Before ChatGPT revolutionised the field of AI, there were already significant advancements that greatly impacted our daily lives. One of the most notable innovations is Google Maps, which has kicked traditional paper maps off the stands and has not only become an indispensable tool during travel, but also for navigating everyday life.
A future where chatbots create personalised itineraries that cover every aspect of travel, including booking airfares, accommodations, and sightseeing tours is not far. But for now, let’s look at AI tools available that can be used now.
As a traveller:
Take the stress out of planning that perfect holiday with AI tools. These are great to give you a head start and save so much time. Don’t take our word, try them yourself!
Planned itineraries: If you want to travel to Central Europe but unsure of how to split your 10-days between Austria, Hungary and Germany, check out an itinerary generator AI tool. The AI tool can curate vacations and experiences based on destinations, experiences or price ranges. Vacay serves as an excellent initial resource to help craft a travel itinerary for longer holidays.
Road Trips: Is a visit to Scotland's stunning Highlands or a thrilling drive on the world-renowned Autobahn on your travel bucket list? Check out Curiosio, an AI powered road trip planner that generates pre-built itineraries that you can use as it is or customised to your liking.
Vacay and Curiosio are among the growing number of AI-powered tools designed to assist busy professionals in planning their vacations quickly and efficiently.
Remember when Google Maps sent you to narrow village roads that your car could never navigate, just because that route was shorter? Nothing beats real on-ground experience. With all its shine, AI is limited in its ability to intuitively personalise and make recommendations. Make sure you do your own research and consult with a travel agent who specialises in the region of your interest.
As a travel brand:
The world of business, particularly in the thriving travel industry, has become even more exciting thanks to AI. Air India is automating their processes by improving the FAQ section, pilot briefings and so much more by using GPT4, the latest version of ChatGPT. Similarly, MakeMyTrip is coming up with a voice chat service to help users book flights and holidays on MakeMyTrip’s app and website. Powered by Microsoft’s Azure open AI, the chat options will initially be available in English and Hindi and eventually include a range of native languages to service a large demographic of the country.
Other travel giants such as Kayak and Qantas are utilising predictive analytics to boost sales and increase revenue.
As the AI boom continues to gain momentum, smaller travel brands and agencies will eventually adapt to these cutting-edge tools and leverage the big data trend. For now, however, most small to mid-scale travel brands can use softwares like ChatGPT and Bard to better serve their clients.
As an example, we asked ChatGPT to recommend must-see attractions in Iceland. The tool provided us with a comprehensive list of 6 attractions. However, as someone who has never visited the region, this initial response might not be as helpful as desired. In order to gather more specific information, we posed a follow-up question: "How many days would be required to comfortably cover all these attractions?" Within seconds, ChatGPT not only provided an estimated timeframe of 5-7 days but also went above and beyond by suggesting a detailed itinerary on how to make the most of the trip.
Imagine the possibilities and the ease with which you can now do business and cater to even a wider set of clients.
If things go South, you cannot blame an AI tool. As a travel brand, your word is your bond. Use it wisely.
Bonus:
Whatever industry you are in, to make your mark and stand out from the competition, a strong digital presence is essential. There are many AI marketing tools that can help a brand owner take their business to the next level.
The right visuals and content are key to capturing the attention of potential customers and the quality can make or break your marketing efforts. While your iPhone 14 can take decent photos, capturing stunning visuals that truly showcase the best of your property often requires a more professional approach - something that is not always available.
Image enhancer AI tools like Clipdrop and Canva can help your visuals look more professional and interesting. Similarly, avoid an errant comma or a spelling mistake by using a tool designed to help you master your content. Copy.ai is one such tool to help you stay ahead of the competition.
Content and image generating platforms need to be adapted for individual use and customised as per brand voice and tone. While these tools are quick to fill a gap, to establish and maintain a long term digital presence, work towards a cohesive strategy that uniquely speaks your brand.
AI has become an indispensable tool in the world of travel, both for travellers and travel brands. However, the true differentiating factor among brands will lie in their ability to harness the power of AI in conjunction with human intelligence to create exceptional experiences.