27 Oct 2021
We are now seeing the tentative signs that our new digital optimisation planning to increase the bookings for experiences and accommodation throughout the county is beginning to take off.
The board have now signed off the deployment of further Artificial Intelligence on the Visit Somerset platform to automate accommodation booking via the Visit Somerset BOT. Our BOT will not only connect and book for users but also begin to learn about our users’ behaviours and build information for further developments down the line in phase 4. This all part of our Machine Learning strategy. As of now the following will happen: Staylist API integration Design of live rates and inventory accommodation flows Adapted machine learning design User experience testing and validation Other developments - The continuation of the promotion of 'Late Availability' through social media and our new digital magazine - 'The Somerset Club' Other developments will include the re positioning of all the search and book iframes below - “bringing the Staylists accommodation search and booking iframe to the top of the page on each accommodation page” Page content will be reduced in line with Millennial mindset and viewing from a mobile phone. The front of the website will be reconfigured for Mobile phone access as a first priority, in an effort to reduce bounce rate to rates seen with Desktops at 58% from 71% currently. You will also see that we now have a 'Book Experience' and 'Book Accommodatiion' button and magnifying glass in place at the top of the frame.