- IHG beta launched AI-powered conversational search.
- Helps U.S. travelers discover and book hotels online.
- It will expand and refine the feature with feedback.
IHG HOTELS & RESORTS launched a beta version of AI-powered conversational search on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards mobile app. The platform enables travelers in the U.S. to discover and book hotels through a conversational interface.
The rollout is part of IHG’s strategy to use artificial intelligence to improve the guest experience, the company said in a statement. Conversational search allows travelers to describe destinations, trip purposes, preferred amenities and other needs using natural language. It then provides hotel recommendations, maps, availability, pricing and property information.
IHG plans to expand the feature to additional markets and refine it based on user feedback and behavior.
“Launching conversational search across IHG’s digital channels transforms how guests interact with IHG and discover our collection of hotels around the world,” said Elie Maalouf, IHG CEO. “It’s a milestone that builds on years of investment in our digital foundations, including the unification of our data in the cloud and the continued evolution of our technology platforms. With these capabilities in place and more to follow, we are positioned to harness AI at scale and deliver travel experiences that delight our guests and benefit our hotel owners.”
Users can search for stays using cash rates, loyalty points or a combination of both, IHG said. Recommendations are based on IHG’s property content and guest reviews, with details on imagery and amenities. During the beta phase, guests will retain access to traditional search tools alongside the AI-powered feature.
The conversational search tool helps guests move from trip inspiration to booking across its portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels worldwide, IHG said. The technology will also help hotel owners improve property visibility in AI-powered search environments.
To support this effort, IHG plans to introduce an AI-optimised hotel content platform in the coming months. The platform will allow hotels to upload content, including floor plans, videos and updated imagery, to improve discoverability across IHG and third-party digital channels. It will also help properties showcase features and amenities to match travelers with hotels that meet their preferences.
The launch follows IHG’s introduction of an app within ChatGPT and expands its use of AI to improve how travelers discover, evaluate and engage with its brands. Separately, IHG added 65 hotels and nearly 6,000 rooms to its Americas pipeline after opening 24 hotels in the first quarter.
