This pioneering study surveyed over 1,000 US leisure travellers and more than a hundred destination marketing leaders.

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The numbers speak for themselves. Although 54% of travellers have used AI to plan a trip, and 75% intend to do so in future, only 22% of destination marketing organisations (DMOs) currently offer AI-assisted trip planning on their websites, and just 26% have a documented AI strategy.

The gap is considerable, but not insurmountable yet. AI is advancing quickly, and 72% of DMO leaders admit that organisations failing to adopt it within the next two years risk becoming irrelevant when it comes to destination discovery.

“Travellers aren’t waiting for the industry to catch up”, says Michelle Denogean, CMO of Mindtrip. “AI is already reshaping how people discover destinations, build itineraries and make travel decisions. The organisations that move now have an opportunity to become more useful, more visible, and more valuable to travellers.”

This technology is already influencing where people go. Around 40% of travellers have discovered places thanks to AI, and approximately one-third (29%) have changed their destination based on AI recommendations.

Unsurprisingly, it is the younger generations who are leading this shift. AI is not only competing with social media, it is also becoming an increasingly popular tool for trip planning. In fact, almost seven in ten millennials (69%) and 63% of Gen Z travellers report using AI assistants as frequently as social media for trip planning.

Their use of AI assistants goes well beyond inspiration. Travellers are most likely to use AI to research itineraries (42%), compare flights, hotels, and tours (32%), and find destination ideas (32%). Sixty percent use it to research attractions, restaurants and transport options, 56% to compare prices and 43% to build itineraries and organise trip details.

The discrepancy with destination marketing organisations (DMOs) is staggering here too, as most still focus on inspiration rather than practical planning, and only 20% of DMO leaders see itinerary building as a priority.

“We’re witnessing the biggest shift in travel planning since online booking transformed the industry”, explains Sylvia Weiler, President and GM of Sojern Destinations. Travellers, she adds, now expect AI to guide them at all stages of the travel process, from inspiration to booking. “The opportunity for DMOs is to become the trusted source powering AI-driven travel decisions.”

That transition is underway already. More than a third of travellers are comfortable with AI participating in the booking process, with millennials and Gen Z leading the way, although confidence rises when human assistance is available.

Perhaps more tellingly, 63% say they would use an AI trip planner directly on a destination website, while 25% are less likely to use a site that does not offer AI features. These figures should give hesitant DMOs pause for thought.

There is still time to remedy this, though.

“For destination organisations, this creates an opportunity to extend their role beyond inspiration and become a more connected part of the traveller journey”, said Brad Johnson, Sabre’s Vice president of product management.

AI can no longer be described as a new or optional feature. It has become an integral part of how people travel, and the challenge for DMOs is to embrace this change or risk being left behind.

L’article Travellers are nearly two years ahead of the travel industry on AI est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

AI is becoming part of several stages of the travel journey, from inspiration and research to decision-making and experiences during the trip. According to the report, 42% of travellers use AI during planning and research, while 36% use it for inspiration and discovering new places. Another 35% use AI while travelling, for example to find information or recommendations during their stay. The use of travel chatbots has also tripled in five years, increasing from 6% to 18%. A traveller planning a city trip, for example, may now ask an AI assistant to create an itinerary based on interests such as local food, museums or sustainable activities instead of comparing multiple websites individually.

This change in travel behaviour creates a new challenge for destinations, as information needs to be structured in a way that can be understood by both people and AI systems. If a destination is not clearly represented in AI-generated answers, it risks being overlooked when travellers are deciding where to go. Amadeus highlights that destinations need to look beyond traditional search engine optimisation (SEO) and also consider generative engine optimisation (GEO). While SEO helps websites appear in search engine results, GEO focuses on making information easier for AI systems to understand and use in generated responses. For example, a destination promoting itself as a hiking location needs to clearly communicate information about trails, accessibility, seasons and local experiences to improve its chances of being recommended by AI tools.

The report also highlights the growing importance of data in helping destinations make better decisions. In a more unpredictable global environment, DMOs need to move beyond analysing past tourism figures and start using forward-looking information to anticipate future demand. The biggest data challenges for destinations include access to forward-looking demand indicators, mentioned by 39% of DMOs, followed by comparative market performance data at 36% and actionable behavioural insights at 33%. Access to this information allows destinations to identify emerging markets, adjust investments and prepare strategies before changes in demand become visible. Abu Dhabi explained in the report that it analyses traveller profiles across key source markets, including preferred travel periods, accommodation choices and visitor motivations, to support its marketing and product development decisions.

