In a world where computer-generated avatars may soon be explaining travel decisions, the business travel industry is already embracing the power of generative AI to enhance various aspects of the travel process. At the Global Business Travel Association conference in Atlanta, companies like Serko, Travelport, Amex GBT, and Altour showcased how AI is revolutionizing travel management processes.
One key area where AI is making an impact is in messaging. AI technology can be used to quickly answer traveler questions, improving efficiency and providing prompt responses to standard queries. Companies like CWT are incorporating Gen AI into their systems to supplement human travel counselors, ensuring travelers receive the information they need in a timely manner.
Travelport’s Content Curation Layer (CCL) uses AI to sort through billions of travel options, helping travel agents quickly find the best matches for their customers. This AI-powered feature enhances the speed and accuracy of flight, hotel, and car rental searches, providing travelers with the most relevant offers tailored to their needs.
AI is also being utilized to ensure compliance with travel policies. Amex GBT is working on a system that can extract information from a traveler’s email request and input it into the booking platform, displaying only travel options that comply with company policies. This eliminates the need for manual input by travel advisors, streamlining the process for both travelers and companies.
Expense reporting is another area where AI is simplifying processes for business travelers. By analyzing receipts with greater accuracy than traditional OCR technology, Gen AI can streamline expense report submissions and reduce disputes and delays. Integrations between various tools can also make the process more seamless, allowing travelers to submit items via travel management software with a click.
AI is also being used to assist travelers in recovering from disruptions such as flight delays or cancellations. Altour’s new AI tools provide predictive alerts for potential disruptions and offer speedy responses to rebooking requests during disruptions. By leveraging AI technology, travelers can receive real-time assistance and alternative options to minimize the impact of travel disruptions.
In addition to improving various travel processes, AI is also being used to educate travelers about company policies through innovative tools like AI Transform from Altour. By creating persuasive video content with lifelike avatars, companies can ensure that employees understand and comply with travel policies. The potential of AI to simplify travel policy comprehension and fare rule interpretation is also being recognized by industry leaders, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on the future of business travel.
