Move over, NFTs and metaverse. The latest tech sensation is
generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT, a chatbot powered by
machine learning and vast amount of data to generate human-like text.
My curiosity piqued by the headline-making chatbot, I decided to
speak to ChatGPT and asked about its adoption and implications for the
travel industry.
Below are excerpts of our chat.
Hi ChatGPT. Who are you and what can you do?
Hi! I am a language model developed by OpenAI. I can generate
human-like text based on the input provided to me and answer questions
on a wide range of topics such as history, science, and current events. I
can also engage in conversation and generate creative writing, among
other things.
You've been in the news a lot lately. Why should the travel industry pay attention to you?
The travel industry should pay attention to me and AI technology in
general because it can automate many manual tasks, improve customer
service, and provide personalised recommendations, which can increase
efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience. Additionally, AI
can process vast amounts of data and provide insights to drive informed
decision-making, and generate new revenue streams.
That seems like a lot that you can do. Can you briefly outline the ways you could be helping travel agents in their job?
Yes, I can assist travel agents in several ways:
Automating tasks: I can automate routine tasks such as flight and
hotel bookings, freeing up agents' time for more value-added tasks.
Personalised recommendations: I can use data and customer preferences
to provide tailored travel recommendations, helping agents close more
sales.
I can automate routine tasks such as flight and hotel bookings, freeing up agents' time for more value-added tasks. I can automate routine tasks such as flight and hotel bookings, freeing up agents' time for more value-added tasks.– ChatGPT
Customer service: I can respond to frequently asked questions, reducing response times and improving customer satisfaction.
Market trends and insights: I can analyse data to provide real-time
market trends and insights, assisting agents in making informed
decisions.
Streamlining processes: I can integrate with existing systems to
streamline processes and improve the efficiency of the travel agency.
These sound great, but are there any potential pitfalls of using you in their work?
Yes, there are some potential drawbacks to using AI technology like me in the travel industry:
Job displacement: The automation of tasks may result in job losses for some travel agents.
Limited personal touch: AI technology like me cannot replace the
personal touch that a human travel agent provides, and some customers
may prefer human interaction.
Bias and fairness: AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they
are trained on, and there is a risk of perpetuating existing biases and
unfairness.
Dependence on technology: Overreliance on AI technology may lead to a
lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among travel
agents.
Technical challenges: Implementing and integrating AI technology can
be complex and challenging, and ongoing maintenance is required to
ensure the system is working optimally.
So do you think ChatGPT is better than humans in offering the personalised touch in an industry like travel and hospitality?
No, AI technology like me is not better than humans in offering a
personal touch in the travel and hospitality industry. While I can
provide tailored recommendations based on data and customer preferences,
I lack the empathy and emotional intelligence that human travel agents
possess. Personal relationships and human interaction are key components
of the travel industry, and AI technology cannot replace the unique and
personal experience that a human travel agent can provide.
AI technology like me can complement and support the work of human
travel agents by automating routine tasks, providing data insights, and
offering 24/7 availability. However, the personal touch that a human
travel agent provides is an essential aspect of the travel industry and
cannot be replicated by AI technology.
As an AI language model, I don't have personal experiences or emotions, so I do not have a favourite holiday destination.– ChatGPT
So what's your outlook for the travel industry in Asia in 2023?
As of my knowledge cut off in 2021, the travel industry in Asia is
expected to experience significant growth in 2023 as travel restrictions
ease and consumer confidence in travel returns. The industry is likely
to focus on health and safety measures to reassure travelers, as well as
continuing the trend towards digitalisation to improve the customer
experience and streamline operations. Additionally, there may be an
increase in demand for domestic travel within countries, and a rise in
interest in lesser-known destinations and sustainable tourism options.
However, it's important to note that the travel industry can be
unpredictable and rapidly changing, so industry players should stay
updated on current developments and changing consumer preferences.
Now do you have a favourite holiday destination?
As an AI language model, I don't have personal experiences or
emotions, so I do not have a favourite holiday destination. However, I
can provide information and recommendations about popular destinations
based on the input provided to me.