Artificial intelligence and online booking platforms will not be able to replace travel agencies, stated Alin Burcea, founder of Paralela 45 and honorary president of the National Association of Travel Agencies, during the “Picătura de business” podcast hosted by Radu Preda. According to him, agencies maintain an essential role in providing complex packages and handling unforeseen situations during travel.
During his appearance on “Picătura de business”, Alin Burcea explained that direct support offered by an agency is critical in emergency cases, such as flight cancellations, which is why he recommends turning to specialists at least for purchasing plane tickets. At the same time, the sector continues its digitalization by using software robots for booking processing, with the next step being the integration of AI-based voice assistants.
Despite the growing share of online bookings, Paralela 45 is expanding its physical network in shopping centers. The strategy is modeled after partners in Poland, who consider malls to be areas with the highest density of potential customers.
Burcea also advocated for the establishment of a tourist guarantee fund in Romania, similar to those operational in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland. Such a system would guarantee full compensation for clients and their repatriation if a tour operator goes insolvent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t AI completely replace travel agencies?
Travel agencies provide critical human support during emergencies, handle complex travel packages, and offer direct assistance in situations like flight cancellations that automated platforms cannot fully manage.
What is Paralela 45’s strategy regarding physical locations?
Paralela 45 is expanding its physical agency network into shopping malls, replicating a successful strategy from Poland to reach high-density areas of potential customers.
What tourist guarantee fund proposal was mentioned by Alin Burcea?
Burcea advocated for a Romanian tourist guarantee fund, similar to models in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland, to compensate and repatriate travelers if a tour operator goes bankrupt.