Emirates NBD has launched the UAE’s first bank-led AI Travel Assistant, developed in collaboration with Visa and Tripadvisor, as the bank expands its digital offering beyond traditional financial services.
The conversational platform is designed to help users
research, plan and experience travel through personalised recommendations,
itineraries and travel offers.
The launch responds to growing demand for digital and
AI-enabled travel planning among UAE residents, with the average traveller
planning seven trips annually.
Research also indicates that 50% of consumers across EMEA
are comfortable booking holiday accommodation through AI platforms.
Rohit Garg, Group Head of Retail Products and Chief Digital
Officer of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, said: “The
launch of our AI Travel Assistant marks another significant milestone in
establishing Emirates NBD as a pioneer in AI-driven, customer-centric digital
solutions. Travel is a major lifestyle driver for residents across the UAE. By
combining cutting-edge AI with world-class insights from our partners, we are
empowering travellers with innovative and personalised digital experiences that
simplifies the process for our customers around one of their biggest passion
points, namely travel, while unlocking exceptional value.”
The assistant allows users to describe their preferences,
budget and travel style through a conversational interface before receiving
tailored itineraries, destination recommendations and lesser-known attractions.
The platform draws on Tripadvisor’s database of more than 1
billion reviews and 8 million listings, with enhanced customisation available
across the 15 destinations most favoured by UAE travellers.
The collaboration combines Emirates NBD’s digital
capabilities with Tripadvisor’s travel data and Visa’s payments expertise.
The assistant can also identify relevant Visa cardholder
benefits, including hotel discounts and car rental offers, helping users manage
travel spending.
Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for UAE, said:
"Travelers today expect experiences that are personalised, intuitive and
seamlessly integrated into their digital lives. By collaborating with Emirates
NBD and Tripadvisor, we are making it easier for Visa cardholders to discover
destinations, plan their journeys and access valuable travel benefits along the
way. This initiative demonstrates how innovation, trusted partnerships and AI
can come together to create smarter, more seamless and rewarding travel
experiences."
The AI Travel Assistant is available in English and is free
to use through the Emirates NBD website and a dedicated Tripadvisor domain.
Users do not need to be Emirates NBD customers or log in to
a bank account to access the service.
The launch forms part of Emirates NBD’s broader strategy to
develop ecosystem-led digital banking and lifestyle solutions, positioning the
bank as a provider of connected experiences extending beyond conventional
financial services. -TradeArabia News Service