AI tools vs. Existing Sources in Tourist Decision-Making: Complement or Replace?

The rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) has made new information sources available to inform tourist decision-making. This study explores the role of AI assistants and search engine–generated AI summaries relative to existing information sources across destination, activity, dining, and shopping decisions. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data collected in two stages (N = 450), we analyse patterns of information source use, socio-demographic differences, and user engagement through the lens of habit–enjoyment–effort theory. Results show that AI-based tools currently complement rather than replace existing information sources and are perceived as low-effort, but not yet habitual or enjoyable. The findings depict an early stage of adoption of AI-powered information sources, with substantial potential to reshape tourist information search.