Artificial intelligence is constantly improving every day, which makes it more reliable and attractive as a business solution. In particular, businesses related to the travel and tourism industry use artificial intelligence to perform various administrative and customer service tasks. In this article from Avir’s artificial intelligence website, we are going to examine the applications and benefits of artificial intelligence in the tourism industry and examine how artificial intelligence will change the tourism industry. Stay with us.
Briefly about artificial intelligence
Let’s first see what artificial intelligence is. Although the concept of artificial intelligence or AI is very broad, it may be a bit difficult to define. Artificial intelligence refers to computers or machines that perform certain tasks and usually require human intelligence to perform these tasks. For example, this task could be learning a lesson, making a decision, or recognizing and interpreting speech.
Artificial intelligence has been around for decades, but only recently have computers and other machines become sophisticated and reliable enough to perform complex tasks without assistance. This concept is strongly related to the ideas of automation, where processes are carried out with little or no human intervention. In the modern age, it is an accepted fact that businesses collect and store large amounts of data to use to make machines smarter. Artificial intelligence is a practical and necessary tool in many businesses.
The role of artificial intelligence in the tourism industry
AI’s capacity to perform tasks that traditionally require human cognitive function has made it particularly useful for those in the travel industry, as its use and application can save businesses time and money. slow, while potentially eliminating human error and allowing tasks to be completed quickly at any hour of the day or night.
Most hotels and resorts rely heavily on providing excellent customer service to boost their reputation, and AI technology can help in a number of ways. For example, AI can improve personalization, tailor recommendations and ensure fast response times.
Today, AI has advanced to the point where it is regularly used to help and communicate with customers, to “learn” from all interactions, and to improve future interactions. In addition, AI can help with tasks such as data analysis, calculations, and problem solving, which can be valuable for hotel and resort owners.
Examples of artificial intelligence in the tourist and tourism industry
The role of artificial intelligence in the world of trade and business has increased dramatically in the last decade, and especially in the last few years, we have seen a wider acceptance in the tourism industry. Below, we examine three of the most important ways to employ technology.
1. Chatbots and online customer service
For hotels and other businesses in the tourism industry, one of the most exciting uses of AI is helping customers online. Chatbots have been gaining popularity on social media platforms as well as instant messaging apps for a few years now.
Using this method, AI can answer user questions and provide valuable information to customers, even when a customer service employee is not available. Customers generally look for quick and immediate responses on online platforms, and artificial intelligence allows businesses to instantly respond to user inquiries at any time of the day or night.
2. In-person customer service
While the use of AI to enhance online customer service is fairly common now, one emerging trend is the use of this technology for face-to-face customer service interactions. The use of artificial intelligence in the tourism industry for face-to-face customer service can reduce queues at information desks or reception desks and improve overall efficiency.
An example of this technology in action is the artificial intelligence robot “Connie” that Hilton Hotel uses. The bot uses artificial intelligence and speech recognition to provide tourist information to customers who talk to it. Each AI interaction with a human also helps train the robot and improves the quality of all future interactions.
3. Data processing and data analysis
Finally, it is important to understand that AI applications in the travel and tourism industry are not limited to customer service. One of its most popular and effective uses is to collect and interpret data to draw conclusions about customers, business practices, and pricing strategies.
A key advantage of AI in the tourism industry is its ability to quickly and accurately sort through huge amounts of data. If a human were to do it, it would take significantly longer and the job would have more errors. For example, the Dorchester Collection Hotel has used AI to sort through customer feedback from surveys, reviews and online polls to create a clearer picture of current opinions in real time.
4. Voice-based digital assistant
An emerging application of artificial intelligence in the travel and tourism industry involves the provision of voice-based digital assistance, which can take many forms. For example, it is now possible to provide voice assistants in hotel rooms that allow guests to ask questions or requests and receive immediate answers.
Voice recognition technology unlocks the potential for voice-activated room controls and instant, 24/7 access to tourist information. Bots can also provide a voice-based digital assistant, meaning customer service desks can be left unmanned, especially during peak times, and respond to customers easily and in the shortest possible time.
5. Flight forecast
The use of artificial intelligence in the travel and tourism industry also significantly affects flight forecasting. This field relies on currently available data and previous flight data. Artificial intelligence can be valuable when analyzing large amounts of data and identifying relevant trends.
Using this data, the AI-powered software can use weather patterns, past flight times, and flight speed trends to accurately predict flight arrival times and the likelihood of long delays. As a result, those who use this software can benefit from access to more reliable and accurate predictions.
6. Social media channel analysis
Artificial intelligence in the tourism industry also has a valuable role in connection with social media. In particular, businesses in the travel and tourism industry can use AI to better understand how users interact with their social media channels and what customers need.
Some social media channels have so many interactions with their audience on a daily basis that it is almost impossible to review and analyze them manually. With artificial intelligence, it is possible to identify key trends and better understand the emotions and needs of the audience.
