By Kavita Mistry 
MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company, has introduced Semantic Search, an AI-powered feature designed to simplify hotel and homestay discovery. The new capability enables travellers to find stays by typing queries in natural language, such as “pet-friendly hotels in Manali with a swimming pool” or “heritage stays near Jaipur forts with parking,” removing the need to navigate multiple filters.
Built on the same AI framework as MakeMyTrip’s GenAI-enabled assistant, Myra, the Semantic Search system interprets open-ended queries to deliver relevant and context-driven results based on traveller intent. It supports personalised recommendations, enhanced by property visuals, curated user-generated content, and tailored rankings.
The system also offers AI smart suggestions that surface recommendations such as “beachfront hotels in Goa” or “Ooty stays with mountain views,” accompanied by context tags like “great for families” or “private pools available.” This feature aims to make stay discovery faster, simpler, and more intuitive for users.
Speaking about the development, Ankit Khanna, Chief Product Officer, MakeMyTrip, said, “Our goal is to make travel planning as natural as conversation. With AI Search within stay booking experience, we’re simplifying one of the most important parts of the traveller journey, finding the right stay. Instead of forcing users to think like a system, we’ve built a system that understands how people naturally express themselves.”
The introduction of Semantic Search builds on MakeMyTrip’s broader AI innovation strategy. Earlier this year, the company launched the Beta version of its GenAI Trip Planning Assistant, Myra, which assists travellers across various stages—from discovery and booking to in-trip and post-travel support. Currently available in English and Hindi, Myra enables users to plan and book using voice or text, with plans to expand to additional Indian languages following user feedback.
