IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching a generative artificial intelligence-powered travel planning service to help guests book stays with the group's One Rewards app.
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The initiative is part of an expanded partnership with Google Cloud, which has been IHG's partner since 2022.
New features will launch in the second half of this year providing guests with a more "dynamic digital experience," according to a release.
“Working with Google Cloud as an AI innovation partner, we’re making trip planning easier and more interactive for prospective travelers," said Jolie Fleming, chief product and technology officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts. "Our customized travel planner will use Gen AI to help people discover destinations among our more than 6,000 IHG hotels across 19 brands in over 100 countries. Soon, guests will use the IHG One Rewards mobile app as a true mobile travel companion to build a full itinerary and book hotels in a few taps.”
The travel planner, developed using cloud technology as well as Google Vertex AI and Gemini models, provides guests with recommendations and information such as dinner options near a particular hotel, things to do locally or whether a property allows pets.
“IHG is not only reimagining how people travel, but also how people interact with brands," said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. "This implementation of generative AI combines Google’s technical expertise with IHG’s commitment to service, raising the bar for how the hospitality industry thinks about guests’ digital experiences.”
Marriott International also recently announced an AI-driven planning feature for its Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy inventory. The search tool, developed in partnership with Publicis Sapient, is based on natural language search with users describing what they want from their vacation.
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