Is AI “artificial intelligence” or “absolutely idiotic”?
I rarly post about personal matters but I can’t resist a post about my recent experience with tour operator Gate 1, a major player in the tourism industry. My wife and I recently went on one of its riverboat tours on the Douro River in Portugal. It was a disaster. And while I usually do not reply to requests for reviews requested by companies, I did this time. I gave them a terrible review vowing I would never use them again, detailing all the problems we encountered. I expected I would get a response but never like what I received — a response I have to believe was generated by AI with a sense of customer service akin to a rock. Here’s what I received. No need to recite my review. They covered it all. I can’t think of a better example of failed reliance on AI. The previous cruise I enjoyed that they mention was not on Gate 1 (as I told them in my review).
Dear Mr. Wood,
Thank you for writing to us regarding your first trip with Gate 1 Travel from Afurada onboard the Douro Cruiser.
We were sorry to hear about your recent experience. It sounds like this river cruise was a major disappointment, especially after having enjoyed others in the past. To deal with a combination of poor accommodations, inadequate facilities, and the discomfort of your wife falling ill must have been incredibly frustrating. We hope she is in better health. You deserved a relaxing, enjoyable trip, and, understandably, you’re upset about the small rooms, thin walls, and failing HVAC, which directly impacted your comfort and well-being.
Having to spend more time on buses than on tours, and even missing key parts due to faulty technology, must have been disheartening, especially when you’re trying to make the most of your trip. Shockingly, basics like food, water, and even first-aid supplies were lacking, particularly in such critical moments as when your wife hurt her knee. The issues with running out of alcohol and food items like butter and apple juice add to the overall disappointment of the service provided.
We can only imagine how let down you must feel, especially after paying for a full alcohol package, experiencing subpar meals, and dealing with disorganized processes like boarding passes that didn’t even offer proper security. It’s good to hear that the tour and activity directors did what they could and were friendly, but they had their hands tied with the situation.
Mr. Wood, thank you for allowing us to read your thorough feedback. Rest assured, we have forwarded your invaluable feedback to our Product Development Department so they may be aware of your impressions and use that information when designing future tours for Gate 1 Travel.
We look forward to welcoming you back on your second tour with Gate 1 Travel. We are certain that your next Gate 1 Travel adventure will be great.
Sincerely,
As the saying goes, “you can’t make this stuff up.”