55% of GCC travel agents fear AI could take their jobs

Travel agents in the Gulf are among the world’s most concerned about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their roles, with 55% in the GCC saying it is a real threat to their jobs, according to a new industry survey.

 

Agents in Asia showed even greater concern, with 60% fearing AI could displace them, compared to a global average of 44%.

 

The insights come from a survey by B2B booking platform RateHawk, part of UAE-based global travel tech company Emerging Travel Group. 

 

The study found agents newer to the profession are particularly wary, with 51% of those with less than three years’ experience believing AI could take over their responsibilities. 

 

By contrast, longer-serving professionals are more confident, with 60% of those working more than 15 years stating they are irreplaceable.

 

The growing availability of generative AI for itinerary planning and trip management is fuelling these concerns, as travellers increasingly access personalised travel options directly through the technology.

 

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Regional contrasts were striking, with North American travel advisors — despite being based in the world’s largest tech hub — the least concerned. Only 20% said AI might take their jobs, while 45% expressed interest in adopting AI personalisation tools, highlighting a proactive approach to innovation rather than resistance.

 

RateHawk Managing Director Astrid Kastberg said this suggests the industry can embrace innovation while preserving the important human factor, making travel agents “an essential part of the ecosystem”.

 

The challenge and opportunity is significant, with more than two thirds (68%) of UAE travellers now using AI to help with their travel bookings, according to a report by payment company Ayden, up 57% compared to last year.

 

“We see the future of travel as a blend of human expertise and innovative technology,” said Kastberg.

 

“It’s encouraging that one in three travel professionals surveyed are willing to use more AI tools in their work. We believe that as long as agents continue to adapt and innovate, their skills and knowledge will remain indispensable.”

 

Dubai-based Kastberg was appointed MD of RateHawk earlier this year. RateHawk provides access to more than 2.9 million properties from 220,000 directly contracted hotels and 330 suppliers, plus flights from 400 airlines and transfers in 150 countries.

 

For more information, visit www.ratehawk.com