4 Revolutionary Uses of AI in the Travel Industry
Since the moment the concept of AI has been introduced to the world, it has made numerous path-breaking contributions in various industries, and the travel industry is no exception. Over time, the tasks and assignments within the travel industry have been broken down into smaller segments as the processes were rapidly becoming more and more complicated. And currently, AI is dominating most of these segments of the travel industry. For this reason, the travel industry has become highly dependent on the progression and development of the field of AI.
Nowadays, countless AI-powered tools and solutions are being utilized in different processes in the travel industry. From making travel plans to checking into a hotel to an unending list of facilities that are now possible only because of AI.
In the following article, we will take a look at 4 revolutionary and lucrative uses of AI in the travel industry. But first, let us make sure that we are on the same page regarding our understanding of AI.
What is AI?
AI or artificial intelligence is a computer science branch which enables human-like thought processes and decision-making abilities in machines, or in simple words, it enables machines to mimic human intelligence. A machine that has been programmed in such ways can implement various problem-solving techniques and perform tasks that are beyond the capabilities of humans. AI also consists of a collection of technologies like deep learning, machine learning, and expert systems.
Now let’s get an overview of some of the most revolutionary uses of AI -
AI Travel Assistance for Travel Booking
These days travellers are not required to make flights, accommodations and other travel-related bookings by visiting a travel agency. Through the deployment of AI-powered chatbots, tourists can now book everything in their travel itinerary online.
According to data collected from Booking.com, close to a third of all vacationers would let a machine plan their tip for them. These machines make these decisions based on information collected from their travel history, previous searches and your likes and dislikes on social media posts. These pieces of information are then used to create tailored recommendations by travel brands for potential or existing clients.
Identifying Valuable Insights
The travel industry generates and processes millions of data points every second of the day. After processing, these data need to be interpreted properly to identify the key turning point for customers.
In other words, travel companies need to sort through these vast data sets and figure out which tactics work well in turning a potential customer into a lucrative one with the support of AI. This task would be incomprehensible for human beings and would take ages to sort through. However, through the advancement of AI, it can be achieved in no time.
Electronic Bracelets or Digital Key Cards
There are destinations, hotels and attractions where the introduction of digital key cards and electronic bracelets enables the carrier to enjoy keyless entry to their hotel rooms, and make different kinds of purchases within and, in some cases, even outside the premises of the establishment.
The Disney Resort Hotel and Meliá Hotels are great examples of such establishments. With the Disney bracelet, you can skip lines at the park and with the one belonging to the Meliá Hotels you can buy things from Marchant, local Starbucks and Mango fashion store.
The introduction of these digital key cards and electronic bracelets is a major perk for vacationers. Not only does this allow the establishment to keep track of the guest purchases, but also it saves them the hassle of carrying their wallets everywhere with them. And by tracking the customer’s purchase habits, the hotel will be able to create a tailored staying experience for them. Moreover, since these items need to be kept on the person, they are also quite sturdy and waterproof.
AI-powered Baggage handling
We are not unfamiliar with stories of luggage being mishandled at the airport. Even a few years back, that would have been considered the norm. But now thanks to SITA, the airport IT specialist, that problem has become very rare these days. SITA has managed to fully utilise the potential of AI to improve airport baggage handling systems.
For instance, the use of AI-powered luggage handling systems has been successfully implemented in the Eindhoven Airport without the use of baggage labels. Similarly, by incorporating AI, automation and robotics, lost luggage will be handled aptly and promptly in the future.