Mindtrip’s new AI group travel tool allows all members of a trip to plan collaboratively and integrate individual preferences into one itinerary. Olivia Palamountain reports
AI-powered travel platform Mindtrip has announced the launch of a new Group Chat feature.
This innovation aims to revolutionise group travel planning by allowing all members of a trip – from couples to large groups – to collaboratively discover and plan their travels within a single platform.
Mindtrip has designed the feature in response to a survey it generated, polling more than 1,000 US consumers planning leisure trips in the coming year to discover how they travel – and what their journey pain points are.
It found that 90% of respondents typically travel with at least one other person, while 67% travel in groups of two to four. Despite this, the industry largely caters to individual travellers, leaving many struggling to coordinate plans with their companions.
Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip, described the findings as “a wake-up call for the industry”. He says: “With 90% of respondents stating that they regularly travel together with others on leisure trips, and 67% traveling with two to four people, it’s clear there is a need for tools that facilitate collaboration from the start.”
The study highlighted several frustrations with group travel planning. Catering to different preferences within a group emerged as the primary challenge, followed by navigating varied budget constraints and sorting through an overwhelming number of online options.
Notably, 72% of respondents typically travel with family members spanning different age groups, further complicating the planning process.
The Group Chat feature will provide a social space for travellers to discuss destinations, share favourite spots, and highlight personal must-sees.
It also includes an AI bot, @mindtrip, which can offer recommendations and suggestions throughout the planning process.
Once the group has outlined their trip’s key elements, Mindtrip’s platform will integrate each traveller’s personalised preferences into a single itinerary.
The system aims to accommodate diverse needs, whether the group is budget-conscious, joining from different locations or seeking family-friendly activities.
The platform will also allow real-time sharing of new recommendations, adjustments to trip plans, and storage of chat history, addressing the often asynchronous nature of group travel planning.
An iOS app is planned to launch in the new year, which will provide ongoing support during the trip itself.
This development comes at a time when travellers are increasingly seeking flexible and collaborative planning tools.
The survey found that 81% of consumers want a tool that allows them to change travel plans quickly, and a majority expressed willingness to use AI solutions to resolve group disputes and save time.
As the travel industry continues to evolve in the wake of the global pandemic, Mindtrip’s study and subsequent product developments signal a shift towards more collaborative and personalised travel planning solutions.
The success of such tools could potentially reshape how people approach group travel in the future.