7. Flexible and fair pricing
Many travel and tourism businesses operate with a flexible pricing model based on customer demand levels and availability levels. This also applies to hotels, airlines and various other types of businesses, and AI in the travel and tourism industry can play an important role in optimizing such a strategy.
With AI’s ability to quickly organize and analyze data, it becomes much easier to adjust pricing intelligently and ensure prices are reasonable. During times of high demand, pricing can usually be set higher than during times of low demand, but there are other factors that AI can use to make intelligent calculations.
8. Intelligent baggage handling
The use of artificial intelligence in the tourism industry also extends to luggage transportation and security. Artificial intelligence can be used to sort luggage more efficiently and reduce mistakes that lead to lost luggage. Additionally, AI can help sort lost luggage.
Artificial intelligence technology can also be used to make luggage more secure. For example, when airport security systems scan bags, AI can automatically scan images and identify potential items of interest. An alert system can then be set up and, if something suspicious is found, the attention of the security staff can be drawn.
9. Facial recognition with artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence technology is the technology behind automatic detection capabilities. Basically, the technology compares real-time images with images in a database using facial features to identify people. The best facial recognition technology can identify people in seconds.
Face recognition using artificial intelligence in the tourism industry is usually used for security purposes. For example, inside airports, it can be used to identify people. In some cases, facial recognition can also be used to determine the number of people in a certain area, which can also be valuable for safety and security.
10. Personal travel
The tourism industry also uses artificial intelligence technology at the beginning of the customer’s journey by providing a more personalized travel experience. This application of AI in the tourism industry is commonly seen in websites that offer hotel, flight or other travel-related bookings, i.e. in sections where intelligent recommendations can be made during the booking process.
For example, AI can use information about a user’s search on the website to make appropriate recommendations for hotels or destinations based on what the user searched for or looked at. This application of AI can work in the same way that retailers like Amazon recommend products based on previous purchases or product reviews. AI chatbots can also be used to answer customer questions during bookings.
11. Management of problems and disruptions in travel
Forecasting is one of the biggest applications of artificial intelligence in the travel and tourism industry and can potentially be used to significantly reduce travel disruption and manage any issues.
For example, AI can use past data to identify trends, which can then be used to accurately predict the likelihood of flight delays. Alternatively, AI could collect data from weather forecasts, compare it to past data, and provide guidance or recommendations on potential disruptions and how to resolve issues.
12. Income management based on artificial intelligence
Revenue management is the process of selling the right product, to the right customer, at the right time, at the best price, in the most efficient way. Revenue management is a data-driven discipline, which is why artificial intelligence can come in handy and help those in the travel and tourism industry maximize their revenue.
AI makes it easier to sort through all the available data. This data can include existing reservations, the number of rooms or seats available, upcoming events, and historical data on demand at the same time last year. In this way, AI can automatically adjust pricing and distribution strategies to optimize financial results.
13. Task planning and staff management
Hotels, airlines, and other travel and tourism businesses can use artificial intelligence to improve employee task management and scheduling. In companies with many employees, creating a work plan can be a complex and time-consuming process, with many moving parts that must be factored into any decision.
With artificial intelligence, actionable work schedules can be created automatically, all available data, including the number of hours worked by each employee, the need for senior staff per shift, the hours each employee is scheduled to work, the number of approved holidays and Consider the time required between two shifts.
14. Forecasting price and demand
Today’s customers are always looking for the best prices, but many factors can affect hotel room rates, airfares, and the prices of other products and services in the industry. Software that supports artificial intelligence in the travel and tourism industry helps customers better understand price fluctuations.
For example, the software may be able to alert users that hotel room rates in a particular destination are likely to increase soon. At the same time, this software can help customers understand the increase or decrease in demand, which allows them to book travel or hotel at the best possible time.
15. Facilitating customer loyalty programs
Customer loyalty programs serve an important function by providing incentives for customers to return to a business again and again. However, for a successful customer loyalty program to achieve this goal, the rewards offered must be valuable, and this is another area where the travel and tourism industry and artificial intelligence go hand in hand.
Using online tracking, transaction history, and personal preferences captured during the sign-up process, AI can provide loyalty program members with personalized rewards that keep customers coming back.
16. Detection and prevention of payment fraud
Businesses active in the field of travel and tourism deal with various types of payment fraud, and artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool in detecting and preventing many of these issues. One of the main ways to achieve this is through pattern recognition and behavioral analysis.
By analyzing data from previous fraud cases, AI detects attempted payment fraud before any serious damage is done.
Avir, your companion to reach the latest solutions in the tourism industry
At Avir Artificial Intelligence Company, we have been able to create the best experience for companies active in the field of tourism by using the power of artificial intelligence and its data, as well as the updated information of experts. You can contact us now to use Avir services in the tourism industry to suggest the best products based on your needs.