(Lebanon, NH – January 12, 2026) – While artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, most of the world’s most experienced travelers remain reluctant to let “Agentic AI” — autonomous digital assistants that plan, book and manage trips — take charge of their journeys, according to the latest Global Rescue Fall 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

When asked if they would consider using Agentic AI for their next international trip, just over one in five (22%) said yes. Men (24%) were more open than women (19%) and US travelers (23%) were slightly more receptive than non-US travelers (20%). Nearly four in ten (40%) said they would not use it and another 38% were unsure.

“Travelers are curious but cautious,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “They want to understand how these emerging AI systems make decisions before they’re comfortable handing over control.”

Only 18% of respondents said they had heard of Agentic AI before the survey. Awareness was slightly higher among men (19%) and non-US travelers (20%) than among women (14%) and US respondents (17%).

Comfort levels dropped sharply when travelers were asked how they’d feel about letting Agentic AI make autonomous decisions. Only 20% said they would feel comfortable letting AI design a complete trip itinerary based on their preferences. Women and international travelers were the most hesitant.

Discomfort grew when the scenario involved Agentic AI booking flights, hotels or activities without traveler approval. Nearly eight in ten (79%) said they would feel uncomfortable with that level of control. Women were especially skeptical, with 83% reporting unease compared to 77% of men.

When asked about allowing AI to automatically rebook disrupted flights or hotels, acceptance rose slightly — about 22% said they would feel comfortable, while roughly 60% said they would not. Americans were marginally more open than international travelers, but women again showed greater caution.

The one area where travelers showed stronger acceptance was AI-driven cost savings. About 38% said they would be comfortable letting AI apply promo codes or adjust bookings to find better deals. Men (40%) and US travelers (39%) were more open to this than women (38%) or non-US respondents (35%).

“These results show a clear boundary between curiosity and trust,” Richards said. “Travelers may welcome AI tools that save them money, but they’re not yet ready to let those tools make major decisions on their behalf.”

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About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,600 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. Respondents shared their attitudes, behaviors and preferences related to travel safety, technology and global mobility.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue maintains exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. The company has provided medical and security support during every major global crisis over the past two decades.
For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.