Travel Counsellors hails ‘new era’ as TC Co-pilot introduced

The agency is also developing an interactive quote-creation tool

Travel Counsellors has heralded a “new era” as it prepares to roll out ‘TC Co-pilot’ after working on the technology for a year.

Jon Bauer, the agency’s chief technology officer, described the new tool as a virtual assistant which will “transform” how agents work with their clients.

Powered through Phenix, it will create tailored suggestions that can be shared with customers.

“We think you’re going to love this,” Bauer told delegates at the agency’s annual conference. “This is a new beginning, a new era. Our platform has access to over one million properties around the world. This will enable you to discover them.”

He encouraged agents to register their interest in the tool, adding that it would be rolled out in the coming weeks.

“At Travel Counsellors, we’re embracing artificial intelligence but we’re balancing it with the best of a personal touch,” he said.

“We’re committed to bringing you the best that the technology has to offer, leading the way and not following. It starts with you and the human connection. Technology starts with you, and it won’t replace you.”

The agency is also developing an interactive quote-creation tool which aims to “bring itineraries to life”.

Clients will be able to view practical information and recommendations in a way they will feel “immersed” in the planning of the trip, Bauer said.

“You’re saving time and effort and making it real for your customer,” he added. “We’re trialling this at the moment with 50 travel counsellors and we’ve had phenomenal feedback. The aim is to get this out to everybody globally over the coming weeks.”

Improvements have been applied to Phenix over the last 12 months to reduce its average performance speed from four seconds to just under two, Bauer said.

A total of 3,500 new features have been added to the platform, which has also had five more accommodation providers introduced and three more airlines.

Bauer said a “strong pipeline” of further airlines would also be added over the next six months.

The cruise portfolio has had Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages added, while the greater focus on ancillaries and attractions will include the introduction of Tui Group’s Musement offerings next month.

Travel Counsellors told delegates it invests £16 million a year in its technology.