Merging AI and HI to Reach Your Target Audience

In travel and tourism, timing is everything. Getting the right message in front of the right person at the right time—it’s not just a goal, it’s the whole game. At MediaOne, we’ve learned that the real magic happens when you blend data-driven muscle with good old-fashioned human instinct. That’s our recipe: a healthy mix of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Intelligence (HI).

We work mostly with DMOs and CVBs, and for us, AI+HI isn’t a trend. It’s how we do what we do.

AI's Role in Travel Marketing (It's Big, But Not Everything)

AI has made a serious entrance in travel marketing. Tools that used to take hours (or days) to run now happen in real time. At MediaOne, we use AI to:

• Dig into travel trends before they hit the mainstream
• Personalize creative based on real behavior (not just guesswork)
• Adjust media buys on the fly
• Take repetitive tasks off our plates so we can focus on the big picture

AI gives us speed and reach. It makes our campaigns more efficient. But without the human side, it’s just math.

Why HI Still Matters (And Always Will)

No matter how fast the tech gets, people still make travel decisions with their hearts. That’s where HI comes in. Our human team—writers, media folks, strategists, locals who know their towns better than Google—brings the soul to the data.

HI helps us:

• Make sure messaging sounds like you, not like everyone else
• Tap into the emotional reasons people travel
• Pivot when local insight tells us something the algorithm missed
• Tell stories that feel lived-in, not generated

Even the sharpest AI can’t capture what makes a small-town festival or scenic drive unforgettable. That’s our job.

Where AI and HI Actually Click

We don’t treat AI and HI like it’s a “versus” situation. We treat them like partners. Here’s how that plays out:

• Strategy: AI spots patterns—HI decides what’s worth acting on.
• Creative: AI drafts, tests, and iterates—HI adds voice, warmth, and authenticity.
• Media: AI helps us scale—HI makes sure it doesn’t feel scaled.

One example: AI helped us spot a spike in spring travel searches for a Southern destination. But our team knew that surge was tied to a specific event the algorithm didn’t recognize. So, we leaned in—built a campaign around that festival, added local flair, and saw engagement shoot up.

How We Do It at MediaOne

Our method isn’t secret, but it is intentional. We combine:

• AI tools we’ve fine-tuned over time
• Real humans doing hands-on media and messaging work
• A deep understanding of travel audiences, both digitally and emotionally

That mix helps us:

• Reach people who actually want what you’re offering
• React to real-world feedback fast
• Deliver reports that say something useful—not just pretty dashboards

Every campaign teaches us something. AI helps us learn fast. HI helps us learn right.

Why This Combo Works for DMOs and CVBs

DMOs and CVBs have unique challenges—tight budgets, local politics, and the need to stand out in a crowded travel market. What works for a hotel chain doesn’t always work for a heritage town or mountain county.

That’s why the blend of AI and HI matters. It lets you:

• Speak to both heads and hearts
• Deliver scale and soul
• Get smarter every campaign cycle

At MediaOne, we don’t just push ads. We build strategies that connect travelers with the experiences they’re actually looking for.

Final Word

AI isn’t replacing anyone. It’s just making the best marketers even better. When you layer in local knowledge, creative instinct, and lived experience—that’s when things click.

That’s what we bring to the table. Smart tools. Sharp people. And a strategy that’s built on both.