South African tourism introduces AI-based trip planning tool for North America

The national tourism agency has released an AI chatbot to support North American travelers researching and planning visits to South Africa

South African Tourism has introduced Siyanda, an artificial intelligence travel planning tool created in partnership with the US-based digital media company Matador Network. The initiative is focused on supporting visitors from North America who are researching trips to South Africa.

Siyanda operates on Matador Network’s GuideGeek platform and provides real-time responses to travel-related queries. The tool offers information on itineraries, national parks, outdoor activities, dining, historical sites, and additional points of interest. Responses are based on data supplied by South African Tourism and travel information integrated through GuideGeek.

GuideGeek functions as an AI travel assistant that uses large travel information repositories to offer conversational guidance for destinations worldwide. It is available through social media channels, websites or as a custom tool for tourism organizations.

According to South African Tourism, the name “Siyanda” originates from Xhosa and translates to “we are growing.” The agency noted that travelers from the United States formed South Africa’s largest overseas market in 2024 and that the new tool aligns with the increased use of AI for trip research and planning.

South African Tourism is the national entity responsible for promoting the country for leisure travel and business events.

South Africa is the first African destination to deploy a customized AI planning tool built on GuideGeek. Matador Network states that similar implementations exist in Greece and New Zealand. Siyanda is also available for travel advisors who require on-demand details about itineraries, activities and local travel conditions.

Siyanda can be accessed through the South African Tourism website.