On July 4, LINE Yahoo! Japan began offering “Sightseeing AI Model Courses,” in which the generated AI suggests up to five model sightseeing courses in the search results of the Yahoo! JAPAN apps (iOS and Android versions) and the web browser version of Yahoo!
In response, we asked a representative of the company’s Search Management Division for details on the development process and functions.
Search results on Yahoo! Search have long included a variety of tourist information based on search terms, such as recommended spots, gourmet food, places to stay, and events.
According to Hiroko Kuyoshi, Product Manager/Project Manager of the Searches Local Sightseeing Area, the most recent version of the service also allows users to search for events in specific genres by using search keywords such as “event,” “summer event,” and “fireworks display. In the past, it has also supported seasonal information such as hanami (cherry blossom viewing), strawberry picking, and autumn foliage.
In the process of improving these functions, the company conducted a survey (conducted in August 2023, with 4,000 respondents) and found that when considering sightseeing, travel, and excursions, there is a high need for regional introductions and model courses that are similar to guidebooks.
To help users consider travel plans that match their preferences based on search results, the company has begun posting model sightseeing courses that utilize OpenAI’s API. When a user searches for “place name sightseeing” (e.g., “Kyoto sightseeing”), the generated AI will propose a model sightseeing course based on in-house data in addition to sightseeing information such as an overview of the relevant area.
The model courses are available in up to five patterns: “Royal Road,” “Family,” “Girls’ Trip,” “Friends,” and “Date,” with a map of the course, means of transportation between locations, and travel time. For the “Family” course, the system displays the car, and for the other courses, public transportation is prioritized.
Mr. Katsuyuki Oho, Team Leader of the Platform Development Division, explained the use of the generated AI: “At the beginning of development, there were many suggestions for courses that were not realistically possible. We are making adjustments so that such courses are not displayed in the areas currently supported.
As for future efforts, he said, “We would like to increase the frequency of updates while listening to user response, and consider content that takes departure dates into account, as well as collaboration with related services such as Yahoo!
© Source travel watch
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