Multiple surveys show that AI usage is on the rise for vacation inspiration and planning. In fact, travelers are using it for everything from uncovering local attractions and remote gems to getting food recommendations and creating itineraries. Yacht brokers are certainly taking note, and taking advantage. Y.CO Charter AI is a new feature available on Y.CO’s website, a new way for charter guests to explore their options.
Charter AI sits at the top of each page, in the navigation bar. Clicking it opens a chat window, where clients can ask questions and receive answers in natural conversations. Depending on what they ask, they can receive details and photos of yachts for charter, destinations, and itineraries.
Rather than replacing the traditional method of browsing the website, though, Charter AI complements and enhances it. Essentially, it’s a one-click method of accessing everything, instead of scrolling for specifics on yachts, destinations, and more, each of which are their own pages. For example, every charter yacht in Y.CO’s database is accessible to the users of the AI chat. Rather than overwhelming them with the possibilities, though, it’s selective. It recommends just a few in response to questions about where to go and what yachts are available. It then offers to provide more yachts if desired.
Yet another difference, charter clients can instantly receive details about megayachts suiting particular activity preferences. Similarly, it lets them explore a wide variety of possibilities in seasons, yacht sizes, and more without them needing to know everything they want to do. It even answers basic questions about yacht charter, details not always within the browsing categories. This especially suits the growing number of new, younger travelers who are learning about yacht charter.
“Charter AI represents an important step in our mission to enhance and personalize the online experience for every client,” says Ines Richiero, Y.CO’s head of digital marketing. “Following our 2024 site relaunch, we’ve continued to invest in new features that benefit our clients and keep us at the forefront of innovation in yachting.”
Like all AI programs, it has limits. A statement in the Charter AI window clarifies this, too. It reads, “Charter AI can make mistakes. Check important info.” We uncovered a few errors in testing out the program. Charter AI informed us that Japan and Mauritius are popular superyacht charter destinations, for instance. However, both are still developing destinations, with few yachts and opportunities. It also included Puerto Rico and the Atlantic coastline of Canada in a request for information on mainland United States charter destinations, further omitting the perennially popular Alaska.
Still, Charter AI is, as Y.CO says, “designed to inspire as much as to inform.” Additionally, when a request was beyond its ability, the AI tool was upfront. “This isn’t fully covered in my knowledge base,” it replied. “The best next step is to get in touch with one of our Y.CO brokers, who can guide you with the latest information and options.”
Ultimately, the human touch not only remains at Y.CO, but also gets extra emphasis.
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