Travellers using artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to plan their travel itineraries is set to boom, according to market research company Euromonitor International.
The massive increase can be narrowed down to convenience and 24/7 accessibility, as travellers can access AI tools from various devices, including smartphones and computers, at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.
A resounding 97.8% of travel executives in the Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Industry: Travel Survey stated that AI would have an impact over the next five years.
AI could disrupt travel bookings industry
Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research, Euromonitor International, said: “ChatGPT is taking travel and the world by storm. With travel highly digitalised where 66% of all bookings are conducted online in 2023 and mobile accounts for 35% of all online sales, disruption from generative AI is already rife.”
The travel industry is already adapting. Expedia announced in April 2023 its collaboration with OpenAI, offering in-app trip planning powered by ChatGPT for iOS, as well as offering a plug-in to ChatGPT Plus users. The Expedia ChatGPT experience provides personalised recommendations, acting like a virtual travel assistant, delivering relevant results for hotels and what to do in the destination.
Booking Holding’s Kayak and OpenTable also announced ChatGPT plug-ins, with other travel brands like TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and Klook soon following suit.
Trip.com integrated ChatGPT into TripGen, its newly-released AI chatbot that provides real-time assistance, itinerary planning and booking tips in the pre-trip stage. Hotels and airlines meanwhile are turning to generative AI for customer service, while automating menial tasks.
More integration will inevitably follow so that ultimately the trip planning to booking stages will blend seamlessly, dependent on access to real-time booking functionality. Generative AI is only at the beginning of its journey, giving consumers what Airbnb called “the ultimate concierge”.
AI access to ‘real time data’ can be a game-changer
“The path of AI adoption will not run entirely smoothly as there are major concerns over consumer privacy with countries like Italy temporarily banning ChatGPT. There are also concerns over large language models being reliant on out-of-date internet knowledge, with a lag of two years in the case of ChatGPT with no access to current events or real-time information. However, access to real time data has been enabled thanks to a new plug-in with Microsoft Bing,” said Bremner.
“The risks of amplifying misinformation, bias and inequality are all too real. Safety and security of consumers must be of paramount importance. Tech leaders like Elon Musk recently demanded a pause on AI development to avoid risks to humanity including possible extinction from superintelligence, stating that the AI race was out of control and time was needed to enable government policy to play catch up.”
She continued: “Travel agents faced mass disruption due to the rise of online travel three decades ago, that led to mass store closures and job losses. Now, the sector is ripe for more disruption as generative AI accelerates automation of tasks across every stage of the customer journey, before, during and after the trip. With Microsoft planning to integrate generative AI into its Microsoft 365 Copilot software, it will become ever more prevalent in consumers’ daily lives and work whether we like it or not.
“As before, travel brands will take the rough with the smooth to navigate this new phase of digital transformation with a test-and-learn approach. However, only those that ultimately celebrate the human touch of travel and hospitality will thrive.”
Sunway Resort Hotel has revealed the latest phase of its transformation, which is part of its most extensive renovation in its 25-year history. Works that started in 2020 are said to come with a price tag of US$60 million.
The next-stage transformation will see the creation of fresh facilities and accommodation tailored to the needs of families.
The line up of new facilities include outdoor splash zone Waterventure, which features shallow pools and a water playground to keep children occupied while parents chill out on the sun loungers. This will join the revamped tropical freeform swimming pool.
Also new will be the Wonderland Explorers kids’ club, which will offer activities, interactive games, quiet corners and technology rooms. Young guests can learn about science and sustainability as they play.
Sunway Resort Hotel will also mark out family rooms in its accommodation inventory. These units are perfect for two adults and two children, and come with kids’ bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers.
The Waterventure Terrace rooms offer direct access to Waterventure, while the Family Terrace rooms enjoy a larger space, connecting room options, and a view of the pool.
The Family Fun Suites come fully equipped with a separate entertainment zone including karaoke, gaming consoles, big screen entertainment and complimentary kids’ treats, as well as daily breakfast at the Sunset Terrace, which includes a dedicated children’s buffet area.
Families can also get together for a complimentary afternoon tea at the Premium Leisure Lounge.
“Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is Asia’s premier integrated resort and these latest facilities will reaffirm our status as a leading destination for families. We look forward to welcoming all guests to the new-look Sunway Resort Hotel and helping families create lifelong memories,” said Alex Castaldi, senior general manager of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels.