Dubai-based Emirates NBD has launched the UAE's first bank-led AI Travel Assistant, developed with Visa and Tripadvisor as the lender extends its digital offering beyond conventional financial services.
The conversational platform lets users describe their preferences, budget and travel style, then returns tailored itineraries, destination recommendations, lesser-known attractions and travel offers. It draws on Tripadvisor's database of more than 1 billion reviews and 8 million listings, with deeper customisation across the 15 destinations most popular with UAE travellers. The tool also flags relevant Visa cardholder benefits, including hotel discounts and car rental deals.
The launch targets rising demand for AI-enabled trip planning among UAE residents, who average seven trips a year, while research shows 50% of EMEA consumers are comfortable booking accommodation through AI platforms. Free and available in English via the Emirates NBD website and a dedicated Tripadvisor domain, the service requires no bank account or login.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer