Introduction: Booking.com has announced the launch of a new trip planner on its travel booking app, incorporating the capabilities of ChatGPT’s language model. This feature, set to be available in the United States, will enable select travelers to ask questions and create itineraries in a natural, conversational manner. In addition to ChatGPT, Booking.com’s existing machine learning models will contribute to providing destination and accommodation recommendations. The integration of generative AI technology reflects the industry’s growing interest in its potential applications. Expedia, a competitor of Booking.com, has also introduced a similar in-app travel planning experience powered by ChatGPT.
AI Empowering Travel Planning: Booking.com’s technology chief, Rob Francis, expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities offered by their new AI Trip Planner, which allows customers to search and plan travel options using a more human-like interaction. ChatGPT, developed by San Francisco-based OpenAI, boasts the ability to simulate dialogue, respond to follow-up questions, acknowledge errors, challenge assumptions, and reject inappropriate requests. This advanced generative AI technology has captivated the tech industry, prompting numerous companies to explore its potential applications.
Availability and Competition: Initially, an early version of the trip planner will be accessible to select members of Booking.com’s loyalty program, “Genius,” in the United States over the following weeks. Expedia, a major rival of Booking.com, launched a test version of its own in-app travel planning experience powered by ChatGPT in April. Expedia’s feature allows members to engage in conversations and receive recommendations on places to visit.
Conclusion: Booking.com’s integration of ChatGPT’s technology into its trip planner demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing the travel planning experience through conversational AI. By enabling travelers to pose questions and create itineraries in a more natural manner, Booking.com aims to provide a more personalized and engaging service. With generative AI technology gaining traction across various industries, the travel sector is embracing its potential to revolutionize the way travelers search for and plan their trips.
