AI can personalise tourism, reshape destination management: Panelists at KTM 2026
Artificial Intelligence could be leveraged to personalise travel experiences, explore lesser-known places, destination management and tourism marketing, noted speakers at a panel discussion on “Digital Agenda and AI to Redesign Tourism” at Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026
AI in Tourism – Key Insights
- Personalisation & Unique Experiences: Shri APM Mohammed Haneesh emphasized that tour operators must reinvent offerings to meet global demand for personalised travel while protecting privacy.
- Optimising for AI & LLMs: Shri Anish Kumar suggested businesses should adapt their content for large language models, and use AI for destination management (e.g., crowd control in Munnar and Wayanad).
- Balance Between AI & Human Experience: Shri Soorajith Radhakrishnan cautioned against AI dominating tourism, but acknowledged its role in heritage conservation and regulating museum access.
- Agentic AI Era: Shri Sarath V. Raj described the current phase as requiring businesses to adapt to AI-driven systems, enabling mass personalisation of travel experiences.
Event Context
- Moderated by Sumit Kumar Thakur (MD, KTDC & ADG, Kerala Tourism).
- Concluding session of KTM 2026, held on World Tourism Day.
- Mementos presented by KTM leadership including President Shri Jose Pradeep.
- A parallel seminar discussed Muziris as a World Tourism Heritage Destination.
The discussion made it clear that Kerala’s tourism industry sees AI as both a tool for efficiency and a means to deepen cultural connection, provided it doesn’t overshadow the human touch.
