An Australian tourism company has come under fire after a travel article published on its website directed visitors to hot springs in Tasmania that do not exist, triggering confusion, complaints, and repeated disruptions for local residents.
The post appeared highly credible, complete with detailed descriptions and practical guidance. But when tourists arrived, they discovered there were no hot springs at all – only a cold river.
Local residents say the problem has become routine, with travelers regularly turning up in the area searching for the fictional attraction.
“At first, there were only a couple of calls,” said Christie Probert, owner of a local hotel. “But then people started showing up in crowds. I was getting about five calls a day, and at least two or three people would come to the hotel looking for the springs.”
Following complaints, Australian Tours and Cruises – a company that organises tours – admitted the article had been generated using artificial intelligence and had not been properly checked before publication. The company removed the text and said it is now reviewing how it uses automated content generation.
The incident adds to a growing list of cases where AI-generated travel content has misled tourists, including references to non-existent cable cars, viewing platforms and natural landmarks.
In some situations, travellers have been directed toward fictional mountain regions or canyon names, increasing the risk of people ending up in remote or potentially dangerous locations without adequate preparation.
Errors are not limited to fake destinations. AI-generated travel advice has also been linked to incorrect routing, outdated transport schedules, and inaccurate opening hours for tourist infrastructure – mistakes that can derail trips and create additional safety concerns.
Experts warn that while AI systems can produce convincing narratives based on large volumes of text, they do not verify facts in real time. Specialists recommend using AI as a planning aid only, and cross-checking travel details with official sources, maps and trusted reviews before making decisions.
