‘ChatGPT to drive future travel’

Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink, highlights the impact of Conversational AI on tourism and the way people take travel decisions, at the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023.

TT Bureau

Generative AI is poised to revolutionize the travel industry. “Initially, technology-first companies will reap the greatest benefits, leveraging their in-house expertise to automate processes using AI. However, even smaller businesses and non-technical enterprises can greatly enhance productivity. We are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of travel planning tools, where conversational interfaces, voice commands, and interactive chats will transform the travel purchase experience,” says Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink.

With the automation of communication, travel companies can provide personalized and automated responses efficiently. “No longer will customers have to wait for a human agent to find information or solve their problems. AI-powered chatbots can seamlessly navigate product databases, present tailored flight options, direct users to relevant information, and elevate the overall customer experience,” he adds.

Furthermore, ChatGPT plugins serve as invaluable tools, enabling one to harness AI’s potential within their workflows. These plugins facilitate real-time retrieval of information from internal databases, significantly boosting productivity and empowering teams to create compelling content and copy effortlessly.

“Start-ups and established marketing companies are harnessing the power of ChatGPT-driven bots to analyse customer profiles and deliver tailored recommendations and communications. By leveraging this technology, travel businesses can curate itineraries based on individual preferences, allowing users to customize and refine their travel plans effortlessly,” says Gibson.

When we envision the future of travel planning and purchasing, a fascinating amalgamation of technologies emerges. Combining ChatGPT’s conversational prowess, the travel planning app’s personalized recommendations, and the convenience of voice assistants like Siri, we can foresee a world where travellers have a virtual travel assistant on their smartphones. Simply by voicing their desires and preferences, they can receive an itinerary tailored to their needs, with the flexibility to modify and optimize it.