Skyscanner launches Savvy Search - its new generative AI travel planning tool

22.05.2024 - 12:02 / traveldailynews.com / Theodore Koumelis

Skyscanner introduces Savvy Search, a novel AI-powered feature utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT to offer tailored travel suggestions from vast flight options and detailed destination insights directly in the app.

Harnessing the power of AI and its own breadth of flight search (showing over 18 million unique flight routes and searching more than 80 billion prices every day), global travel app Skyscanner has launched its app-exclusive Savvy Search tool.

Powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, travellers can now simply tell Savvy Search what kind of trip is on their mind and the app will find the best spots – from the most common queries like ‘a cheap European city break in October’ to something more specific like ‘a 30^th birthday trip with fun nightlife and a great food scene’. The tool will then generate up to three curated destination recommendations.

Following extensive traveller testing and unlike many other AI-inspired travel tools and chatbots, imagery is combined with rich destination descriptions to highlight the unique characteristics of each recommendation. Upon deciding a destination, travellers are taken straight into Skyscanner’s flight search funnel to compare prices and pick their perfect flight.Piero Sierra, Chief Product Officer at Skyscanner commented: “Skyscanner has been helping wanderlust adventurers with its Everywhere search for the last 17 years – in fact 1 in 2 travellers globally come to Skyscanner without a specific destination in mind. And as reported in Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024, we’re now seeing AI being adopted to help in this travel inspiration space.

Globally, 44% of travellers are using AI to help them plan and research travel, but its use varies a lot depending on the market. 45% of Indian travellers, for example, are already using AI on their phones compared to just 8% in the UK. The next logical step is to use the AI technologies now available to us to help these travellers in the discovery phase of their travel planning journey.”

To celebrate the launch of the Savvy Search tool, Skyscanner’s data gurus have delved into the usage data collected during its beta phase to reveal some of their favourite queries so far:

Somewhere to get lost and forget about all my life’s worries: Skyscanner’s Savvy Search recommends Goa. With flight prices starting at INR 4,948 from Mumbai, Goa is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind. It’s beautiful beaches, laid-back vibe, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine create an irresistible charm, making it the perfect place to relax and forget about all life’s worries.

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning