The inaugural project in this space is Project Explorer, a trip planning tool driven by AI, which can be tested on Expedia's mobile app for Apple devices. Project Explorer streamlines the process of discovering new destinations and planning various types of trips by offering tailored options based on interests, location, season, and budget. It delivers recommendations rapidly, complete with information, visuals, suggested accommodations with pricing details, and recommended activities.
ExpediaExpedia Group is introducing a new opportunity for users to explore emerging technology through EG Labs, a digital space aimed at those enthusiastic about the intersection of travel and technology. This initiative is available to users in the United States.
The inaugural project in this space is Project Explorer, a trip planning tool driven by generative artificial intelligence, which can be tested on Expedia’s mobile app for Apple devices. Project Explorer streamlines the process of discovering new destinations and planning various types of trips by offering tailored options based on interests, location, season, and budget. It delivers recommendations rapidly, complete with information, visuals, suggested accommodations with pricing details, and recommended activities.
Additionally, Expedia is introducing new features for its apps, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, with a full rollout expected by the end of 2023. The new trip planner within these apps allows travelers to collaborate on trip details. It provides a dedicated space where users can view their booked and saved options, covering flights, activities, lodging, and rental cars. Users can also express their preferences by liking items and leaving comments.
Furthermore, Expedia and Hotels.com apps now incorporate dynamic travel guides, offering insights into hotel prices, crowd levels, and weather conditions for popular cities worldwide. A generative AI feature assists users in finding ideal neighborhoods for their stay based on their interests.
Generative AI is also employed to answer user questions on all three apps. It analyzes guest reviews and provides answers regarding amenities, saving users the time of reading through reviews themselves. This feature can also address inquiries about specific property details, such as parking availability or the strength of Wi-Fi in guest rooms.
Expedia has enhanced its search capabilities by introducing flexible date searches for accommodations across all three apps, allowing users to expand or narrow their date ranges as needed. In the U.S., the Expedia and Hotels.com apps feature inspirational travel stories created by influencers to encourage travel.
Additionally, Expedia has streamlined self-service options. Users on the Expedia app in the U.S. can voluntarily modify flight bookings and easily add hotel booking information to their Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. On both the Expedia and Hotels.com apps, users can add breakfast to their reservations when it’s available, up until one day before check-in.
Link to: EG Labs
