FCM’s chatbot Sam – short for “Smart Assistant for Mobile” – is now globally live on the App Store and Google Play.
According to FCM, Sam combines artificial intelligence with the expertise of real travel consultants to deliver personalised, relevant information to business travellers’ mobile devices through a chat-based interface. The app is designed to support travellers with all aspects of their trip through a conversational interface. Sam can answer questions, make recommendations and perform actions before, during and post trip.
There are two levels of Sam available – a basic, free version that enables users to add trips manually, view weather, traffic and flights alerts, and connects with local ground transport options, as well as a premium version exclusively for FCM clients with additional features that are tailored to the customers’ needs. Premium features include auto-synching bookings, an integrated self-booking tool, live chat with an FCM consultant and the option for users to share their location as part of a mobile duty of care feature.
The app was first launched to FCM’s US clients in 2016, followed by the launch of the premium version in the UK in November 2017. The company will roll out Sam globally in phases over the next few months.
Marcus Eklund, global general manager of FCM Travel Solutions, said: “Business travel can be a challenging process for travellers – upheavals caused by change of circumstances, delays, rushing to the airport, packing the night before, all on top of the stresses of actually doing business and the purpose of the trip. Our FCM Lab developed Sam to support our clients’ individual travellers and make life easier for them.”
uk.fcm.travel/technology/meet-sam-your-travel-assistant-mobile