• As the city-state looks to salvage its battered tourism industry — which contributes around 4% to its economy — it's hoped that artificial intelligence can help the sector bring back visitors safely.
  • Local start-ups like Vouch and Travelstop are betting their AI-powered systems can help the country navigate new security standards.

Singapore is gradually reopening its borders again after months of coronavirus travel restrictions.

As the city-state looks to salvage its battered tourism industry — which contributes around 4% to its economy — it's hoped that artificial intelligence (AI) can help the sector bring back visitors safely.

Official data shows monthly visitor arrivals were down by 76% between January to July, compared to a year ago. Visitor arrivals in July alone were down more than 99% year-on-year.

Even though the Southeast Asian nation remains closed off to most foreigners, officials are now considering lifting restrictions for select groups of visitors.

Local start-ups like Vouch and Travelstop are betting on their AI-powered systems as the country navigates new security measures.

Launched in 2017, Vouch sells an AI-enabled digital concierge that's designed to answer guest inquiries, make bookings and take room service orders. The company says its chatbots — used by hotels including Andaz Singapore and the Pan Pacific in Singapore — can conduct health declarations, facilitate contactless ordering for dine-in services and manage crowd control.

Read the full article at cnbc.com