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Revolutionizing Visitor Experience in Destination Marketing with 24/7 Personalized Assistance & Real-Time Data
LONG ISLAND, NY (September 12, 2024) — Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, announces the launch of “LiLi” the conversational AI tool on discoverlongisland.com. This new implementation of AI technology on the destination’s website allows users to easily sort through the depth of content by asking specific questions that LiLi can answer within seconds and provides Discover Long Island new data on how users are interfacing with the website as well as what new content should be added depending on most common questions. LiLi not only provides website visitors personalized responses to questions 24 hours a day, but the AI technology ensures that the information provided comes directly from Discover Long Island partners and content featured on the organization’s website and then builds upon the learnings of each interaction to constantly enhance the visitor experience.
AI LiLi is modeled after DLI’s mobile visitor center, which the organization debuted in 2018 as an innovative conversion of an iconic Long Island ice cream truck. The mobile visitor center allows DLI to directly access prospective visitors on-the-go through activations at tourist hot spots and major events. Through a social media contest in 2018, the public was encouraged to help name the mobile visitor center, ultimately landing on LiLi (pronounced “Lily”).
This new conversational AI tool allows LiLi more on-the-go accessibility, as a digital version of the mobile visitor center is now embedded on Discover Long Island’s website, ready to answer any and all Long Island-related questions associated with the organization’s website which interacts with 1.2 million visitors annually.
"LiLi represents a significant step in our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the visitor experience on Long Island,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Reynolds. “By providing seamless and personalized information to those who visit our website, LiLi will encourage visitors to stay present on our site for a longer period of time and will revolutionize how they discover the countless attractions and activities our beautiful destination has to offer. This latest advancement to our organization’s services overall makes it easier than ever for people to Discover Long Island."
AI LiLi was created by Discover Long Island in collaboration with Satisfi Labs, a conversational experience platform founded in 2016 with a focus on the sports and entertainment industries. More recently, Satisfi has branched into the tourism sector, and Discover Long Island is proud to be one of the first destination marketing organizations (DMOs) among Satisfi’s more than 600 global clients to embrace this unparalleled conversational AI technology on their website.
"Living on Long Island myself, it's a proud moment to work with Discover Long Island and see Satisfi Labs' innovation launched right in my backyard,” said CEO of Satisfi Labs, Donny White. “DLI has eagerly jumped right into this world of AI chat technology, really making strides in the tourism industry. I’m excited to continue watching their success with LiLi grow. They serve as an example for other DMOs that this type of technology can enhance the experience for both locals and visitors alike, who are interested in exploring the best that destinations have to offer.”
According to a recent Nation Research Group (NRG) study on AI in the travel industry which studied more than one-thousand Americans, a majority of consumers are open to embracing the power of AI in the travel space, therefore the methodology in creating this conversational AI LiLi is supported.
The study shows:
- 61% of consumers say they would be willing to use a conversational AI to help plan a future trip.
- 46% of consumers expect AI to have an overall positive impact on their travel experience.
- Consumers listed “Recommending activities or attractions to visit based on my interests,” (39%) and “Providing information on local restaurants or cuisine,” (36%) as two of the top cases in which they would be interested in using AI.
LiLi will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information to consumers, as frequent searches and FAQs collected over the past 45 years of the organization’s service as official DMO for Long Island, have been fed to the Chatbot system directly by Discover Long Island staff during the trial period.
LiLi is available to assist website visitors via both computer and mobile devices. Visit discoverlongisland.com today to ask LiLi all of your Long Island tourism questions.
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ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:
Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw recent record-breaking highs of $7.5 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions for their 11 social media channels which garner upwards of 10 million views. Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast. To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.
Media Contact:
Courtney Guiry
Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Phone 631.951.3900 x. 307
