Developed in-house over 18 months, TC Co-Pilot integrates with Travel Counsellors’ proprietary platform, Phenix.
Following a successful trial with more than 120 Travel Counsellors, the tool is now being rolled out to Travel Counsellors' global network of more than 2,200 business owners.
Changes made during the trial were guided by direct user feedback, ensuring the platform evolves in line with business needs, said Byrne.
“We use AI to amplify humanness,” he told delegates at Travel Counsellors annual conference at the weekend. “We must adopt AI because the world has changed.”
Unlike generic AI tools like ChatGPT, TC Co-Pilot offers users a “bespoke” experience, said Byrne, providing expert guidance on Phenix and supporting business functions like itinerary building and hotel research.
It also enriches client interactions with tailored packing lists, local dining recommendations, and personalised welcome letters.
AI 'enhancing' rather than 'replacing' human expertise
“It would be an abrogation of my leadership if I didn't say that this [AI] is happening, and that though we need to adopt it,” Byrne told TTG.
“I think it would be deceitful of me to say that you can afford to ignore it because you can't. And anybody thinks that they can, that's their decision. It's their business. But that's not our positioning in our business.”
Speaking to the advisors who may be nervous about using TC Co-Pilot, Byrne said: “You are a wonderful human being and you've been here before, you've navigated every technical change that the world has had.”
The launch marks the start of an ongoing development journey for Travel Counsellors, with future updates set to expand itinerary options, deliver deeper performance insights, and introduce creative tools for engaging marketing content, including reels.
“TC Co-Pilot enhances human expertise rather than replacing it. It empowers our community to work smarter, create more, and deliver exceptional, personalised service,” said Jon Bauer, chief technology officer of Travel Counsellors. “This is innovation designed by our community, for our community.”
