Tropical Sky Reveals Why 2026 Travellers Are Choosing Real Experts Over AI

With AI-created travel itineraries continuing to rise in popularity, many are questioning what this means for the future of expert-led travel. While technology can generate quick suggestions, it cannot replicate the depth of insight, personal understanding and human care offered by specialist travel brands such as Tropical Sky and its sister brands, American Sky, Canadian Sky, New Zealand Sky, Australia Sky and Africa Sky. Across every destination they serve, these brands are united by a commitment to crafting journeys that feel truly tailored, trustworthy and emotionally resonant, qualities that stem from real expertise, not algorithms.

As travellers navigate an increasingly complex global travel landscape, they are turning to specialists who can provide reassurance, nuanced recommendations and genuine advocacy. Collectively, the Tropical Sky brands continue to demonstrate that expert-crafted travel not only remains relevant, but is thriving.

According to the Tropical Sky brands’ latest customer data, enquiries for specialist-supported, tailor-made bookings have risen by 30% year-on-year. Travellers consistently cite reassurance, personalised recommendations and the ability to speak to a knowledgeable human expert as their top reasons for choosing a travel consultant over digital self-service tools.

Travellers Want Tailored Advice, Not Generic Answers
From unpredictable weather patterns to evolving airline policies and entry requirements, today’s travellers want guidance from people who truly understand the destinations they sell. Across Tropical Sky, American Sky, Canadian Sky, New Zealand, Australia Sky and Africa Sky, specialists draw on extensive first-hand experience to provide advice that is tailored to each traveller’s needs, rather than relying on generic, automated responses.

Experts Who Advocate for the Traveller
Another key trend emerging from 2024–2025 enquiry data across the Tropical Sky portfolio is the growing desire for a dedicated advocate. Post-pandemic travellers want the reassurance of knowing that if plans change, there is a real person they can contact, someone who will proactively resolve issues and act in their best interests.

Complex Trips Demand Real Specialists
Multi-centre itineraries, long-haul adventures, luxury escapes and tailor-made journeys continue to grow in popularity across all Tropical Sky brands. These complex trips are precisely the types of holidays travellers feel least comfortable booking without expert support. Customers report that having an experienced specialist involved reduces stress, ensures seamless logistics, and enhances every journey with insider knowledge and personalised touches.

Why Travellers Choose the Tropical Sky Brands
Across Tropical Sky and its sister brands, teams of destination experts bring decades of combined experience, deep local knowledge and a shared passion for creating exceptional travel experiences. Unlike automated platforms, these specialists provide:

• Genuine, nuanced recommendations based on real travel experience
• Trusted guidance throughout the planning and booking process
• In-depth support when navigating multi-centre and complex itineraries
• Peace of mind that a dedicated expert is always on hand

“Travellers are increasingly using AI tools to explore ideas and start shaping their trips,” said Mike Collins, Founder and Managing Director at Tropical Sky. “Many of our clients come to us after doing their own research, sometimes with suggestions generated by AI, and want to talk those ideas through with an expert. That human insight helps validate plans, refine details and, when needed, gently course-correct. Especially for once-in-a-lifetime long-haul journeys, the reassurance of experienced travel specialists adds a level of confidence that technology works best alongside, rather than instead of.”

This balance between technology and human expertise is particularly valued by families and first-time long-haul travellers. One Tropical Sky customer explained how expert advice transformed their first safari experience:

“Being completely new to safaris, I used AI to get some initial ideas and it suggested Kenya, which sounded amazing but also a bit daunting with two kids aged 8 and 10. When I spoke to a Tropical Sky agent, they really listened and suggested the Eastern Cape in South Africa instead. It turned out to be the perfect choice, shorter game drives that kept the kids engaged and, most importantly for us, no malaria tablets needed. It felt like a much more relaxed and family-friendly way to experience our first safari, and we’re so glad we had that expert human advice to guide us.”

Another customer, Darshna Patel, highlighted the value of dedicated, personal support throughout the booking journey:

She said, “This was my first time using Tropical Sky, but it certainly won’t be the last. From first contact to the final details, they were faultless. It was fantastic having a dedicated agent, Leah Quinn, especially since we didn’t know much about the hotels in either destination. Leah created a beautiful holiday for us, and she took the time to call numerous times to make sure everything was clear. We even received a call the day before flying to check that all our paperwork was in order. It was such a joy to deal with a company that truly goes above and beyond.”

Travel with Tropical Sky

Visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Elephant Hills Bush Camp and finish with a relaxing beach stay on a tailor made trip with Tropical Sky
Visit one of the world’s great cities, Bangkok, a bustling capital with so much to see and do, from exploring its many temples and riding a longtail boat on the Chao Phraya River to enjoying the best street food in the world and staying in one of our favourite hotels. Continue north to Chiang Mai, the cultural hub of the famed Golden Triangle, where this compact town offers unforgettable experiences such as visiting hill tribes, offering alms to Buddhist monks at prayer time, taking a boat trip on the Ping River, and browsing the many shops and vibrant night market. While in Chiang Mai, spend two nights at the superb Elephant Hills Bush Camp, enjoying a truly remarkable and ethically sound opportunity to be amongst magnificent elephants. Finish the holiday with a relaxing beach stay at a gorgeous resort on Phuket, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful beaches that surround the island. A 14 night Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Elephant Hills Bush Camp and Beach Stay is priced from £2,049 pp based on two sharing a room on a mixed board basis, this includes international and internal flights, transfers, three nights at Tower Club at Lebua in Bangkok, two nights at Tamarind Village in Chiang Mai, two nights at Elephant Hills Bush Camp in Chiang Mai, and seven nights at SAii Laguna in Phuket.
Tropical Sky (01342 310571, www.tropicalsky.co.uk)

