Love it or hate it, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, and it is finally becoming mainstream.Many businesses around the world are already leveraging the benefits of AI. Many of which you may not have even noticed.
Here are a few of the ways in which AI is changing the travel industry. For the better? We think so.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the name given to machines that perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. These machines learn and improve aid decisions and interpret speech. Machines have only in recent years become advanced and reliable enough to work unaided from humans. The future really is upon us!
AI can essentially save businesses time and money by performing tasks in place of a human, and even eliminate human error. There is a fear that many jobs will be replaced by ‘robots’ with AI, but the fact that should not be ignored is that is also creates a lot of brand-new jobs, such as computing, coding. Plus, it also frees up staff from ‘mundane’ tasks to focus on other aspects, such as face to face customer interactions.
In fact, it is predicted that AI in the workplace will actually create 58 million new jobs by 2022. That really isn’t far away is it?
Have you ever had a problem with a business that has led you to contact them via social media over every other form of communication because you know you will get a quicker answer? This instant response has led to customers wanting, and expecting, a fast response time to queries. Even out of hours. This is where AI comes in, in the form of chat bots and online customer service.
AI can respond to questions at any time of the day. Plus, the more they are used, the more they learn. How clever is that? This has led to many businesses seeing an improvement in customer service ratings and response times.
Many travel websites such as accommodation booking sites and recommendation sites use AI power to deliver requested information to customers. By looking at what that customer has chosen in the past plus what other travellers have booked through similar searches and behaviours, these sites can make a more informed and accurate recommendation. Tailored recommendations lead to more sales, as what the user is being shown is more likely to be of interest to them.
By companies collecting data, they can use this to assist passengers further to enhance their travel experience. For instance, a UK rail ticketing site has used crowed sourced data to be able to create a bot that can give customers more advice on their journey, such as where they are most likely to find a seat, price predication which pre-empts a passengers demand for specific tickets, how long the ticket will be at a certain price for, cheapest ticket for the day and much more.
AI will only further enhance a traveller’s experience and make their life that bit easier. For instance, if a flight is cancelled, rather than just a text to inform you of this, a chat bot would offer new options on the next flight available.
Could AI mean the end of lost baggage? We sure hope so. Luggage can be tracked, and information will be shared to improve reclaim times, and provide real time location tracking.
How do you see AI and machine learning changing your vacation plans?
Before AI completely takes over to ensure the safety of travelers and their luggage,
Allianz Travel offers travel insurance to protect you and your family while you are abroad. Our large variety of
travel insurance going from the minimal travel insurance for Schengen visa to exclusive annual multi-trip covers. We provide you with protection in case of accident, illness, injury, sickness, trip cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to your baggage, delays and much much more.
Get in touch with us for more information.
