Two Tokyo-based firms and Microsoft Japan on Thursday launched an English-language tourism app with an AI agent to target a surge in inbound tourists that is projected to continue.

The Japan Trip Navigator app for Apple iOS was released by travel agency JTB Corp., navigation firm Navitime Co. and Microsoft Japan. The companies said they aim to make the free app a dominant resource for tourists.

The app allows travel plans to be made by tapping JTB's network and answers questions with the help of an AI concierge devised by Microsoft. Navitime's technology was added to help people find their way around.