The Future of AI and Luxury Tourism

I recently read an interesting essay by economist Alex Imas about AI, automation and what may actually become valuable in the future economy.

What I found refreshing is that he doesn’t approach AI primarily as a technologist or futurist, but as an economist asking a very simple question:

What happens to the economy when AI makes almost everything cheap and reproducible?

His conclusion is fascinating:
– function becomes cheap
– humanity becomes premium

That’s why he talks so much about:
– hospitality
– provenance
– exclusivity
– artisanal value
– human presence

He has also researched:
– how exclusivity increases willingness to pay
– why AI-generated products are perceived as less unique
– why people value things more when others can’t have them

Honestly, this feels highly relevant for tourism and hospitality.

As AI makes itineraries, content and standardized experiences easier to generate, the truly valuable things may increasingly become the opposite:
small groups, atmosphere, local hosts, calm, trust and experiences that feel genuinely personal.

Perhaps this is also why even Starbucks is bringing back handwritten notes, ceramic cups and more human interaction instead of automating further.

For me, this reinforces much of the philosophy behind GO Nordic and Nordic Reset:
fewer experiences, smaller groups and more distinctive access.

Not despite AI, but because of it.