As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, the Australian tourism sector is at a major turning point. To help our industry understand how AI is being adopted and what the future holds, we’ve launched The State of Artificial Intelligence in Tourism 2025 Edition – a national survey-based report uncovering trends, opportunities, and challenges for tourism operators and destination marketing organisations (DMOs).
This first-of-its-kind report captures the voices of 90 tourism organisations across Australia, including local operators, councils, regional tourism bodies, and national-level DMOs. It offers a rare snapshot of where the industry stands and what needs to happen to close the growing gap between early adopters and those being left behind.
What’s Inside the Report?
Key Stats at a Glance:
- 79% of DMOs and 71% of operators have started using AI tools
- Only 19% of operators feel confident with AI
- 85%+ expect AI to positively impact their business in the next 2–3 years
- Top tools include ChatGPT, Canva Magic Studio, and AI-powered social media automation
- Main barriers? Technical expertise (40%), privacy concerns (33%), and budget limitations (31%)
How Are DMOs and Operators Using AI?
The research shows a split in how AI is being used based on the role of the organisation:
Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs):
- Leading the charge with higher AI adoption and confidence
- Using AI for strategic planning, marketing optimisation, data analysis, and content creation
- Prioritising personalisation and workflow automation to stay competitive in the travel planning cycle
Tourism Operators:
- Focused on customer-facing tools, such as personalised itinerary planning and content generation
- Lower adoption of advanced tools due to time, confidence, and budget pressures
- Showing strong interest but facing more day-to-day operational barriers
Key Insights from the 2025 Survey
1. The AI Adoption Divide Is Real
There’s a noticeable gap emerging between those embracing AI and those who aren’t sure where to begin. Operators often cite lack of time, money, and training as major hurdles — all fixable with the right support.
2. Content and Personalisation Are the Big Wins
Content creation (59%) and social media management (39%) are the most common AI use cases across the board. For operators, AI helps speed up content development and deliver more tailored guest experiences.
3. DMOs Must Rethink Their Role
With travellers turning to AI-powered tools like Trvlr.ai, GuideGeek and ChatGPT to plan and book trips, DMOs need to redefine their role in the purchase cycle. That means integrating bookable itineraries, improving online experiences, and staying visible in AI search results.
Recommendations from the Report
For DMOs:
- Develop agile, AI-driven strategies aligned with visitor needs
- Invest in AI literacy at all levels — from the boardroom to front-line teams
- Partner with tech providers to roll out scalable solutions like chatbots and itinerary planners
- Implement AI governance policies for ethical, transparent use
For Operators:
- Leverage free or low-cost tools (e.g., ChatGPT Free, Canva Magic) for content and customer service
- Build team capability through short, practical training sessions
- Focus on real use cases: automating FAQs, generating blog content, or creating itineraries
- Use grants and partnerships to overcome resource constraints
Download the full AI in tourism report
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