In recent months, we have witnessed the rise of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), transforming industries across the spectrum.
Among them, the travel industry is uniquely positioned to benefit from these technological advancements. In fact, a plethora of travel-tech startups leveraging the power of Generative AI, mostly ChatGPT to be specific, have entered the market, offering AI-powered ways to search
for travel. Some of these ventures include Roam Around, iplan.ai, AMBL, GuideGeek, and many more which we will present in this report.
Also, major OTAs like Expedia have already integrated ChatGPT directly into their own apps to enable conversational travel planning.
However, despite the incredible potential, the current interface of ChatGPT has yet to fully showcase Generative AI’s capacity to disrupt travel search and booking.
In the following analysis, we aim to explore the reasons behind this limitation and propose an innovative solution that will unlock the true potential of Generative AI in the context of travel.
We argue that the key to unlocking this potential lies in the integration of Generative AI with map-based interfaces, such as Google Maps, or
entirely new map-based applications.
By combining the intuitive and familiar nature of maps with the deep understanding and conversational capabilities of Generative AI applications like ChatGPT, we can create a more efficient, personalized, and engaging travel booking experience.
This forward-thinking thesis is not new to us. In fact, during an interview at the PhocusWire Studio at Phocuswright Europe 2022, we already underscored the necessity for more innovative travel solutions to be built atop Google Maps. We voiced the critical observation that planning travel and exploring sights and destinations inevitably involve a frustrating and constant back-and-forth switching between Google Maps and various content sites. This issue remains unresolved and extends to the integration of ChatGPT and Google Maps.
We imagine a future where Google Maps is enhanced by conversational AI capabilities. A Large Language Model trained on an extensive database of location, navigation, reviews, and user intent data. This could enable a threaded, context-aware conversation with the app, visually overlaid on Google Maps. Such an integration could make searching for restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more, much more personalized and relevant, based on our historical interactions already recorded in Google Maps.
Our conviction in the potential of maps, especially Google Maps, as the foundation of a transformative AI-powered travel experience, extends
beyond merely enhancing our interactions with the app. We firmly believe that this combination has the capacity to truly revolutionize the entire travel planning process, from the initial spark of inspiration to itinerary creation and, crucially, real-time exploration.
In recent months, we have witnessed the rise of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), transforming industries across the spectrum.
Among them, the travel industry is uniquely positioned to benefit from these technological advancements. In fact, a plethora of travel-tech startups leveraging the power of Generative AI, mostly ChatGPT to be specific, have entered the market, offering AI-powered ways to search
for travel. Some of these ventures include Roam Around, iplan.ai, AMBL, GuideGeek, and many more which we will present in this report.
Also, major OTAs like Expedia have already integrated ChatGPT directly into their own apps to enable conversational travel planning.
However, despite the incredible potential, the current interface of ChatGPT has yet to fully showcase Generative AI’s capacity to disrupt travel search and booking.
In the following analysis, we aim to explore the reasons behind this limitation and propose an innovative solution that will unlock the true potential of Generative AI in the context of travel.
We argue that the key to unlocking this potential lies in the integration of Generative AI with map-based interfaces, such as Google Maps, or
entirely new map-based applications.
By combining the intuitive and familiar nature of maps with the deep understanding and conversational capabilities of Generative AI applications like ChatGPT, we can create a more efficient, personalized, and engaging travel booking experience.
This forward-thinking thesis is not new to us. In fact, during an interview at the PhocusWire Studio at Phocuswright Europe 2022, we already underscored the necessity for more innovative travel solutions to be built atop Google Maps. We voiced the critical observation that planning travel and exploring sights and destinations inevitably involve a frustrating and constant back-and-forth switching between Google Maps and various content sites. This issue remains unresolved and extends to the integration of ChatGPT and Google Maps.
We imagine a future where Google Maps is enhanced by conversational AI capabilities. A Large Language Model trained on an extensive database of location, navigation, reviews, and user intent data. This could enable a threaded, context-aware conversation with the app, visually overlaid on Google Maps. Such an integration could make searching for restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more, much more personalized and relevant, based on our historical interactions already recorded in Google Maps.
Our conviction in the potential of maps, especially Google Maps, as the foundation of a transformative AI-powered travel experience, extends
beyond merely enhancing our interactions with the app. We firmly believe that this combination has the capacity to truly revolutionize the entire travel planning process, from the initial spark of inspiration to itinerary creation and, crucially, real-time exploration.
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