International travel agency, Travelstart, has launched the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Travel Assistant in Nigeria, to cater to all categories of customers real-time.

The AI-powered tool empowers travellers to build personalised travel itineraries, receive destination advice, and discover the most affordable trip and activity options, all within a single seamless platform.

Speaking at the official opening of Travelstart store at Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal II (MMA2), Lagos, recently, Head of Marketing, Travelstart, Alex Olafare, said the AI travel assistant chats in Pidgin English, and purpose-built to interface with Nigerian consumers.

Olafare said travellers could type whatever they needed and would receive a response immediately, adding that flights could be booked directly from the AI travel assistant.

He said by developing an understanding of each traveller’s preferences, interests, and budget, the AI Travel Assistant generates tailor-made itineraries catering to individual needs.

Recall that the dialogue surrounding the influence of AI on travel and tourism was initiated long before ChatGPT’s public debut in November 2022.

Nevertheless, when OpenAI’s groundbreaking tool announced that it surpassed one million users within just five days of its launch, the once futuristic concept of integrating generative AI into the travel industry transformed into a tangible and exciting possibility.

Embracing AI tools by tourism and hospitality companies has the potential to revolutionise business operations and redefine customers’ travel experiences dramatically with sales of travel companies that are finalised thanks to AI insights expected to account for nearly a third of those businesses’ total revenue in 2024.

Head of Operations, Travelstart, Modupe Ola Thompson-Ehime, said the travel agency has continued to introduce innovation to meet the needs of travellers.

“One of such innovations is the technology that helps travellers speak with an agent on WhatsApp. You can chat with Lucy, your automated travel assistant, make a new booking and view deals for the day through this channel,” Thompson-Ehime said.

Country Manager, Travelstart Bukky Akomolafe, earlier said the new travel store at the MMA2 is part of the company’s commitment to good customer experience and investment in the air transport sector in Nigeria.