MUMBAI: MakeMyTrip, an online travel company, has advanced its AI innovation agenda with the introduction of Semantic Search for hotel and homestay discovery. The AI-powered feature enables travellers to find accommodation by describing their requirements in natural language, removing the need to navigate multiple filters. Built on the same AI framework as Myra, the system interprets open-ended queries and delivers relevant results based on traveller intent. This makes the search process more accessible and efficient, particularly for users looking for specific combinations of amenities, locations, or experiences.
Users can search with queries like “pet-friendly hotels in Manali with a swimming pool” or “heritage stays near Jaipur forts with parking.” The AI interprets these requests and returns relevant properties with contextual information — property visuals, AI-curated user-generated content, and personalised rankings. The feature also includes AI smart suggestions that surface recommendations like “beachfront hotels in Goa” or “Ooty stays with mountain views,” each tagged with reasons such as “great for families” or “private pools available.” This helps travellers discover options and make decisions faster.
Speaking about the development, Ankit Khanna, Chief Product Officer, MakeMyTrip, said, “Our goal is to make travel planning as natural as conversation. With AI Search within stay booking experience, we’re simplifying one of the most important parts of the traveller journey, finding the right stay. Instead of forcing users to think like a system, we’ve built a system that understands how people naturally express themselves.”
MakeMyTrip recently announced the Beta launch of its GenAI-enabled Trip Planning Assistant Myra. The assistant supports travellers through every stage of their journey, from destination discovery and booking to in-trip and post-travel assistance. Available in both English, and Hindi during its Beta phase, Myra enables users to plan and book using voice or text. The company plans to expand Myra to multiple Indian languages after fine-tuning conversation flows based on early user feedback.
