Instead of ticking off 15 attractions in three days, many are looking for longer stays, local experiences and enough time to actually enjoy a place. What if your next holiday itinerary could be built in seconds? Tell an AI tool what you like, how much you want to spend and how many days you have, and it can suggest hotels, restaurants, experiences and even a daily plan. Convenient? Absolutely. But there is another travel trend happening at the same time. Travellers are also becoming more selective about what they want from a holiday.
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is looking at AI as more than a holiday planning tool. Its tourism AI policy examines how technology could support travellers across the entire trip, from planning and recommendations to services at the destination. Think personalised suggestions, multilingual assistance, smarter customer service and better ways for destinations to understand visitor demand. So, a traveller visiting Israel for its food could receive a very different set of recommendations from someone interested in heritage, wellness or outdoor experiences. The country is also trying to bring its tourism industry closer to its technology sector. Technology may make travel planning quicker, but it does not necessarily mean people want to pack more into every holiday. “In Switzerland, we are seeing travellers become more intentional in how they holiday, prioritising the quality and depth of an experience over simply trying to do more. That could mean staying an extra night, visiting a lesser-known region or choosing a different season for a trip. For Switzerland Tourism, this fits with its focus on longer stays, year-round travel, and encouraging visitors to explore more of the country. After all, an AI tool can help plan your holiday. It can suggest the restaurant, map out the route and remind you what time your train leaves. Here’s what to know about the Grand Train Tour
In 2026, the Ministry launched Travel Innovation IL, a national travel tech community connecting tourism companies, startups, investors, government, academia and technology companies. The initiative has an investment of around NIS 1 million and aims to match tourism needs with technology-based solutions. Destination Buzz: Planning a Switzerland train holiday in 2026?
Because you like the place or having an unexpected conversation with someone local, it cannot replace the joy of finding a café you want to return to, extending your stay.
Christian Schoch of Switzerland Tourism says travellers are becoming more intentional about their time away.
