Klook secures win at Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2026

The company leverages AI to simplify last-minute, in-destination travel decisions.

Klook won the AI - Travel Services category in the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2026 for its innovative Klook Nearby feature. It is an AI-powered map with chat that helps travellers discover experiences based on their current location and preferences. By integrating maps, experience listings, and conversational guidance into a single interface, it enables mobile-first, last-minute decisions when travellers are already at their destination.

The feature was developed to address a persistent challenge in travel: helping users decide what to do once they arrive at their destination. As travel planning becomes increasingly spontaneous, decisions are often made within tight timeframes and influenced by travellers’ location, availability, and changing conditions. Klook Nearby unifies discovery, context, and decision-making in a simple, intuitive mobile interface.

In 2024, 83% of experiences on Klook were booked via mobile devices, 95% were confirmed instantly, and over 50% were booked within a week of participation. Klook Nearby closes the gap between high traveller intent and fragmented tools, enabling users to find experiences that fit both their schedule and location seamlessly.

The product strategy and vision for Klook Nearby were led from Singapore by Sam Kwong, Senior Director of Product Management. He collaborated with a global team of UI/UX designers and developers to shape the AI-powered discovery model and guide pilot market selection. The Singapore-led approach anchored the product vision whilst enabling rapid coordination across markets.

Klook Nearby combines map-based exploration with experience listings and a smart chat assistant that understands natural language queries and traveller context, including location, preferences, and timing. Suggested activities are pinned directly on the map, allowing users to move from inspiration to instant booking. Real-time availability, instant confirmation, and a mobile-first design support confident, last-minute decisions.

The feature also extends discovery beyond top attractions, improving visibility for a wider range of merchants and increasing choices for travellers. During beta trials, 71.4% of eligible users tried Klook Nearby, and 56.7% returned within a week, highlighting strong adoption and repeat engagement. Feedback pointed to faster decision-making, better orientation, and reduced planning friction.

Klook Nearby launched first in Hong Kong in November 2025, followed by Japan in December 2025. Looking ahead, Klook plans to expand the feature with deeper personalisation, more advanced conversational capabilities powered by generative AI, and a broader geographic rollout.

The Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards is the most prestigious awards programme for technological innovations, recognising exceptional companies in Singapore that are riding the digital disruption wave and leading the technological revolution and digital journeys of their respective industries.

The Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in pursuit of technological innovation, please contact Danica Avila at +(65) 3158 1386 ext 217 or [email protected].