House of Travel Group agents are now using artificial intelligence to better their bookings following the launch of HOT Brain, created by HoT’s local IT team.
The platform is designed to put everything agents need at their fingertips, and has been built by integrating with the systems they rely on daily. For example, the HOT Brain is integrated with the Timatic system offering AI-based visa checks and passport scanning, and with the group’s internal knowledge databases, preferred supplier systems and websites which enables agents to generate personalised itinerary recommendations. HoT IT director Mark Leadbetter says HOT Brain prioritises content from preferred suppliers, tagging it above other internet sources. “We value our suppliers as travel experts, so their information plays a key role in the platform.” The AI can also create maps for itineraries or sightseeing and has full translation functionality. Adoption has been quick across HoT’s Kiwi agencies, and Leadbetter says feedback so far has been positive with agents saying it’s saving them significant time, especially on itinerary searches. “Consultants are already telling us that HOT Brain is making their work easier by giving them access to secure, sourced information.” The platform will be rolled out in Australia in Aug, and Leadbetter adds that the AI will continue to develop and scale, with members able to expect more live availability and more API connections.
