AI hallucination promotes non-existent Tasmanian hot springs, triggering travel headaches

CNN reports that an AI-generated blog on Tasmania Tours’ site touted Weldborough Hot Springs in northeast Tasmania—hot springs that don’t exist—sparking confusion as tourists flocked to a remote town. The post was published by a third party after the operator outsourced marketing, and was even released while the owner was out of the country. Local hotel owners described tourists calling and arriving for the bogus springs. Tourism experts warn AI content can hallucinate, noting many AI-generated itineraries contain errors. The company apologized, insisting they’re legitimate, while locals urge travelers to verify AI-guided content with trusted sources.