Google‘s parent company, Alphabet, recently announced its second-quarter financial results, highlighting significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Alphabet CEO sundar pichai stated that AI Overviews are now driving 10% more queries globally, contributing to a 14% revenue increase during the quarter.
At Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona, Sergio Torrijos Selma, google’s director of travel, demonstrated a search for “plan me a weekend in Miami for a foodie.” The AI Overview provided immediate data on flights, hotels, and restaurants, streamlining the trip-planning process.
“In just a moment, we have been able to get an overview of what a weekend in Miami could be with almost just one search,” Selma explained.
Selma emphasized the importance of balancing convenience with the enjoyment of trip planning. He noted that while some travelers appreciate the discovery process, new search features aim to enhance convenience without sacrificing the fun of finding ideal travel options.
Addressing marketers’ concerns about visibility in evolving search landscapes, Selma expressed optimism. “I think there has not been a better time to be a marketer than today, honestly,” he said. “For some of us that have been working in marketing for years, we have been listening to the promise of hyper personalization … I think we are closer than ever.”
Selma also mentioned that Google is exploring the integration of ads within AI Overviews, alongside customary organic search results.
Further discussions included personalized trip planning, travel demand trends, and additional AI applications.
Watch Selma’s full presentation and his conversation with Madeline List,manager of research and special projects at Phocuswright,below.