our team is happy to live out their passion for tourism's bigger picture and to beat a clear path toward unforgettable experiences for their clients. It's hard work yet immensely rewarding, requiring exceptional commitment and personal sacrifice."

Your Africa Travel Quandry: Book via a Bot or a Human Being

Booking through a travel company with a travel consultant based in your destination of choice holds several benefits. Doing so helps support the local economy and job creation and minimises economic leakage. Getting to know someone else's story is an obvious benefit of booking with a sentient human whose heart beats for travel. After all, travel is all about building bridges of connection. 

Travel Crafted from Real Experiences

Rhino Africa's Travel Experts have been there, done that, and are ready to craft your personalised adventure. Reach out to let them start planning your real-life experience of Africa today.