Holidays can now be booked purely with voice commands thanks to a new AI-powered app.
Tech company Travelshift has produced an app which allows you to search for trips through its Guide to Europe programme by simply asking Alexa or Google Assistant.
On top of that, it is capable of placing everything from flights to hotel stays in a shopping basket, which can be booked and paid for with voice commands.
The app also uses AI to cook up itineraries and directions to all the best attractions, meaning you have personalised guide ahead of your trip.
Travelshift's CEO David Stewart said the app - which launched last month - could prove “game-changing” to the holiday industry.
He added: “There have been rapid advances in AI technology in the past decade and we are now at a stage where we can trust it to make recommendations and book a holiday.
“Things have moved beyond simply asking Alexa or Google Assistant to play a song or set an alarm.
“The technology exists for it to essentially act as a travel agent. It might seem alien to people at first but then so did paying contactlessly.
“That is second nature now. Labour-saving devices like this - however small - are incredibly popular precisely because they are so effective and easy to use.
“Responses are instantaneous and the app uses AI to recommend everything from the best travel routes and hotels to the best restaurants.”
A previous app released by Virgin in 2017 only worked on Alexa and just allowed people to search for trips - not book them.
Mr Stewart said that the Iceland-based travel firm's app “vastly outstrips” its predecessor because it offers so much more.
“The most important part of a successful trip is the itinerary, that’s where we spent most of our time to optimise," he explained.
"By providing the perfect itinerary we not only make it easier for people to book, but to also enjoy a better holiday experience”.
The Progressive Web App can be downloaded from Guide to Europe's website and then added to the home screen.
Once downloaded, you can add your passport details, travel preferences, as well as the names and information of the fellow travellers.
This allows people to book flights and accommodation for others as well.
The company has already launched more than 12,000 holiday packages with AI-optimised itineraries all across Europe.
Mr Stewart said they believe the app will soon become the “future of travel” as increasing numbers of people enjoy its advantages.
“Years ago people booked holidays through travel agents in person,” he said.
“Then in the 1980s package holidays were the go-to option before the internet allowed you to do it all yourself.
"All this was enabled by technology and this is the next step in that.
“After the pandemic there has been a huge appetite to travel and people are always looking for easy, accessible ways to do that.
"This app allows them to do that and also gives invaluable advice that helps people make the most out of their trips.
“What is not to love?”
