Singapore — Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key part of travel planning across Asia Pacific, with almost half of travellers now using AI to research destinations, discover experiences and make more informed travel decisions, according to Visa’s latest Global Travel Intentions study.
According to the study, nearly half (49%) of Asia Pacific travellers use AI to discover destinations and travel ideas as its most common use case, while also utilizing it to gather reviews (41%) and discover local tours and experiences (35%), complementing traditional travel websites and social media.
This suggests that travellers are becoming more deliberate in how they plan holidays amid rising costs and global uncertainty, using AI and digital tools to make trips more practical, flexible, and personalised while reducing uncertainty before they travel rather than travelling less.
Travellers are also increasingly carrying out detailed research before booking, checking accommodation, insurance, visa requirements and local developments before departure, with AI simplifying their planning process by making information easier to access and compare.
Alongside AI, payment confidence has become a crucial part of pre-trip planning, with 33% of respondents citing payment security as their biggest travel concern and 27% worried about card acceptance, which reflects a growing reliance on digital payments as 73% of travellers now carry payment cards or mobile wallets during their trips.
The report also highlights that travellers are balancing careful planning with flexibility. Nearly four in five (79%) book accommodation before travelling, while only 51% secure activities in advance.
Most dining (72%) and transport (65%) decisions are made after arriving at their destination, allowing travellers to adapt their plans based on local recommendations and experiences.
While planning habits are evolving, Asia Pacific travellers continue to favour destinations closer to home. Around 63% travelled within the region, with Japan remaining the most popular destination, followed by Australia, Thailand, South Korea and Hong Kong.
Beyond familiar locations, travellers are increasingly planning holidays around food, culture and major live events, with 37% prioritising unique local experiences and one in four travelling for sporting or entertainment events.
“The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms the importance of travel to Asia Pacific. Travel is not slowing – it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional,” explained Danielle Jin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa Asia Pacific.
“As digital-first travellers seek familiar sights and plan more practically, what matters is how destinations, businesses, and issuers enable every traveller to explore the places they love
in their own way, from using AI to help travellers pursue their passions, values, and aspirations to delivering secure and seamless payment experiences at every stage of their journeys,” added Jin.
The findings are based on Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study, which surveyed more than 47,000 consumers worldwide, including over 17,000 respondents across Asia Pacific.
