Google advances travel planning with artificial intelligence

17-05-24

Google is revolutionising travel planning through artificial intelligence, with its latest development - Gemini Advanced. This premium version of the generative AI chatbot, Gemini, will allow users to create detailed and personalised travel itineraries through simple and accessible commands.

The AI feature called AI Overviews, launched earlier this year, is designed to enhance the Google search experience. Initially available only to US users who opted in, AI Overviews will expand this week to all US users and soon to other countries.

During the annual developer conference, Google I/O, Google CEO Sundar Pichai compared the event to the ‘Eras Tour’, highlighting the importance and impact of the new technologies presented. Among the innovations, Gemini Advanced's trip planning capability will be launched this summer.

Sissie Hsiao, Google vice president and general manager for Gemini experiences, illustrated how Gemini Advanced can act as a ‘true AI assistant’. She used an example where a user asks the AI to plan a trip to Miami for Labor Day, considering his family's preferences. The AI not only searches Gmail for relevant flight and hotel information, but also proposes an itinerary tailored to the length of the trip and the family's preferences.

For example, if the flight lands at 4:28 p.m., the AI suggests three fresh seafood restaurants for 7:30 p.m., calculating times for travel, check-in and a short break. The next day's activities are automatically adjusted if start times are changed, demonstrating the flexibility and efficiency of the system.

Gemini Advanced, launched in February with Google's most up-to-date AI model at the time, now incorporates Gemini 1.5 Pro, available in 35 languages, offering even more accurate and personalised travel planning.

Google is also enhancing its traditional search bar with more accurate and detailed travel recommendations. Liz Reid, vice president of Search, highlighted how AI technology can answer complex questions and provide detailed recommendations quickly.

For example, a command such as ‘What are good options for a day out in Dallas with kids? Recommend some ice cream shops near each option’ returns organised results with tourist options such as the Dallas Zoo, Dallas Arboretum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science, each accompanied by suggestions for nearby ice cream shops and a map with locations.

In addition, Google is improving Search to respond to less specific commands during the travel inspiration phase. AI organises suggestions into groups, providing a richer and more complete search experience.

These AI-powered innovations from Google promise to transform the way we plan and enjoy our trips, making the process faster, more efficient and personalised.