Planning a trip to explore a new destination can be a daunting task, thanks in part due to the extensive research required to discover new places and restaurants. In an effort to streamline this planning process, Expedia recently introduced ChatGPT to its iOS app, allowing travelers to engage in conversational trip planning. Now, in recent news, Expedia is expanding the AI chatbot to its Android app while introducing a new One Key loyalty program.
How does this integration work?
Expedia claims that instead of users searching for suitable places to visit manually, they can use the in-app chatbot, which essentially acts as a virtual travel agent and suggests exciting activities, must-visit places, and suitable accommodation options based on users’ preferences.
In addition to the expansion to Android users, Expedia is introducing a new trip planner feature, which acts as a central hub for users to save all their recommended activities in one place. Therefore, whether it’s exploring landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or seeking adventure, the Trip Planner feature will ensure that travelers have easy access to their curated options.
Similar to the chat history feature on ChatGPT, Expedia will allow users to revisit previous conversations and seamlessly pick up their trip-planning activities from where they left off. And although not out yet, the Trip Planner will also include hotel recommendations with comprehensive details, images, price ranges, and reviews, simplifying the accommodation selection process even further.
One Key Loyalty program
Besides the new AI features, Expedia is also introducing a new loyalty program, which will allow users to receive benefits with every booking, gradually qualifying for higher membership statuses and unlocking exclusive privileges. For every five bookings, users can ascend the loyalty tier and gain access to special prices tailored exclusively for them. Additionally, Expedia claims that the program aims to reward all types of travelers, including frequent flyers and those who take only a few trips a year.
“By bringing together our three biggest travel brands into one program, travelers can easily earn rewards across our family of brands. So whether you fly, rent a car, stay at a hotel, or relax in a private vacation home, more travelers will have OneKeyCash in their ‘wallets’ to spend on their very next trip,” said Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands.
Not the only company to integrate AI
While Expedia’s AI integration is a significant step forward, other companies are also jumping on the trend. Hotels.com, for instance, is introducing new AI features that provide personalized suggestions based on user input, such as destination, trip duration, and traveler profiles.
2023-07-18 15:07:01