Area/Topic
Guiding, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Artificial Intelligence for Tour Operators

Jason Halberstadt
Founder and CEO
MyTrip.AI

Jason Halberstadt has been helping tour operators innovate online and grow their businesses since the dawn of the Internet in the 1990's when he moved to Ecuador from the US and started a digital marketing agency specialized in travel. He launched MyTrip.AI in 2023 to develop AI software and services to help small and medium-sized travel companies innovate in order to compete with industry giants.

https://mytrip.ai/

summary
Jason Halberstadt, founder and CEO of MyYrip.AI, shares his journey from being a guide and outdoor instructor to moving to Ecuador where he then transitioned to offering internet services to tour operators and eventually ventured into AI assistance for travel businesses. The AI assistant helps engage website visitors in personalized conversations, providing value and building trust before asking for contact information. This approach has resulted in a high conversion rate and improved customer satisfaction. The conversation with Jason Elkins focused on the importance of personalized and timely service in the travel industry. He emphasized that the first company to develop a relationship with a prospective traveler often wins the business. However, many tour operators struggle to provide quick responses and customized attention. This is where AI assistants can play a crucial role. AI assistants can greet travelers immediately, understand their preferences, recommend suitable products, and even schedule meetings with human trip planners. By combining AI technology with human expertise, tour operators can enhance the customer experience and improve their sales process.

takeaways

• Jason Halberstadt started as a guide and outdoor instructor before starting a tour operator marketing business in Ecuador.
• He began by offering internet services to tour operators and eventually ventured into AI assistance for travel businesses.
• The AI assistant engages website visitors in personalized conversations, providing value and building trust before asking for contact information.
• This approach has resulted in a high conversion rate and improved customer satisfaction. In the travel industry, the first company to develop a relationship with a prospective traveler often wins the business.
• Tour operators often struggle to provide quick responses and customized attention, which can lead to missed opportunities.
• AI assistants can greet travelers immediately, understand their preferences, recommend suitable products, and schedule meetings with human trip planners.
• By combining AI technology with human expertise, tour operators can enhance the customer experience and improve their sales process.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.