US Joins UK and More as 40% AI Adoption Reshapes Travel Planning, Personalisation and Outdoor Tourism Growth

AI adoption is particularly strong among younger travellers, frequent travellers and digitally connected markets.

The technology is not replacing travel decisions completely. Instead, it is becoming a digital assistant that helps travellers make more informed choices.

Which Countries Are Leading the AI Travel Planning Revolution?

Although no government publishes a global ranking of AI travel users, verified consumer studies show that several countries are emerging as leading AI adoption markets.

China’s strong digital ecosystem has made it one of the fastest adopters, while India is emerging due to its young population and expanding digital travel market.

Outdoor Travel Demand Continues Rising as Campers Plan More Trips

The RMS report shows that outdoor travel continues maintaining strong momentum, with travellers showing increased interest in camping and nature-based experiences. According to the report, 66% of respondents plan to camp more over the next year, representing an 8 percentage-point increase compared with 2025.

The research also found that 86% of respondents identify as lifelong or returning campers, demonstrating that outdoor travel has become a long-term lifestyle choice rather than a temporary trend.

Outdoor Travel Growth Indicators

The growth is being supported by changing traveller priorities, including:

• desire for nature-based experiences;
• wellness and relaxation;
• escape from crowded urban destinations;
• flexible travel options.

Outdoor tourism is increasingly attracting travellers who want meaningful experiences rather than traditional sightseeing.

How Are Digital Platforms Changing the Way Campers Discover Destinations?

One of the biggest findings from the RMS report is that online search has overtaken personal recommendations as the leading way travellers discover outdoor accommodation.

For the first time in the report’s history, online search became the most common discovery method, with 64% of campers using online search, compared with 60% relying on recommendations from friends and family.

How Campers Discover Outdoor Stays

This shift highlights the growing importance of digital visibility for outdoor accommodation providers.

Campgrounds and outdoor hospitality businesses are increasingly required to:

• maintain strong online presence;
• provide accurate information;
• improve digital booking experiences;
• use technology to attract new customers.

The findings show that outdoor travel discovery is moving from traditional word-of-mouth recommendations towards digital-first decision-making.

How Is Artificial Intelligence Entering Outdoor Travel Planning?

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of the outdoor travel planning process, although adoption is still developing.

The RMS report found that 14% of respondents use AI tools such as ChatGPT or CampChimp to research trips.

Among travellers using AI:

AI is helping outdoor travellers with:

• finding suitable camping locations;
• comparing prices;
• building personalised routes;
• organising adventure plans.

For outdoor tourism, AI can be particularly useful because camping trips often require more preparation, including:

• weather research;
• route planning;
• accommodation selection;
• activity recommendations.

However, AI is expected to support rather than replace human expertise, particularly for remote destinations and safety-focused activities.

Why Are Campers Expecting More Flexible Booking Experiences?

The report highlights that convenience has become a major factor influencing booking decisions.

Nearly 85% of campers said they are more likely to book when they can select their exact campsite in advance.

Booking Features Influencing Travellers

This reflects a broader tourism trend where travellers expect the same digital convenience from outdoor accommodation that they receive from hotels and holiday rentals.

Campgrounds are increasingly adopting:

• online booking systems;
• digital check-in;
• mobile-friendly maps;
• automated communication.

How Is Technology Improving the Outdoor Guest Experience?

Technology is becoming an important part of modern outdoor hospitality.

The RMS report found that 67% of respondents notice when campgrounds invest in new technology, while 40% expect properties to have updated systems supporting the guest experience.

Technologies Influencing Outdoor Hospitality

The findings show that outdoor travellers are not necessarily looking for less technology. Instead, they increasingly want technology that improves convenience while maintaining the connection with nature.

Why Is Sustainability Becoming a Key Factor in Outdoor Accommodation?

Sustainability continues to influence outdoor travel decisions because many outdoor experiences depend directly on natural environments.

The RMS report found that 88% of respondents consider sustainability when choosing where to stay.

Sustainability Priorities Among Campers

Outdoor accommodation providers are responding through:

• conservation initiatives;
• responsible waste management;
• sustainable infrastructure;
• environmentally friendly operations.

The demand reflects a wider shift towards responsible tourism, where travellers want outdoor experiences without damaging the environments they visit.

How Is Outdoor Hospitality Moving Beyond Traditional Camping?

Outdoor accommodation is evolving beyond basic camping into a broader hospitality category.

Modern travellers are increasingly choosing:

• glamping;
• cabins;
• eco-lodges;
• upgraded campsites;
• nature retreats.

The 2026 Glamping Industry Report from RMS highlights that glamping has moved from a niche product towards a mainstream outdoor accommodation segment, with travellers seeking comfort-focused nature experiences.

