Skyscanner inspires travel destinations with new gen AI tool

Global travel marketplace Skyscanner has launched a new search discovery and inspiration tool, powered by generative AI.

The tool is initially launching in beta in Australia, India, and Singapore to test traveler behaviour when it comes to using AI for trip planning, with other markets set to follow.

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The new tool is powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, and is called “Dream and discover with AI”, said the company in a statement.

Travellers can type in 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” and“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.

“Generative AI is such an exciting technology that we as a travel industry are only just beginning to apply,” said Piero Sierra, chief product officer at Skyscanner.

“56% of travelers are coming to Skyscanner for inspiration so with this beta launch, we are looking to understand how it might help travelers in the discovery phases of the travel planning journey, and importantly how they engage with the technology versus existing tools,” he explained.

The beta phase will allow Skyscanner to gather feedback, engagement, and conversion data to optimise and enhance future traveler-first product development.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information.

Generative AI tools have been gaining popularity amongst travel platforms globally. Recently, Expedia embraced AI tech with ChatGPT being integrated within its mobile app.

Expedia members can now start open-ended conversations in the Expedia app and get recommendations on places to go, where to stay, how to get around, and what to see and do based on the chat. 

The new offering also allows travellers to bring in intelligent shopping by automatically saving hotels discussed in the conversation to a “trip” in the app, helping members stay organised and making it easier for them to start choosing dates, checking availability, and adding on flights, cars or activities, according to Expedia.

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