New Brunswick’s tourism department has recently introduced a new AI chatbot to assist travelers in planning their visits to the province. Despite encountering some initial errors in its responses, the company behind the chatbot assured that these issues are common at the early stages and can be easily rectified.
The purpose of this AI tool, known as Explora, is to provide information to visitors in a user-friendly manner. However, the errors made by the chatbot are reminiscent of previous inaccuracies under the Progressive Conservative government. Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin criticized the former tourism minister, Tammy Scott-Wallace, for misinformation in tourism ads two years ago.
In its initial operation, Explora made various mistakes, such as incorrectly stating Saint John as the largest city in the province, when it is actually Moncton. Additionally, it recommended visiting North Lake Provincial Park, which was announced to be closed due to budget cuts. Despite these glitches, the AI chatbot continues to provide outdated or inaccurate information, including suggesting attractions that are closed or no longer exist.
Tourism Minister Isabelle Thériault acknowledged the need to address these errors and ensure accurate information is provided. The contract for the AI model costs $28,000 annually and was signed in 2023. While the decision to choose an American company over local ones was made before the current government took office, Thériault emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to engage with visitors effectively.
Greg Oates from Matador Network, the creator of the AI model, praised New Brunswick for pioneering the use of such technology in tourism. He highlighted the benefits of AI in providing quick and relevant information to users. Oates stressed that while AI may not be flawless, it significantly enhances user experience compared to traditional search methods.
Overall, the implementation of AI in tourism is seen as a valuable tool for both tourists and tourism departments. Despite initial challenges, ongoing improvements and adjustments are being made to enhance the functionality and accuracy of the chatbot.