While artificial intelligence – and specifically generative
AI – are words on everyone’s lips these days, Cesc Vilanova and Riky Vittoria
have been innovating with AI technology for many years.
In 2014, Vilanova co-founded Sam, an AI-powered virtual
travel assistant that was acquired by Flight Centre Travel Group in 2018. Vittoria
co-founded 30SecondstoFly, an AI-powered booking engine for corporate travel,
in 2015. It was acquired by Amex GBT in 2020 and Vittoria remains with that
company, now as head of AI.
It’s fair to say the two were a bit ahead of their time – envisioning
and innovating around ideas that are now much easier to create with the
emergence of large language models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
In a conversation in the PhocusWire studio at Phocuswright
Europe, Vilanova and Vittoria discuss their opinions of generative AI and its potential, as well
as their take on concerns about the technology. And they offer advice for
travel companies on how – and why – to begin experimenting now.
Watch the full discussion below.
Phocuswright Europe Executive Interview: The AI opportunity