The launch of a brand-new ChatGPT-powered trip-planning feature in Expedia Group’s mobile app was announced on Tuesday, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to incorporating artificial intelligence into customer travel planning.
The use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in the Expedia app was announced by the company, which boasts on its website that it already uses AI to make over 600 billion predictions annually.
Customers can start an open-ended conversation with the bot using the tool to get suggestions for places to go, things to see, places to stay, and ways to get around.
“Every great trip can be made or lost while planning and shopping,” stated Expedia Group Vice Chairman and CEO Peter Kern in a statement. Expedia, the market leader in travel technology, is still developing the industry’s core operating system, continually improving capabilities and making trip planning faster, simpler, and even more informative.
“By integrating ChatGPT into the Expedia app and combining it with our other AI-based shopping capabilities, like hotel comparison, price tracking for flights and trip collaboration tools, we can now offer travelers an even more intuitive way to build their perfect trip.”
The new tool is in the beta testing stage, Expedia noted, making sense of that it will be changed as the organization surveys how well it functions and gains criticism from clients.
“It’s also important to remember that while many measures have been taken to limit inaccurate results and inappropriate responses, at times the experience may not work exactly as expected,” the company warned in a press release.
Expedia explained that it already uses AI and machine learning all over its platform in a variety of ways, including assisting with travel options, booking, pricing, and trip modifications.
The company said that it recently built a plug-in for the ChatGPT website that lets people start planning their trips with the bot and then go straight to Expedia’s website when they’re ready to book.