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Ascott tests AI ‘travel buddy’
The Ascott Limited has just launched a generative artificial intelligence (AI) powered web chatbot.
Named after Ascott’s mascot, Cubby, it aims to enhance guests’ travel planning and booking experience.
It is designed to play the role of a ‘travel buddy.’
Guests will be able to use Cubby when booking at The Cavendish London and its Citadines brand with Apart’hotels in Barbican, Holborn-Covent Garden, Islington, South Kensington and Trafalgar Square, as well as Quest in Liverpool.
Cubby is equipped to provide travel insights including destination highlights, accommodation recommendations, attractions, and suggestions for shopping and more.
The ChatGPT-powered chatbot is built on Microsoft OpenAI and Azure Services.
Cubby also leverages real-time data, using Bing search, Azure Map (Nearby API), Azure Map (Weather API) and other Azure services.
It also taps Ascott’s global website DiscoverASR.com.
It is currently in its test-bedding stage.
Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s MD for Brand & Marketing, said: “Cubby, with its AI prowess, taps into a vast treasure trove of data, enabling fast analysis of travel preferences.”
Cubby will be supporting Ascott’s live chat agents, so that the agents can focus on responding to more complex enquiries.
Cubby has the ability to generate personalised itineraries according to user input.
The itineraries can be customised and amended according to the destination(s) selected, length of stay and travel preferences.
It includes travel tips, health and safety information and advice on visa requirements.
For its next phase, Cubby will become multichannel, integrating with different applications for greater convenience.
Improved language capabilities will also be implemented.
Other technology enhancements are also being piloted in Singapore such as self-check-in kiosks equipped with facial recognition, and natural language processing AI.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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