Tui claims ‘industry first’ AI travel booking integration  

Tui is claiming an “industry first” with a deal to drive booking capabilities into AI-powered travel platform Mindtrip.

 

The tech firm enables users to discover, plan, and book personalised travel plans using natural language prompts and curated content. 

 

Users will now be able to book travel packages via a ‘Book with Tui’ button directly on Mindtrip in Ireland, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. 

 

Customers previously had to book each component of their trip separately with different suppliers.

 

Under the new initiative, users begin their travel booking by asking Mindtrip questions and the platform responds with personalised suggestions, interactive maps, and rich content including hotels, restaurants, experiences and transportation options. 

 

Travellers can then build itineraries by dragging and dropping elements, viewing photos, seeing distances on a map, reading reviews, inviting co-travellers and customising their plans. 

 

They can now also book Tui packages directly on the website, “bridging inspiration and transaction” in one seamless offering.

 

Travel technology company Nezasa provided the engine that maps AI-generated itineraries to real-time inventory enabling them to be fulfilled through Tui’s vertically integrated offer. 

 

The trips are made available via a ‘Tui Tours’ platform developed jointly by Nezasa and the operator. 

 

The platform is aimed at both travel agencies and online customers, allowing flexible trip combinations to be put together in real time. 

 

Tui Tours also uses AI technology to support travel agencies in creating individual trips.

 

Mindtrip chief executive Andy Moss said: “This three-way partnership is a shining example of what’s possible when you bring all aspects of the trip planning process together in one place. 

 

“It’s just the beginning of a new era in travel - where inspiration, planning, and one-click checkout can all happen seamlessly through the power of AI.”

 

Tui markets and airline expansion businesses managing director Mircea Tudose said: “This marks a new approach in distribution: theoretical, AI-generated suggestions are becoming commercial reality. 

 

“The partnership gives us important early insights into AI-based travel sales – benefiting all our sales channels, whether digital or offline.

 

“By working with Mindtrip, we are learning how travellers interact with intelligent AI assistants and how we can further develop our offering – in our app, on our website or in our travel agencies.”