Traditional Camping vs Modern Outdoor Hospitality

This transformation is helping outdoor tourism attract broader audiences, including families, wellness travellers and luxury adventure seekers.

What Does the RMS Report Mean for Outdoor Travel Businesses?

The report suggests that outdoor accommodation operators must adapt to changing traveller expectations.

Future success will depend on combining:

• strong digital visibility;
• easier booking;
• personalised experiences;
• sustainable practices;
• improved facilities.

Key Business Priorities

Outdoor hospitality is becoming more competitive as travellers compare camping experiences with other accommodation categories.

Why Is China Becoming a Global Leader in AI-Powered Travel?

China has become one of the strongest AI travel markets because of its advanced digital infrastructure and highly connected consumer ecosystem.

Research shows that more than 80% of Chinese consumers surveyed have used AI tools for travel inspiration.

Chinese travellers use AI for:

• destination searches;
• route planning;
• personalised recommendations;
• translation;
• travel shopping.

China’s large tourism market allows companies to develop and test AI travel solutions at significant scale.

How Is India Becoming a Major AI Travel Market?

India is emerging as a key AI travel market because of its growing middle class, expanding international travel and digitally connected younger population.

Indian travellers are increasingly using AI for:

• finding destinations;
• comparing travel costs;
• creating itineraries;
• discovering experiences.

While official government statistics on AI travel usage are not yet available, travel technology research consistently identifies India as a high-growth AI adoption market.

How Are US and UK Travellers Using AI for Holidays?

The United States and United Kingdom are among the most digitally mature travel markets.

In the US, research found that 54% of consumers were comfortable allowing AI to plan a holiday from start to finish.

American travellers use AI for:

• complete trip planning;
• hotel recommendations;
• flight searches;
• activity selection.

In the UK, AI holiday planning adoption has increased rapidly. Research found usage doubled from 4% in 2024 to 8% in 2025 among surveyed adults.

How Is AI Transforming Outdoor and Adventure Tourism?

Outdoor tourism is becoming one of the biggest beneficiaries of AI because adventure trips often require detailed preparation.

Travellers planning:

• trekking;
• hiking;
• wildlife journeys;
• remote destinations;

need information about:

• weather;
• routes;
• accommodation;
• transport;
• difficulty levels.

For example, travellers planning Andes trekking, Himalayan adventures or national park journeys can use AI to organise complex logistics.

However, professional guides remain essential for safety-critical decisions.

Why Is Outdoor Tourism Growing Alongside AI Adoption?

Outdoor travel is benefiting from changing traveller priorities. More visitors are seeking nature, wellness and authentic experiences rather than traditional sightseeing.

Key growth segments include:

Travellers increasingly want experiences that combine adventure with comfort.

This has encouraged destinations to develop:

• eco-lodges;
• glamping;
• guided adventures;
• luxury trekking.

Can AI Replace Travel Experts and Local Guides?

AI is changing travel planning, but it is unlikely to replace human expertise completely.

Outdoor and cultural travel still require:

• local knowledge;
• safety judgement;
• cultural understanding;
• real-time decision-making.

The future travel model will likely combine AI efficiency with human guidance.

How Are Tourism Businesses Adapting to AI Travel Growth?

Hotels, airlines and destinations are investing in AI-powered services to improve customer experiences.

Applications include:

• AI chat assistants;
• personalised recommendations;
• smart booking systems;
• digital concierge services.

AI is also helping tourism organisations manage sustainability by improving visitor flow and reducing pressure on popular destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country uses AI most for travel planning?

China is among the leading markets, with more than 80% of surveyed consumers reporting AI use for travel inspiration.

How many travellers use AI for trip planning?

Research indicates around 40% of global travellers have already used AI tools for travel planning.

Is AI replacing travel agents?

No. AI supports planning, but human expertise remains important for complex journeys.

Why is AI useful for outdoor travel?

AI helps with routes, weather information, budgeting and itinerary creation.

What outdoor travel trends are growing?

Trekking, hiking, wellness retreats, wildlife tourism and slow travel are expanding globally.

Conclusion

US Joins UK and More as 40% AI Adoption Reshapes Travel Planning, Personalisation and Outdoor Tourism Growth highlighting a major transformation in the global tourism industry, where technology and authentic experiences are becoming increasingly connected. The cause behind this evolution is the growing use of artificial intelligence by travellers seeking faster research, personalised recommendations and smarter trip organisation. With 40% of global travellers already using AI for travel planning, and strong adoption across the US, UK and Australia, the technology is moving from an emerging tool into a mainstream travel assistant. The growth of AI Adoption is also influencing Outdoor Tourism Growth, with 14% of outdoor travellers using AI tools for trip research before adventure journeys. The answer lies in combining AI-powered convenience with human expertise, local knowledge and sustainable experiences. As US Joins UK and More, travel planning is entering a more personalised and digitally connected era.