IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched an app in ChatGPT to make hotel discovery and booking easier as AI becomes increasingly central to travel planning, now used by more than half of US travellers.

The new integration allows users to search, compare and explore IHG’s portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels across over 100 countries directly within ChatGPT.

The tool provides personalised recommendations based on traveller preferences, along with real-time availability, pricing, interactive maps and hotel amenities.

Once a selection is made, users are directed to IHG’s direct booking channels to complete their reservation.

IHG said the move is designed to create a more seamless transition from travel inspiration to booking, reflecting growing demand for conversational and AI-driven search tools.

The company also plans to introduce conversational search across IHG.com and its IHG One Rewards app.

This will allow users to find hotels using natural language rather than fixed keywords or filters, enabling a more intuitive planning experience.

Jolie Fleming, Chief Product & Technology Officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said guest expectations are changing rapidly and the company is using AI to make travel planning more personalised and connected, while maintaining the role of human hospitality.

IHG said the initiatives form part of its wider digital strategy to enhance guest experience, improve hotel performance and accelerate innovation through AI-driven technologies. -TradeArabia News Service