Smarter AI Prompts Needed to Avoid Overtourism, Expert Warns

AI Prompts and the Overtourism Challenge

Travelers increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to inspire their next vacation, but a tourism expert warns that generic AI prompts may worsen overtourism. By default, these tools often recommend popular destinations like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona, contributing to overcrowding in already strained cities. However, smarter AI prompts can help travelers uncover hidden gems and reduce their impact on overtourism.

The rise of AI in travel planning has been significant, with nearly one in five Britons aged 25–34 now using AI to organize their trips. While AI offers convenience, its reliance on readily available online content—such as reviews and social media hashtags—often leads to recommendations of well-known destinations. This trend risks exacerbating the challenges faced by cities already grappling with overtourism.

The Impact of Generic AI Recommendations

Overtourism is a growing concern for cities like Mallorca, which is considering measures to limit flights and rentals, and Venice, which has introduced a day-tripper fee to manage visitor numbers. If millions of travelers use the same AI-generated suggestions, the pressure on these destinations will only intensify. Passively accepting AI’s default recommendations contributes to this problem, as algorithms prioritize popularity over sustainability.

“AI tools are designed to offer well-documented suggestions, not diverse or sustainable options,” explained the tourism expert. “To avoid contributing to overtourism, travelers need to ask more specific questions and look beyond the initial results provided by AI.”

Smarter Questions for Better Travel

Fortunately, travelers can use AI to find unique destinations by crafting more thoughtful prompts. Instead of asking for “the best beaches in Europe,” travelers could inquire about “towns reachable by train but overlooked in most guides.” Similarly, asking about lesser-known destinations in off-peak months, such as the Italian lakes in October or the Greek islands in May, can help avoid crowded hotspots.

The expert recommends pushing AI systems with follow-up questions and exploring independent travel blogs or local tourism cooperatives. For example, searching for “Spanish-language blogs about Asturias” or “community-run agritourism in Slovenia” can broaden AI’s sources and uncover hidden gems.

The Role of AI in Sustainable Travel

AI has the potential to compare travel costs, timings, and even carbon footprints, but it requires users to dig deeper for these insights. By prioritizing rail travel or local businesses, AI could play a role in promoting sustainable tourism. However, this shift would require rethinking how AI algorithms are designed and trained.

“AI could prioritize rail travel or local businesses if coded differently,” noted the expert. “But it’s up to travelers to challenge AI to find something new and leverage its capabilities to explore uncharted territories.”

Balancing AI and Human Perspective

While AI offers convenience, it can lack the spontaneity that makes travel memorable. Guidebooks, local media, and conversations with residents can restore this element, complementing AI’s data-driven approach with personal experiences. By posing thoughtful questions, adjusting travel dates, and seeking local perspectives, travelers can use AI for discovery rather than contributing to congestion.

As AI becomes more integrated into travel planning, each prompt sends a signal about what truly matters. Travelers who challenge AI to uncover hidden gems can help reshape the future of tourism, balancing convenience with sustainability and exploration.