AmEx buys virtual travel assistant Mezi

American Express has acquired Mezi, an AI-powered travel assistant app that helps users plan and book trips. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Travelers can message Mezi requests for flights, hotel or restaurant reservations, with the app offering recommendations and then, if asked to, making arrangements.

AmEx made an investment in the app through its Ventures arm back in 2016 and is already running a pilot with some card members which will continue through the first half of the year.

Mezi says that it combines AI with human expertise to personalise its results for travelers, learning their preferences and understanding the way they make requests using natural language.

Phil Norman, VP, Digital Labs, AmEx, says: "With messaging emerging as channel of choice for many, and the demand for unique experiences increasing, we believe the combination of Mezi’s capabilities with our global network of expert travel counselors creates a differentiated, high-touch service experience for our Card Members."

Mezi will operate as a wholly-owned AmEx subsidiary led by Snehal Shinde and Swapnil Shinde, who founded the firm in 2015.