Interview with Facilities Using 'KUROKO AI' to Support Direct Bookings｜Breaking Free from OTA Dependency and AI Search Optimization

ExpreTech Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yamato Tokugawa) is pleased to announce that its AI agent for stores and facilities, 'KUROKO AI' (https://kuroko-ai.site/), has received numerous reports of success from its corporate clients, particularly in the accommodation industry.

In recent years, travelers' information gathering methods have expanded beyond traditional Google searches and OTAs (booking sites) to AI searches, including ChatGPT. However, many accommodation facilities currently face chronic labor shortages, making it difficult to maintain Google Business Profiles, distribute information, or implement SEO/MEO strategies. KUROKO AI supports facilities with AI-driven assistance, including continuous information distribution about their charms, AI Search Engine Optimization (AEO), MEO strategies, and review response support, thereby driving an increase in direct bookings and strengthening independent marketing capabilities.

Case Study 1: Vacation Rental Operator in Northern Gifu

### Challenges Before Implementation - Heavily dependent on OTAs for most bookings - Wanted to increase bookings via their own website - Lacked the human resources to maintain continuous information distribution

### Changes After Implementation - Able to maintain information distribution conscious of AI searches - Felt improved visibility on Google Business Profile - Significantly reduced man-hours for marketing tasks

### Customer Comment This is a service that any operator wanting to focus on customer acquisition should absolutely try. Before implementation, I was skeptical about whether AI could really do this much, but once we used it, I found it understood our facility's features and strengths deeply and continued to promote us. We even rediscovered charms we hadn't noticed ourselves. It might be hard to convey in words, but you will realize the value once you use it. I highly recommend this service to anyone struggling with acquisition or unable to secure time for marketing.

Case Study 2: Villa Operator in the Chugoku Region

### Challenges Before Implementation - Felt the importance of MEO but could not maintain it due to daily operational busyness - Did not know where to start with AEO (AI search measures) - Lacked time and know-how to implement acquisition strategies

### Changes After Implementation - Enabled daily information distribution that was previously impossible - Drastically reduced time spent worrying about acquisition strategies - Able to spend more time on primary tasks like customer service and facility improvements - Reduced OTA dependency, increased direct bookings, and significantly improved profit margins

### Customer Comment We were struggling to figure out what to post or what strategies were effective when we tried MEO or AEO by ourselves. After introducing KUROKO AI, the burden of thinking about acquisition strategies was greatly reduced, and we were able to continue our measures naturally every day. A huge benefit is that we can now dedicate the time previously spent on acquisition to the work we really want to focus on, such as customer interaction and facility improvement.

For any operator who thinks, 'I want to take measures but have no time' or 'I don't know where to start,' this service is worth a try.

'AI Search Optimization' Required in the Hospitality Industry Traveler search behavior is changing. Users are increasingly asking AI directly questions such as:

- Recommended accommodation in [Area] - Villa with pets allowed - Auberge with excellent food - Accommodation recommended for family trips

In the future, it will be important not just to rank high in search results, but to become a 'facility recommended by AI.'

KUROKO AI builds an information distribution base compatible with both AI and Google searches by continuously communicating the facility's characteristics and charms, supporting the expansion of awareness and strengthening of direct customer acquisition.

Furthermore, its strengths lie in pricing and ease of operation that make it accessible for facilities facing labor shortages or lacking a dedicated marketing person.

Future Outlook ExpreTech will continue to promote AI-powered acquisition support, focusing on the accommodation industry.

We aim to create an environment where facilities can attract customers even without dedicated marketing staff, supporting the sustainable growth of accommodation facilities.