Abstract
In recent years, the global tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan, like many other countries, experienced a significant decrease in inbound tourism. However, an innovative project called Taiwan Outdoor emerged, aiming to leverage AI technology and its AI-enabled chatbot to support inbound tourism by providing enhanced services to foreign expatriates stranded in Taiwan. This essay explores the Parkbus service, the Taiwan Outdoor project, and the role of AI-enabled chatbots in promoting Taiwan's outdoor landscapes and tour packages to attract inbound tourists.
Parkbus was introduced as a service to cater to the needs of foreign expatriates stranded in Taiwan during the pandemic. Recognizing the desire for peaceful wellness experiences, Parkbus facilitated convenient transportation to Taiwan’s National Parks, allowing customers to engage in hiking and immerse themselves in the serene natural surroundings. By offering minimum services to ensure freedom and flexibility, Parkbus successfully met the demands of its customers.
After three years of compiling customer feedback, the Parkbus team identified the specific needs expressed in these comments. This feedback became the foundation for the Taiwan Outdoor project, a trailblazing initiative that utilizes AI technology to enable more comprehensive services and promote Taiwan’s outdoor landscapes and tour packages to attract inbound tourists. The government of Taiwan recognized the potential of this project and awarded it funding to support its execution.
At the heart of the Taiwan Outdoor project is an AI-enabled chatbot. This intelligent virtual assistant utilizes AI technology to provide personalized recommendations, information, and support to inbound tourists interested in exploring Taiwan’s outdoor attractions. Through natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, the chatbot analyzes user inquiries and preferences, enabling it to deliver tailored suggestions and assist with trip planning. By leveraging AI, the chatbot can provide real-time updates on weather conditions, trail information, transportation options, and even offer localized recommendations for dining and accommodations.
The AI-enabled chatbot plays a vital role in promoting Taiwan’s outdoor landscapes and tour packages to inbound tourists. By harnessing the power of AI, the chatbot acts as a reliable and accessible tour guide, answering queries, providing recommendations, and offering a seamless user experience. It assists potential tourists in understanding the diverse natural wonders of Taiwan, highlights popular hiking trails, suggests off-the-beaten-path destinations, and showcases the unique cultural experiences available. The chatbot’s ability to understand multiple languages further enhances its effectiveness in engaging with a global audience.
The Taiwan Outdoor project, with its AI-enabled chatbot, has revolutionized the way inbound tourists discover and experience Taiwan’s outdoor landscapes. By combining the convenience of the Parkbus service with the intelligence of AI technology, this innovative initiative effectively promotes Taiwan as a desirable destination for nature enthusiasts worldwide. As the project continues to evolve, the chatbot’s capabilities and knowledge base will expand, ensuring an increasingly personalized and immersive experience for inbound tourists. Taiwan’s commitment to leveraging AI to enhance tourism highlights its forward-thinking approach and positions it as a leader in leveraging technology to create memorable visitor experiences.
Recommended Citation
Kuo, Chen-Ho, "Enhancing inbound tourism through Taiwan outdoor project and AI-enabled chatbot management" (2023). ICEB 2023 Proceedings (Chiayi, Taiwan). 25.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2023/25