Beyond technology and data, the report shows that travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on the experiences and emotions they want to gain from a trip. After returning from a journey, 41% of travellers say they value a refreshed mind and calmer state of mind the most, while 18% mention a clearer and lighter sense of self. During the decision process, travellers are mainly motivated by freedom, space and open itineraries (29%), connection with local culture (24%), discovery and exploration (22%) and ease with reduced decision-making (17%). This indicates that destinations can no longer focus only on attractions, but also need to communicate the personal benefits and experiences they offer.

Personalisation is becoming another important factor in destination competitiveness, with travellers increasingly expecting experiences that match their individual needs. According to Amadeus, 74% of travellers consider personalisation important when planning their trips, while many are willing to pay more for experiences that save time, reduce complexity or create emotional value. For DMOs, this means developing different experiences for different types of visitors instead of promoting one general offer to everyone. A family travelling with children, a couple looking for wellness experiences and a solo traveller interested in local culture may all visit the same destination but search for different activities. By understanding these motivations, destinations can create more flexible itineraries and better connect visitors with experiences that match their interests.

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The changing expectations of travellers are also transforming the role of DMOs, which are moving from destination promoters to experience architects. Destinations increasingly need to coordinate visitor flows, strengthen cooperation between public and private partners and create tourism models that benefit both visitors and local communities. According to Sol Freixa, Vice President Commercial, Destinations at Amadeus, travellers are looking for more than simply checking landmarks off a list and want experiences that offer connection, discovery and personal growth. This means DMOs are becoming responsible for shaping the overall visitor journey, from the first moment of inspiration to the experience on the ground. Their future role will be to bring together technology, knowledge and local partnerships to create destinations that remain attractive in a changing travel environment.

L’article AI takes a bigger role in travel planning as 69% of travellers rely on generated summaries est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Philippe Pleckspaen helped launch Jooks, an application that guides users around a destination while highlighting places of interest. Designed primarily for runners and cyclists, it can also be used while walking or, for instance, using a wheelchair.

The app combines geographical positioning with local information and also allows users to book personalised experiences, including hotels along their route, sightseeing runs and guided tours.

All routes are carefully curated, enabling users to explore villages, towns and cities at their own pace. Today, Jooks offers themed, touristic and training-focused routes in more than 300 cities across over 75 countries.

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The first route was launched in Lyon, France, while Belgium’s first was created in Braine-l’Alleud, which now has three circuits and where Philippe also coaches a local jogging club.

Auckland, New Zealand, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern jogging, has the largest number of users. In Belgium, the app is most popular in Namur and Leuven. There are also numerous routes in the UK, including five in London, one of which has been designed for wheelchair users.

A special promotion will take place in Wavre this month, where three routes are available, to coincide with the World Hockey Championships.

An idea born on a run

The concept emerged during a business trip to Madrid.

After finishing work for the day, Philippe and two colleagues went for a run through the Spanish capital. Although they passed several interesting landmarks, they had no way of knowing their history or significance.

Reflecting on the experience afterwards, they realised how useful it would have been to have an app that combined exercise with local discovery. That idea eventually became Jooks.

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Combining tourism and fitness

The initiative is developed in partnership with local tourism offices and chambers of commerce, which pay an annual fee of €500 to help create walking and running routes showcasing local attractions.

The free app includes information on landmarks, famous local figures and regional culinary specialities. It is available in 12 languages, including English, French, Dutch, Italian and Chinese.

Since the project began, around 500 routes have been created, including 42 in Belgium and 80 in Paris alone. One Belgian route has even been designed for Brussels’ famous annual 20 km race.

Routes range from around 4 km to an average of 10 km, while cycling itineraries generally extend up to 40 km.

The project is financed by participating municipalities, while Philippe and his two colleagues, Olivier and Christophe, continue to expand the network.

According to Philippe, the app is intended to be entirely self-guided, allowing users to explore destinations at their own pace while combining physical activity with cultural discovery. He said the team hopes the platform can improve wellbeing and encourage people to discover places that are often overlooked, even by local residents. Routes can also be adapted in response to user feedback.

