OpenTable develops Facebook Messenger bot for online bookings
Diners will now be able to make restaurant reservations directly through Facebook Messenger, after OpenTable developed a bot using the social media network's new Chat Extensions feature.
OpenTable said that the new tool would allow diners to search and suggest available restaurants to friends and then make a reservation through the bot, all without leaving Messenger.
"We're delighted that our millions of global diners are now able to plan and make restaurant reservations with their Facebook friends all within Messenger," said Catherine Porter, senior vice-president of strategy and business development at OpenTable. "We hope this service helps diners more easily collaborate on dining plans by sharing restaurant suggestions and coordinating a reservation all in one place."
In any Messenger conversation, diners can activate the OpenTable bot by tapping the Chat Extensions (+) icon on the bottom left of the app, pick an available restaurant to recommend and share with friends, and then instantly book a table once a choice is made. The reservation can then be shared with friends.
"Dining out is inherently social and millions of people are already using Messenger and social media to connect with friends to discuss dining. The addition of the OpenTable bot for Messenger is a natural extension of this behavior enabling them to plan and book together," added Porter.
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