Summary:
Steller, a travel tech company based in Kirkland, Washington, has secured $5 million in funding to launch a groundbreaking planning feature in its app called “Trips.” This innovative feature combines the experiences of fellow travelers with the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist users in mapping out their future adventures. Steller recognizes the impact that short-form video content has on travel decisions, with 75% of travelers relying on social media videos for destination inspiration. With Trips, Steller seamlessly integrates this influential content alongside destination details, curated trips from experts, interactive maps, an AI-enhanced trip planner, and booking functionality. This unique combination of human experiences and AI technology distinguishes Steller from other travel-planning startups and establishes it as a pioneer in the industry.
Steller recognizes the limitations of traditional travel planning and seeks to fill the “data gaps” with AI. While human travel experts can provide recommendations, machine-augmented content offers additional choices for accommodations, sightseeing, dining, shopping, and more. Over time, Steller’s AI learns from user interactions to surface personalized content, ensuring that travelers receive tailored suggestions based on their preferences. Remarkably, users can plan their entire trip, make bookings, and even document their experiences within the Steller platform, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple websites or apps.
To generate revenue, Steller partners with online travel agents like Viator and Trivago. Additionally, the company collaborates with tourism boards worldwide to showcase various destinations and run campaigns on their behalf. Steller’s pioneering approach to trip planning has attracted considerable attention, making it the subject of fierce competition in the travel industry. Notably, larger travel companies, such as Expedia Group, are exploring ways to leverage AI for itinerary creation. However, Steller remains at the forefront of innovation, securing $22 million in a recent Series B funding round. This funding was partly utilized to acquire Travel Mindset, an influencer marketing agency, further solidifying Steller’s position as a leader in the travel tech sector.
The source of the article is from the blog yanoticias.es