Travel website Booking.com is set to introduce a new AI chatbot called AI Trip Planner to assist users with planning their trips and finding suitable accommodations. The company will leverage OpenAI’s ChatGPT API, a large language model technology, to power this feature. Initially, the AI Trip Planner will be available in beta form for US travelers within Booking.com’s app, starting from June 28. The company plans to fine-tune the chatbot’s functionality and expand its availability based on feedback from select travelers.
Booking.com explains that the AI chatbot will function similarly to ChatGPT, allowing travelers to describe their preferences and ask questions to effectively plan their trips. In real-time, users can interact with the chatbot, refine their search, and receive new options within seconds. By inputting specific terms and keywords, such as romantic beaches in the Caribbean or vacation homes for a family of four with air conditioning and a pool, users can receive suggestions for destinations that match their requirements.
During a demonstration, Booking.com showcased how the chatbot’s responses would include links to relevant properties and their respective costs per night. The accuracy and relevance of these results depend on how well users communicate their intentions using appropriate prompts. The value of travel-related keywords, like itineraries and non-touristy, was emphasized to ensure optimal search outcomes.
Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com, expressed his enthusiasm for the new feature, stating, The recent developments with generative AI are accelerating the work we’ve been doing for years with machine learning to enhance and improve every aspect of the customer experience on our platform. He believes that the AI Trip Planner is the next step in their continuous endeavor to add value and enjoyment to the entire trip planning process.
While the AI chatbot will assist users in creating itineraries and selecting destinations, its potential goes beyond that. Using user reviews and online information, the AI Trip Planner can also provide details about accommodations, such as available rooms, sizes, and amenities. Additionally, it can assist users in gathering information about nearby stores and attractions. Although specifics about the expansion of the AI Trip Planner to countries like India are unavailable at the moment, it is expected to be introduced globally in the future.
With the launch of the AI Trip Planner, Booking.com aims to enhance the customer experience by leveraging generative AI technology to optimize various aspects of trip planning. By using the chatbot’s capabilities, travelers can streamline their vacation planning and gain valuable insights into destinations and accommodations. As the AI Trip Planner continues to evolve, it is likely to become an essential tool for travelers worldwide.