Explore Italy by Train with Tropical Sky
Tropical Sky Tailor curates effortless Italy by Train journeys, offering a relaxed and rewarding way to discover the country. Travelling by rail allows guests to explore Italy quickly, comfortably and affordably, with thoughtfully designed twin- and multi-centre itineraries that link the nation’s most iconic cities. Every detail is taken care of, including First Class train tickets as standard, so travellers can unwind and enjoy the scenic journey. From sweeping countryside views to seamless arrivals in the heart of historic cities, train travel offers an immersive way to see more of Italy without the hassle. First Class rail travel with Tropical Sky Tailor typically includes wider, more comfortable seating with extra legroom, a welcome onboard service featuring sweet or savoury snacks and drinks, individual power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi via the Frecciarossa Portal, generous space for hand luggage, and priority access to onboard staff for assistance. This unforgettable seven-night journey through Italy reveals the country’s timeless beauty, taking travellers from the ancient wonders of Rome to the artistic heart of Florence, with all travel and transfers thoughtfully pre-arranged. The experience begins with four nights at the elegant 4* Hotel The Guardian in Rome, perfectly located for exploring iconic landmarks and offering a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views. Guests then continue by first-class rail to Florence for a three-night stay at the Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel Boutique & Spa, a beautifully restored 16th-century residence close to the city’s most celebrated sights. The itinerary can be fully tailored with hotel upgrades, alternative transport options, or additional Italian destinations to suit individual interests and travel styles. A seven night Rome and Florence trip is priced from £979 pp based on two sharing a room on a B&B basis, this includes a flight to Rome airport, a private transfer to Rome city, four nights at 4* The Guardian on bed and breakfast, private transfer from Rome hotel to Rome Termini Station, first class train from Rome Termini Station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence, a private transfer from Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station to Florence hotel, three nights at 4* Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel on bed and breakfast, private transfer from Florence to Florence Airport or Pisa Airport, and flight home from Florence Airport.
Tropical Sky (01342 310571, www.tropicalsky.co.uk)

Take a VIP Sounds of the South by Rail tour with American Sky
This exclusive 10-night rail holiday from American Sky invites guests to explore the music cities of the South, specially designed around International Jazz Day to ensure an unforgettable celebration in New Orleans when the city is most alive with parades, performances, and a jazz brunch in one of its most iconic courtyards. From Chicago’s blues roots to Memphis’ rock ’n’ roll legacy and the soulful rhythms of New Orleans, the journey traces the music that shaped America, enhanced with insider access and exclusive experiences unavailable elsewhere. Highlights include a private behind-the-scenes tour of Chess Records, rare access to Graceland as “Presley for a Day” with a private guide, golf cart, and after-hours tour, and the chance to celebrate International Jazz Day with a special brunch at the Court of Two Sisters. Guests will also enjoy a private cocktail class at the famed Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone before an evening of live jazz at Preservation Hall. Alongside these extraordinary moments, guests experience scenic rail journeys linking three of America’s most iconic cities, stays in handpicked hotels, and time to explore independently. With exceptional accommodation, remarkable musical encounters, and ample opportunities for discovery, this tailormade journey is a celebration of the rhythm and soul of the American South. A 10-night VIP Sounds of the South by Rail tour is priced from £8,450 pp based on two sharing a room, this includes international flights in Business Class, 10 nights accommodation, Amtrak Sleeper train from Chicago to Memphis in Sleeper Premium, Amtrak train from Memphis to New Orleans, Chicago CityPass, Chicago Private Architecture Cruise, Afternoon Tea at The Langam Chicago, Memphis Graceland Mansion VIP: Presley for a day tour, one speciality cocktail at Hotel Monteleone and cocktail making class, front row tickets for Preservation Hall, New Orleans Court of Two Sisters jazz brunch, New Orleans cocktail walking tour and a Mississippi River Steamboat Jazz Cruise Lunch.
American Sky (01342 331798, www.americansky.co.uk)

As travellers look ahead to 2026 it is important to remember while AI may inspire ideas, it is real human expertise that brings journeys to life. Tropical Sky and its sister brands continue to prove that personalised advice, first-hand knowledge and dedicated support remain irreplaceable, particularly for complex and meaningful travel experiences. By combining the convenience of technology with the reassurance of trusted specialists, the Tropical Sky brands are helping travellers move beyond generic plans to holidays that feel confident, seamless and truly unforgettable.

For more information about Tropical Sky, please visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk or call 01342 395 596   

For more information, please contact Emma Berg on emmab@heavenpublicity.co.uk     

About Tropical Sky
Tropical Sky, and sister brands Africa Sky, Canadian Sky, American Sky, Australian Sky and New Zealand Sky, offer luxury holidays, tailor-made travel, escorted tours, spa retreats, cruise breaks and hotels worldwide. Creating unforgettable experiences, Tropical Sky helps guests plan once-in-a-lifetime trips to the Caribbean, the Far East, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and beyond, with a huge range of world-class resorts and breath-taking experiences on offer. Tropical Sky specialises in providing expert-travel advice and exceptional-customer service to make it as easy as possible to book the right holiday. The team of specialist travel advisors at Tropical Sky have a wealth of experience and knowledge about their destinations and resorts – they are experts at creating perfect, bespoke holidays. Customers can choose from a wide range of holiday types, including adult only, family, rail travel, and weddings.