Categories Travel

[INTERVIEW] Ex-Auction Founder Combines AI and Years of Travel Insights in New App

Simplifying Travel Planning: Introducing the Vacance App

Planning a family trip to Osaka this fall? The process can be daunting, involving tedious bookings and extensive research on destinations. However, a new travel app named Vacance is here to streamline that experience.

A Game-Changer in Travel Technology

Oh Hyuk, the CEO of local tour company Les Vacances and a pioneer in the e-commerce space with the founding of Korea’s first platform in 1998, has launched Vacance—an AI-driven travel app designed to transform the way people plan their travels. The app generates tailored itineraries based on users’ schedules and offers recommendations for flights and accommodations, all within a single platform.

Unveiled recently, Vacance combines cutting-edge technology with verified travel data amassed over 23 years by Les Vacances, surpassing standard itinerary generation forms.

Addressing Travel Information Accuracy

In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Oh emphasized the importance of accuracy in travel information. He stated, “Travel information errors mean financial and time losses for travelers. Instead of guessing details, we verify operating hours and prices against our database, eliminating errors.”

Vacance’s system consists of four specialized tech engines that create realistic daily routes, keep up with local conditions in real-time, and personalize recommendations based on user preferences.

Extensive Resources and Free Access

With a vast amount of data collected over 23 years—featuring 656 guidebooks and 83 specialized museum catalogs—users can enjoy complimentary access to a variety of Korean audio guides and digital catalogs for world-renowned art venues, such as the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sustainable Business Model

To maintain operations without charging users, Vacance will generate revenue through affiliate booking commissions, targeted business-to-business travel advertising, and custom tour packages provided by local agencies.

Adaptation to Market Trends

Recognizing the potential within the travel industry, Oh noted recent advancements in aviation and mobile technology, including the increasing availability of free inflight Wi-Fi. As travelers spend more time on long flights, they are likely to engage with digital content, allowing Vacance to tap into this growing market.

A Journey Built on Resilience

Oh’s passion for technology and travel stems from a long career filled with adaptability and determination. After guiding Auction to its successful acquisition by eBay in 2001, he dedicated over a decade to business ventures in the Philippines, enhancing his technical skills late into the night. Even a severe health crisis in 2024 did not deter him from launching Vacance.

“If Auction connected people with products, Vacance connects them with the world,” Oh stated. Even approaching senior citizen status next February, his commitment to innovation remains unwavering. His ultimate goal? To create the best travel guide available.

Conclusion

Vacance is set to redefine the travel planning process, making it more efficient and reliable. By leveraging AI and verified data, it aims to connect people not just to destinations, but also to enriching experiences around the globe.

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