Tag Archives: Artificial Intelligence

Speaking at FITUR in Madrid, Julia Simpson President & CEO, WTTC, said, “AI is a strategic tool that can drive sustainable improvements, and create real time pricing models.” The latest WTTC report also highlighted AI will revolutionize the tourism sector creating real time pricing models.

Lt.Colonel Dr. Ghalib Abdullah Hassan Al Majed Al Marri, Director of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence reiterated, “The new visa issuance application which process all the entry permits through AI solutions within 3 to 10 minutes with this new system. Travel agents apply through the smart portal, the main AI system  is comparison of pictures which is a new solution which expedite the process.

Global travel marketplace Skyscanner has launched a new search discovery and inspiration tool, powered by generative AI Dream and discover, with AI, the tool is initially launching in beta in Australia, India, and Singapore to test traveller behaviour when it comes to using AI for trip planning, with other markets set to follow.  Powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, travellers can ask open ended statements and questions such as “Best cities for cultural tours” or “What are some hidden gems in Europe?”. It also includes a variety of prompts ranging from “Short flights next weekend” to “Foodie city breaks”. The tool will then generate travel ideas and recommendations as well as three destination suggestions with links to the best flight options for each.  Piero Sierra, Chief Product Officer at Skyscanner commented, “Generative AI is such an exciting technology that we as a travel industry are only just beginning to apply. 56% of travellers are coming to Skyscanner for inspiration so with this beta launch we are looking to understand how it might help travellers in the discovery phases of the travel planning journey, and importantly how they engage with the technology versus existing tools. This one of many experiments we are running to see how generative AI can be incorporated into the core Skyscanner proposition helping travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence in the future.”    

Speaking on the impact of AI & ChatGPT on travel industry at the PATA India Chapter’s webinar, Matt Gibson, CEO, UPTHINK said, “AI is no replacement for travel professionals, as it cannot offer the personalisation that tour operators/ travel agents can give.”    

FCM is leveraging disruptive technologies to reshape multi-national service of customer base that stretching over 100 countries. Marcus Eklund, Global Managing Director, FCM told how travel industry is responding to AI revolution and how FCM will take advantage of its potential to fuel transformation and boost productivity. He said, “The age of AI presents us with immense possibilities that we are considering across the whole of our business”. John Morhous, CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group & Architect, FCM declared that  as early user of AI, we are well placed to adopt the newest technologies to transform our business, empower our people and engage with our customers in a brand-new way. “AI has the power to enhance intelligence and creativity while deepening our expertise and insight, ” he added. The company also revealed it is successfully piloting a solution to accelerate hotel data analysis using OpenAI to standardize data for deeper analytics by pulling in additional information like hotel quality and population density across more than 100 markets. This project is already providing valuable insights, and its scope is expected to be widened soon as FCM can now build these capabilities quicker than ever before.  

PM Narendra Modi said we should use emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and argumented reality to drive innovation. “Collaboration among governments, entrepreneurs, and investors, can boost technology implementation in tourism, ” he added.

PATA India chapter is organizing an exclusive webinar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) & ChatGPT on 4 August 2023 at 11:00 AM (IST). The speaker of the event will be Matt Gibson, CEO – UpThink, a digital agency specializing in content, SEO, influencer marketing, and AI integration for the travel industry.

IRCTC announced the launch of Zoop, a Google Chatbot for food delivery on trains. Railway passengers can simply google “Zoop India” and click on the “Chat” option for ordering food on train, track their PNR status, and orders within the chat itself. From checking the PNR Status on Google Chats to selecting their desired items to track their orders, users can carry out the entire process without the app or website can be done with AI assistance. The entire food ordering process is very smooth and user-friendly. Here’s how to use the Zoop Google Chat for Indian Railways: 1. Type “Zoop India” on the Google search bar 2. Select the “Chat” option – this will open a pop-up for chat with a live agent 3. Select “Check PNR Status” or “Order Food” as per your needs. Puneet Sharma, Founder, Zoop, comments “Our goal is to provide our customers with quality meals from a wide variety of options, including full-course meals, snacks, and drinks. Upon ordering, passengers can track the progress of their orders in real-time”. He commented that Zoop not only offers convenience but also flexibility, as travelers can choose to order anything from a light snack to a full meal. With the introduction of Google chatbot, passengers don’t have to choose between pantry car snacks or waiting until getting off the train to get a good meal.

In a bid to drive innovation to offer customer-centric products and service, Vistara has created a robot using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist customers, address their queries and entertain them. Called ‘RADA’, the robot will help the airline in offering a seamless experience and an ‘intuitively thoughtful’ on-ground service to its customers, keeping with the changing consumer behaviour. Initially, RADA will be placed at Vistara’s Signature Lounge at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 from July 5, 2018 to assist customers using the lounge before they board their flights. ‘RADA’ will be further developed over a period of time in terms of functionality and features for future use cases, after gauging customer feedback. Currently, the robot can scan boarding passes and further provide information on the terminal, departure gates, weather conditions of destination city, real time flight status as well as information about Vistara’s products and services. RADA can greet customers and interacts with them using basic hand movements, and can move around in the lounge on predefined pathways. Additionally, it can engage with kids and adults alike by playing games and other multimedia content such as songs and videos. Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “Innovation is one of the core values engrained in the DNA of Vistara’s culture, which we have fostered within the organization in many ways. RADA is a manifestation of this endeavour. Vistara has disrupted the market through several innovations with the sole objective of redefining air travel in the country, while making its processes more robust and resources more effective.”