There’s a lot to think about when to organize A holidayThat’s why many travelers turn to travel agents to plan and book everything they need a journey.
But the introduction and now widespread use of AI could change the way jetsetters can create their own itinerary and complete bookings.
A new app developed in Melbourne called Booked AI became available this month after more than 15,000 people joined a waiting list before it launched.
Founder and CEO Mennan Yelkenci says the app is the next step in the continued evolution of the way people book their trips.
‘Technology makes all areas of our lives faster and easier, and that’s something AI booked does for travel,” says Mennan.
“We’ve gone from VHS to DVD to Netflix for video, and from vinyl to CDs to Spotify for music. Over time, we’ve seen travel bookings go from in-person to online, and now, with Booked AI, we’re witnessing of the next step by providing travelers with a travel agency in their pocket.”
The app includes key features such as a 24/7 dedicated AI travel assistant, editable and shareable itineraries, and the use of artificial intelligence to find the best possible prices on more than 200 airlines and 1,000 accommodation partners worldwide.
“On average, Australians spend up to three hours comparing flight options and prices before committing to their itinerary. Booked does all this in seconds,” Mennan adds.
For anyone concerned about sharing personal information via the app, Mennan says 9Travel Numerous safety measures have been taken.
“The app partners with Stripe for secure and private checkout and with a Global Distribution Sales provider (Duffel) to ensure that all tickets sold go through airline- and accommodation-managed distribution channels,” he explains.
“Booked AI is also an internationally recognized travel agency under the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), making it the first non-human travel agent in the world to receive this accreditation.”
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How does it actually work?
Mennan says building the app was an extremely lengthy task.
“Given the amount of training we had to do to ensure the AI could effectively behave like a human travel agent would. Part of this training involved building a corporate structure of several AI agents, at the travel agent level and at the management level. he says.
“These different levels all work on KPIs built into the app, resulting in the most optimal travel solutions for the user.”
The app also uses voice recognition and – unlike a human travel agent – is available at any time of the day.
“This is especially useful if you’re on the road, or if plans change quickly and you can ask the app ‘can you arrange a flight from Sydney to Brisbane tomorrow?’ and you’ll be presented with a range of options within seconds, or if you have more flexibility you can ask the app when the cheapest time to fly is and you’ll get a different set of results.”
Traditional agents welcome technology
Even traditional travel agencies welcome the use of technology to streamline processes and make their offerings more flexible.
Adam Moon, General Manager of Stage and Screen Travel, says the team combines the latest AI with Flight Center Travel Group’s (FCTG) 40 years of market knowledge and experience.
”[It’s] It transforms the way we predict travel trends, optimize prices and manage travel risk,” he says 9Travel.
“Our AI is supportive and generative: it supports us as a company to be more productive and enables our customers to achieve more in their travel program.
“But our white glove approach to travel management supports this and allows us to move with our customers and their complex travel programs.”
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