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Putting the app to the test

The latest route was launched on Sunday, 2 August, in Gerpinnes, a picturesque municipality in Wallonia’s Hainaut province.

This writer was among the first to test the app in Gerpinnes, located around 12 km south of Charleroi.

Known for its traditional folk marches, particularly the Pentecost march honouring Saint Rolende, Gerpinnes attracts more than 2,500 participants dressed in uniforms from the First and Second Napoleonic Empires.

Using the app, a small group of runners from Braine-l’Alleud completed an 11 km circuit through the town.

The route passed medieval monuments, castles, fountains and churches, including Saint Michael’s Church, where the remains of Saint Rolende, daughter of Didier, King of the Lombards, are kept. According to tradition, she died of exhaustion in nearby Villers-Poterie during the 9th century.

Regular stops allowed participants to learn more about the area’s history while also enjoying its quiet streets and green surroundings.

A boost for local tourism

Edmond Van der Meiren, president of the Gerpinnes tourist office, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help showcase the municipality to a wider audience while encouraging residents to discover places they may not have known before.

He said Gerpinnes already attracts visitors thanks to its heritage and traditions, but believes joining the Jooks network will further strengthen its tourism offer.

With more than 500 routes now available across over 75 countries, the initiative continues to expand by encouraging destinations to combine active travel with local heritage, culture and outdoor exploration.

L’article New app lets travellers explore 300 cities while running, cycling or walking est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The centre focuses on preventing the harmful use and abuse of digital technologies rather than restricting access through bans. According to the organisations behind the project, digital tools have become an essential part of young people’s daily lives, making it necessary to teach them how to use these platforms in a more conscious way. Florence’s Youth Policies Councillor Letizia Perini explains that technology itself is not the problem, but that young people need support in finding a balance.

“Digital technologies are part of young people’s everyday lives and represent an extraordinary opportunity. Precisely for this reason we have a duty to support them in making increasingly conscious use of these tools, helping them to find a balance between the time spent online and the time devoted to relationships, sport, culture and shared experiences,” says Perini.

The Discover centre will welcome young people between the ages of 10 and 25 and will provide different types of support. The services will include guidance programmes, a listening desk and workshops focused on media education and social interaction. Activities will encourage young people to spend time away from screens through board games, manual activities, group work and other shared experiences.

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The project will also involve the wider community by connecting schools, youth centres, sports clubs, libraries and local organisations. Parents and educators will be able to access the centre as well, as the initiative aims to create a wider network around young people’s digital habits. In more complex situations, such as social withdrawal, isolation or psychological difficulties, local health services will be able to provide additional support.

Ester Macrì, President of Retesviluppo, says the centre represents a different approach from the restrictions introduced in some other countries. “We will not simply be imposing bans, but an innovative approach based on two pillars: guided disconnection and the promotion of conscious use of technology, to turn young people from passive consumers into active protagonists of their time,” she explains.

The opening of the centre comes at a time when governments around the world are debating how to protect children from possible negative effects linked to excessive social media use. Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide ban on social media for users under 16. The measure requires platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat to prevent underage users from creating or maintaining accounts.

The Australian approach has sparked international debate about the role of governments in regulating children’s access to online platforms. Supporters argue that restrictions are needed to protect young people’s mental health and wellbeing, while critics have raised concerns about privacy, age verification and whether teenagers will find ways to bypass the rules.

France has followed a similar direction and approved legislation banning social media access for children under 15. The measure, which will be introduced in stages from 2026 to 2027, requires users to verify their age before accessing social media platforms. French authorities argue that stronger protections are needed because of growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on children.

Italy has chosen a different path by focusing on prevention instead of prohibition. Rather than removing young people from online spaces, the Discover centre aims to give them the knowledge and support needed to navigate digital platforms responsibly. The project reflects a wider European discussion about how societies can protect younger generations while recognising that technology remains an important part of modern life.

L’article Italy opens first digital addiction centre as Europe debates social media restrictions for minors est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

When choosing a hotel or restaurant, many travellers do pay attention to the reviews of others to determine the quality of said places. Yet reading all those comments can get quite time-consuming when there are hundred or even thousands of them.

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Some platforms, websites, and webshops have thus added a handy little feature during the past few years: an AI summary. In short, the tool summarises all reviews left by customers and gives users an objective overview of the comments, both positive and negative, left by others.

A new analysis by consumer champion platform Which?, however, shows that those AI summaries might not always be as reliable as one might think. According to the organisation, TripAdvisor’s AI summery of hotel reviews tends to concentrate on glowing reviews, while shortcomings are often ignored. The issues omitted included food poisoning, sexual harassment, and hygiene failures.

One of the cases studied by Which? is the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria in Cape Verde. According to the AI summary tool, the place proves to be “popular with many travellers” with “spacious rooms” and “diverse restaurants”.

That particular hotel, however, is the subject of a group action lawsuit involving more than 400 holidaymakers who are claiming to have experienced illnesses linked to poor hygiene standards and food safety failings. The food poisoning comments and other reviews pointing to poor hygiene weren’t reflected in the AI summary in March according to Which? and the summary concerning the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria in Cape Verde has since been made unavailable.

Holiday ends tomorrow and I can’t wait to get home. 6 days of food poisoning, addicted to Imodium, unable to eat or drink anything and so lethargic.@RiuHoteles Cape Verde have seen the last of us. RIU Palace Santa Maria is no 5* resort

Don’t believe the brochures!

— YNWA Kaiser (@YNWA_Kaiser) October 11, 2025

Which? noted similar patterns, in which the AI summary tool concentrated on positive reviews and left out negative remarks, for other hotels as well. With this in mind, Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, warned users to stay alert.

“The platform has a responsibility to revisit the accuracy of its AI summaries and AI chatbot. This failure to surface critical safety information is unacceptable and potentially life-threatening. In the meantime, users should scroll past these summaries and look at guest reviews, particularly one-star ratings, and at reviews on other sites, to make sure their next stay is a safe one,” Boland said.

Following the publication of Which?’s research results, TripAdvisor has not failed to react.

“No review content has been suppressed or hidden by the introduction of these tools, and the suggestion they pose danger to travellers is an unfounded claim that seems designed to generate controversy rather than inform readers. We believe our community understands that AI technology is still developing and has the common sense to check any AI advice against Tripadvisor’s billion-plus reviews and contributions,” a spokesperson commented.

According to the platform, AI summary tools are not intended to replace individual reviews -which can be easily found by clicking on the separate review elements – and instead provide a mere snapshot of the vast amount of comments available.

“We also have comprehensive safeguards in place to ensure important safety information is properly reflected across our platform. Our AI systems are designed to capture all types of traveller feedback, and we continuously monitor and refine our models. Our systems automatically suppress AI Summaries for listings that feature warnings from travellers about serious safety incidents such as death, drugging or sexual assault, helping ensure this content is highly visible to our community”, the TripAdvisor spokesperson continued.

Which?’s analysis confirms earlier research, showing AI tools have a tendency to tone down negative observations, instead choosing for shallower alternatives.

L’article Tripadvisor AI summaries accused of masking negative hotel reviews est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

AI is everywhere and the travel industry is no exception. AI tools are getting more and more popular when it comes to trip planning, with many travellers asking ChatGPT for personalised holiday recommendations.

Travel platform Skyscanner is now jumping on that trend and has launched two new beta AI tools, available in English-speaking markets.

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“For more than 20 years, innovation has been at the heart of Skyscanner’s mission to be the world’s leading travel ally. At a time when travellers are navigating an increasingly complex travel landscape, we’re focused on building tools that help them plan and book with confidence. We’re experimenting with how AI can make every stage of the journey simpler and more intuitive, from discovering new destinations to road trip planning”, said Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner.

The first tool, named ‘Explore with AI’, allows travellers to search for personalised flight and destination recommendations through natural language prompts. The tool can provide all kinds of information, including price insights, weather, and travel tips.

For example, users can ask the tool to “help me find cheap flights to Japan in December,” then receive personalised recommendations based on their preferences. Travellers can also compare destination data side-by-side with a visual display, alongside AI-generated insights such as “September is typically 24% cheaper than December” and “Best of both: beaches and family trips.” During the first tests, Skyscanner noted a strong engagement, with a 60% click-through to flight options among those using ‘Explore with AI’.

The second AI tool, ‘Road Trip Planner’, concentrates specifically on putting together tailored itineraries. Travellers can provide the root with trip preferences, such as cultural or relaxing activities, and AI will then map out a road trip with personalised stops, while also recommending car hire options.

