In the competitive world of online travel agencies, Expedia is gearing up to revolutionize travel planning with its new AI-powered assistant named Romie. This innovative bot, trained on a blend of in-house and OpenAI models, is set to enhance user experiences by offering intelligent features for search, itinerary building, and real-time updates like flight delays.
Romie isn’t just any chatbot—it’s designed to be your personal travel agent, available on popular messaging platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp. Users can chat with Romie to search for hotels, create trip itineraries, make adjustments, and even receive restaurant suggestions. By simply mentioning Romie in iMessage chats or engaging in one-on-one conversations on WhatsApp, travelers can leverage its capabilities seamlessly.
One standout feature is Romie’s ability to understand natural language queries. Instead of sorting through filters, users can describe their ideal hotel with phrases like “Rooftop and view of the sea,” and Romie will curate the best options accordingly. This smart search functionality simplifies the travel planning process and delivers personalized recommendations.
Expedia’s commitment to AI integration goes beyond Romie. The company pulls data from diverse sources like AccuWeather and Yelp Network to tailor searches and assist Romie in providing relevant updates and suggestions. For instance, Romie can recommend nearby hotels in case of flight cancellations, leveraging real-time data for a proactive travel experience.
Expedia’s AI initiatives, including Romie, are currently in testing through its EG Labs program, available to select U.S.-based users. This strategic approach allows Expedia to refine and optimize AI-driven features before broader implementation.
In a competitive landscape where rivals like Booking.com and Airbnb are also leveraging AI for trip planning, Expedia stands out with its multifaceted approach. Rathi Murthy, CTO of Expedia Group, emphasizes Romie’s versatility as a travel agent, personal assistant, and concierge—all accessible through messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp.
Looking ahead, Expedia plans to expand Romie’s capabilities and introduce new AI-driven tools like cross-date price comparisons and guest review summaries. With these advancements, Expedia aims to redefine the travel experience and set new standards for AI-powered travel assistance.
As Expedia continues to innovate with AI, travelers can expect a more intuitive, personalized, and seamless journey from search to booking and beyond. Romie represents the future of travel planning—a smart, reliable assistant ready to assist travelers wherever they go.
