Singapore hopes artificial intelligence will help boost its tourism industry
- 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.