“We’re also continuing to test and evolve how we present flight information, including live flight tracking and trialling mapping price insights. By combining our deep travel expertise with the latest technology, our goal is to support travellers in making confident decisions and creating trips that are right for them, transforming travel planning into a seamless part of the adventure,” added Bryan Batista.

Moreover, Skyscanner updated some of its preexisting features. For example, DROPS – which scans airfares to flag price drops of over 20% over the previous week – now shows more frequent flight price reductions. According to the company, travellers would expect up to 822% more offers than before, making it easier than ever for customers to plan their next destination while paying attention to their budget.

Furthermore, the Flight Tracker tool provides travellers with real-time updates on gates, terminals, and baggage information, while Stays was extended to include five million (up from 3.5 million) accommodation options, ranging from budget stays to luxurious hotels.

L’article Skyscanner launches two AI tools to make trip planning easier est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Desk, oscillating and cordless fans

Traditional fans remain one of the simplest and most affordable ways to cool down. Desk fans are ideal for smaller hotel rooms or holiday rentals, while oscillating fans move from side to side to distribute air across a wider area. Cordless models add extra flexibility, allowing users to move them between rooms, balconies or even campsites without relying on a nearby power socket. Air circulation fans also help keep air moving throughout a room, creating a more comfortable environment even though they do not actually lower the room’s temperature.

Misting fans

Misting fans are becoming increasingly popular because they cool more effectively than standard fans. In addition to blowing air, they release an ultra-fine mist made up of tiny water droplets that evaporate almost immediately. This process helps lower the surrounding temperature without leaving furniture or clothing damp. One example is Dreo’s TurboCool range, which is available in both desktop and tower models and is designed to provide extra cooling during particularly hot weather.

@kateshoptiktok 30+ Degrees NEEDS this fan @Shark Home UK #SharkMistingFan #SharkFlexBreeze #MistingFan #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt #SummerSale ♬ Take My Mind – WizTheMc & bees & honey

Handheld and neck fans

Portable fans remain a favourite among travellers because they are lightweight and easy to carry throughout the day. Some newer models, such as Dyson’s HushJet Mini, replace traditional spinning blades with specially designed airflow systems that create a concentrated stream of air while operating more quietly. Many handheld fans can also be placed on a desk or worn around the neck using a lanyard, making them useful while travelling by train, exploring a city or working remotely.

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Neck fans have also become increasingly common during heatwaves. These devices rest comfortably around the neck and direct airflow towards the face and upper body while leaving both hands free. Cooling the neck is particularly effective because major blood vessels are located close to the skin in this area, helping the body feel cooler more quickly. Models such as the JisuLife Neck Fan offer multiple speed settings and batteries that can last for many hours, making them suitable for long sightseeing days or outdoor activities.

Wearable air conditioners

One of the newest developments in personal cooling is the wearable air conditioner. Unlike a fan, these devices do not blow air directly onto the user. Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro sits underneath clothing at the back of the neck and uses a metal cooling plate to cool the body directly. Built-in sensors monitor movement, humidity and the surrounding temperature before automatically adjusting the cooling level, creating a personalised cooling experience throughout the day.

Portable air coolers and air conditioners

Travellers staying in accommodation without built-in air conditioning may also benefit from portable cooling systems. Air coolers use water to cool the air before circulating it through a room, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. Portable air conditioners actively remove heat from a room, making them a better option during prolonged periods of extreme heat. The right choice often depends on the size of the room, the outside temperature and the amount of cooling required.

@manasdxyavu Portable Air Conditioner 10000 BTU#PortableAirConditioner#SummerWins#summervibes#WindowAC #dealsforyoudays ♬ 原創音樂 – Baosucai

Cooling accessories

Not every cooling solution requires electricity. Cooling towels, reusable gel packs and cooling gloves can provide quick relief after spending time outdoors, while cooling face masks and even ice slippers have also become available for people looking for extra comfort during heatwaves. Most of these products are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and easy to pack into a suitcase or backpack. They can be particularly useful after walking through hot city streets or waiting in the sun for public transport.

Cooling products for better sleep

High daytime temperatures are often followed by warm nights, making it difficult to get enough rest. Cooling blankets and cooling pillowcases use fabrics that remain cooler against the skin, helping people sleep more comfortably without relying entirely on air conditioning. These products can be especially useful in hotels, holiday rentals or campsites where cooling systems are limited or unavailable. A better night’s sleep can also help the body recover after spending long days outdoors in extreme heat.

