Information for guests and travellers
The Styrian holiday region of Schladming-Dachstein is continuing its digital guest information initiative. In addition to daily updated information on the website, social media channels, and a dedicated app, numerous displays have been in use at several locations since last year. Now the tourist board has taken another pioneering step: A new AI assistant to serve guests directly at the Tourist Information Office.
“The focus of this trial is to examine how an AI assistant can be used as digital support in guest service – not as a replacement, but as a helpful addition to everyday tourism,” explains Carolin Lang, Head of Digitalization at the Schladming-Dachstein Tourist Board.
The AI assistant, named “Patrizia,” was trained with current tourist information about the region, especially for spring hikes and walks in the valley. Interaction is conducted via voice input: Guests select their preferred language on the screen and then speak directly and naturally with the avatar.
Further progress is needed for broader use, but Mathias Schattleitner, Managing Director of the Schladming-Dachstein Tourist Board, is convinced of the technology: “There is no doubt that AI will increasingly permeate all areas of our lives in the future and be of great benefit. Therefore, it is extremely important for us to be at the forefront of the technical developments.
