- More than 250 delegates attended the AVEA conference at the National Gallery of Ireland.
- More than 30pc of overseas travellers use generative AI to research destinations.
- 87pc of visitors leave gaps in itineraries to fill on arrival.
- AVEA launched its five-year strategy at the conference.
- Catherine Flanagan noted AI is changing how visitors discover attractions.
More than 250 delegates gathered at the National Gallery of Ireland for the AVEA conference which examined how artificial intelligence shapes travel choices while human connection remains key. Research presented by Fáilte Ireland showed more than 30pc of overseas travellers already use generative AI to research a destination rising to one in two US visitors. Delegates heard that 87pc of visitors leave gaps in their itineraries to fill once they reach their destination.
The conference marked the launch of AVEA’s five-year strategy. Sessions featured Stephen O’Leary of Olytico, Orla O’Keeffe of Fáilte Ireland and Rory Griffin of Google Travel. Practical examples from the Super Six case studies demonstrated how attractions are responding with creativity. Experience Glasnevin highlighted the role of social media and video in making cemetery stories approachable.
Catherine Flanagan CEO of AVEA noted AI is changing the route visitors take to attractions. The challenge is to make Ireland’s visitor experiences visible and easy to book while continuing to invest in the people who make them special. Technology can help someone discover an attraction but it is the welcome and the story they connect with that make a visit memorable.
Catherine Flanagan shared “AI is changing the route visitors take to our doors. Our challenge is to make sure Ireland’s visitor experiences are visible and easy to book, while continuing to invest in the people who make them special. Technology can help someone discover an attraction, but it is the welcome, the conversation and the story they connect with that make a visit memorable.”
