Booking.com unveils AI trip planner powered by ChatGPT

Online travel booking platform Booking.com has unveiled its artificial intelligence (AI) trip planner that uses OpenAI's ChatGPT API which is based on a large language model (LLM) technology. However, the tool will initially be available in beta version in the US only. 

This integration offers users a more interactive and conversational experience when starting their trip-planning process, as per the company. 

In its early stages, the trip planner will be exclusively accessible to a select group of members in the US who are part of Booking.com's loyalty program, "Genius." These privileged members will have the opportunity to test the feature and offer valuable feedback over the next few weeks. Their input will play a crucial role in refining and enhancing the user experience provided by Booking.com. 

Users can easily access the trip planner feature, which combines ChatGPT with Booking.com's machine-learning models to offer a wide range of destination and accommodation options. 

Booking.com aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help customers plan and search for travel options in a more intuitive and human-like way, according to the company. 

Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com, said, “The recent developments with generative AI are accelerating the work we’ve been doing for years with machine learning to enhance and improve every aspect of the customer experience on our platform. Our new AI Trip Planner is simply the next step in our ongoing journey to explore how we can bring even more value, and hopefully enjoyment, to the entire trip planning process.”   

Moreover, Expedia, a competitor of Booking.com, has also recognised the power of generative AI technology. It launched a trial version of their in-app travel planning feature in April. This feature, like Booking.com, utilises ChatGPT to allow users to have conversations and get recommendations for places to visit.