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Cooling products for pets

Travelling with pets during a heatwave requires extra care, as animals can overheat just as easily as people. Cooling mats, cooling coats and specially designed cooling beds help dogs and other pets regulate their body temperature while resting or travelling. These products should always be used alongside access to fresh drinking water, shaded areas and regular breaks away from the heat. For anyone planning a road trip or summer holiday with their pet, they can provide an extra level of comfort during periods of extreme temperatures.

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As heatwaves become more frequent across Europe, these products are likely to become increasingly common travel companions. Although they cannot replace basic precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and avoiding the hottest hours of the day, they can help make long sightseeing days, train journeys and evenings in accommodation without air conditioning a little more comfortable.

L’article Europe’s heatwave: What gadgets can help travellers stay cool est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The simulator gives users the feeling of flying over Earth without leaving their home. As the aircraft moves, the map loads 3D buildings and detailed images of the terrain. This creates a smooth transition between different regions, such as mountains, cities and oceans. The experience is meant to feel immersive, but still simple enough for anyone to try. It does not try to fully copy real-world flying physics in detail. Instead, it focuses on allowing users to travel visually across the planet in an easy way.

A flight simulator is not completely new for Google Earth. A similar feature already existed in 2007, but it was hidden inside the desktop version of the software. At that time, users had to download the application before they could access it. The new version removes that barrier by making the tool available directly in a browser. The updated simulator is part of a wider effort to bring desktop features into the web version of Google Earth. According to Google, the feature was added “just for fun” alongside other improvements. 

Accessing the simulator is done directly through Google Earth in a browser. Once inside, users can open the tools menu and activate the flight simulator with a few clicks. The experience immediately places them above the map, ready to begin flying over the virtual globe. Instead of complex setup steps, the tool is designed to feel quick and intuitive to launch.

Control of the aircraft is mainly handled through simple keyboard inputs. Arrow keys are used to steer and adjust direction, while speed can be increased or reduced with basic controls such as Page Up and Page Down. Users can also switch between mouse and keyboard input depending on what feels easier. Even with these simplified controls, the simulator still requires some practice before flights feel smooth and stable.

Although the simulator is easy to access, many users find it difficult to control at first. Small mistakes in movement can quickly lead to crashes or loss of direction. When this happens, the simulation simply pauses and allows the user to restart from a safe position. This removes pressure and makes experimentation easier. Online reactions show a mix of excitement and frustration. Some users enjoy the challenge, while others admit that controlling the aircraft is not easy. Still, the focus of the tool is not accuracy but entertainment and exploration. Even when flights end in crashes, users can immediately try again without penalty.

The flight simulator can appeal to people who enjoy discovering new places in a different way. It allows users to fly over destinations they may want to visit in real life. This can help them understand geography, distances and landscapes from a unique perspective. It also offers a playful way to explore regions that might otherwise be difficult to reach. The experience depends on internet performance, since images and 3D data load dynamically during flight. In areas with slower connections, some details may appear with a delay. Despite this, the simulator still provides a smooth overview of the planet for most users. It turns Google Earth into more than a map, creating a simple but engaging virtual travel experience.

L’article Google Earth launches free browser-based flight simulator for virtual travellers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Self-driving taxis, also known as robotaxis, have been rapidly expanding across China and the U.S. for years. According to data gathered by the International Energy Agency, 8,000 such driverless cars loaded with sensors were driving across some 25 cities in 2025.

In Europe, however, things are looking very different. Aside from a couple of isolated pilot schemes, the self-driving vehicle industry is lagging behind. A variety of testing permits, approval procedures, and data requirements have proven difficult to overcome for companies specialising in the matter.

A European approach

Yet things are about to change. On Monday, 8 June 2026, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and 17 European transport ministers signed a declaration promising to work together in order to make large-scale cross-border testing of autonomous vehicles a possibility. Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden have agreed to work on common approval principles and coordinated permitting procedures.

The initiative is expected to boost the sector across the European continent, although a handful of European countries were already carrying out pilot programs before the declaration was signed.

Zagreb, for example, had been doing robotaxi trials involving 10 autonomous taxis since 8 April 2026. According to Uber, which teamed up with the Chinese company Pony.ai and Croatian startup Verne to make the trial possible, the Croatian capital is emerging as the first market for commercial robotaxi service in Europe.

Meanwhile, three trials are scheduled to take place in London over the course of 2026. Three separate operators are behind the initiative: Waymo, Wayve (which will be partnering with Uber), and Apollo Go.

Furthermore, Stellantis and Pony.ai will be launching a trial in Luxembourg, WeRide and Uber have announced a trial in Madrid, Munich will be welcoming self-driving taxis powered by Momenta, and Apollo Go and Swiss Post are working on a pilot programme in Switzerland.

In an interview with press agency AFP, industry specialist Herve de Treglode said both London and Madrid are ready for driverless vehicles, while commercial services could be expected by 2027. However, he also mentioned a potential hurdle for a smooth roll-out across Europe: while commercial companies want to target highly profitable city centres, local authorities would prefer for them to concentrate on poorly connected suburban and rural areas. Only time will tell if those contrasting visions turn out to be compatible.

The future of self-driving taxis

While just 8,000 driverless taxis were operational in China and the United States in 2025, the industry is expected to boom over the next decade. The International Energy Agency estimates there will be between 700,000 and 3 million robotaxis across 40 to 80 major cities worldwide by 2035, while consultancy agency BCG projects approximately 3 million robotaxis by the same date (some 850,000 of which should be based in China), and Goldman Sachs is aiming for 6 million vehicles.

L’article Europe approves cross-border testing for self-driving taxis in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new service has officially rolled out in Indonesia, Japan, and the United States, signalling TikTok’s growing ambitions to move beyond entertainment and social discovery into travel commerce and in-app transactions.

TikTok GO integrates booking capabilities into the way users already consume content on the platform. Travellers can discover accommodation, restaurants, attractions, and activities through short videos, search functions, local feeds, and location pages. Once something catches their attention, users can view details, check availability, and complete a booking in just a few taps without leaving the app.

The company says the feature is designed to bridge the gap between inspiration and action, turning viral travel content into immediate purchasing opportunities.

“Every day on TikTok, millions of people discover where to eat, where to stay, and what to do next,” said Adam Presser, CEO of TikTok USDS Joint Venture. “TikTok GO connects that moment of inspiration directly to the businesses behind it, and that’s good for creators, good for local businesses, and good for communities.”

TikTok GO was first introduced in Indonesia in late April through a partnership with Tokopedia, one of the country’s largest technology and e-commerce companies.

In the United States, TikTok has partnered with major travel and experiences brands, including Booking.com, Expedia, Viator, GetYourGuide, Tiqets, and Trip.com.

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According to TikTok, users must be at least 18 years old to complete bookings through the service.

The move reflects a broader trend in the travel industry where social media increasingly shapes consumer behaviour and destination choices. Platforms such as TikTok have become influential discovery tools, particularly among younger travellers seeking authentic recommendations and experience-led travel inspiration.

For travel companies and local tourism operators, TikTok GO could provide direct access to audiences already engaging with destination content. The company says the feature will help businesses reach new customers through TikTok’s ecosystem of creators, videos, searches, and location-based discovery.

GetYourGuide described the partnership as a major shift in how experiences are marketed and booked online.

“Whether it’s visiting the Vatican or checking out a cooking class in Tokyo, we’re collapsing the time between inspiration and action,” said Johannes Reck, co-founder and CEO of GetYourGuide. “With over 200,000 experiences across 12,000 destinations, GetYourGuide is well-positioned to power that moment at scale, giving our operators – many of them small, local businesses – direct access to a massive, travel-hungry audience.”

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Reck added that experiences are increasingly becoming the main motivation for travel rather than an additional activity once travellers arrive at a destination.

Booking.com also welcomed the collaboration, saying it would make it easier for users to move from discovering a destination in a video to booking a stay instantly.

TikTok says the launch is only the beginning of its plans to connect users with businesses and experiences directly through the platform, building on the model already established by TikTok Shop in retail commerce.

As travel inspiration continues to shift from traditional search engines and guidebooks towards creator-led content, TikTok GO may further accelerate the blending of entertainment, social media, and online travel booking into a single digital experience.

L’article TikTok enters travel booking market with launch of TikTok GO  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.