AI on Australian travel company website sent tourists to nonexistent hot springs (www.cnn.com)

An Australian travel company's AI-generated blog mistakenly recommended nonexistent "Weldborough Hot Springs," leading to an influx of confused tourists visiting the remote town in search of the fictional getaway. Tasmania Tours, operated by Scott Hennessey, outsourced its marketing content, and the blog was published while he was out of the country, demonstrating the potential pitfalls of relying on AI for travel recommendations. Hennessey expressed his frustration over how the error has damaged the reputation of their small business, underscoring the challenges faced by smaller operators in keeping content fresh and competitive. This incident highlights the significant risks associated with AI's increasing role in tourism, particularly the tendency for AI to create false or misleading information—known as "hallucinations." Experts warn that with around 37% of tourists relying on AI for travel advice, inaccuracies could lead to severe consequences, especially in remote areas of Tasmania lacking basic services. As Anne Hardy from Southern Cross University points out, the majority of AI-generated itineraries contain errors, prompting calls for travelers to conduct additional research and consult trusted resources alongside AI recommendations.