Emirates Vacations has partnered with Wayblazer for the launch of a AI-powered chatbot that communicates with consumers through display ads.

Emirates says use of the medium drove an 87% lift in engagement compared to more traditional click-through ads.

Wayblazer’s recommendation engine lies behind the chatbot ad which asks consumers questions about their trip and makes recommendations.

According to a statement, the ads combine publisher content, user intent and preferences as well as  inventory to make personalized, in-context recommendations. The chatbot can also drives users to action via the Emirates Vacations’ website or direct them to a consultant.

Wayblazer CEO Noreen Henry says:

“By leveraging rich data analytics and natural language processing, our chatbot ads are allowing Emirates Vacations to interact with customers across touchpoints and increase conversions.”

It’s not the first time the two companies have worked together. A vacation travel planner was launched on the Emirates Vacations’ site last year following a collaboration.

During a keynote session at World Travel Market last November, WayBlazer founder and chairman Terry Jones tipped artificial intelligence as having the potential to be the user interface of the future as it learns what consumers want and offers advice accordingly.

He also highlighted the potential for voice to be a huge disruptor.

Related reading:

Wayblazer, the travel cognitive computing startup, lands $5m