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Opinion The top travel-tech trends set to revolutionize tourism in 2023

Technology-driven innovations are reshaping the travel industry, with smart hotels, ar/vr experiences, contactless solutions, and ai-powered personalization leading the way towards a more seamless and efficient travel journey.

• FairFly rebrands as Oversee, adds Rapyd CEO Shtilman to board
• HyperGuest raises $23 million Series A to connect hotels, suppliers, and travel distributors
• Travel insurtech startup Faye lands $10 million in Series A

Preview: Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2023

A preview of the most significant innovation trends in travel technology and distribution for 2023.

By Phocuswright Research

Introduction

As the world fully reopens in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry can once again focus its attention squarely on the future. While significant challenges remain (i.e., inflation, recession, staffing, international conflict), it’s a good time to place strategy and competitive edge-building at the forefront. 

Each year, Phocuswright's expert analysts identify the technology and innovation trends that will influence travel significantly in the coming year and beyond. This year, we’re exploring the growing roles of social media and Web3 in travel, addressing the realities of sustainability and our fragmented technology landscape, and pondering the impact of the next game-changing technologies like generative AI and eVTOLs. 

This overview article is a preview of the full report , which features brief introductions to the eight trends that we will cover in the coming months. Stay tuned for each full trend analysis, and for details on a late spring/early summer webinar in which we’ll discuss these trends live. 

The Future of Social Media, Influencers and Social Commerce in Travel

Web3 is proving itself in travel .

• Green Travel Innovation Now (Yes, Now!) 

Selling Travel Is Hot Again – Even If You’re Not a Travel Company 

Glimpsing the future: chatgpt, generative ai and travel .

• Regime Change in Digital Hotel Operations 
• eVTOLs in Travel: Viable Addition or Flights of Fancy? 

Super Apps’ Secret Sauce 

By Robert Cole

Efficient direct-to-consumer marketing has been the goal of travel industry marketers since the dawn of the internet. Intermediaries may create value by cost effectively expanding brand reach, but they rarely enhance the brand-customer relationship in a manner superior to the brand itself. 

According to one projection, U.S. social commerce surpassed $45 billion in 2022 and will reach nearly $80 billion in 2025, growing its share of total e-commerce sales to 5.2%.

Social commerce – in which merchants sell products directly through social media platforms without involving another e-commerce environment – is a key strategy for direct consumer engagement. According to one projection, U.S. social commerce surpassed $45 billion in 2022 and will reach nearly $80 billion in 2025, growing its share of total e-commerce sales to 5.2%.

The forthcoming report will focus on:

• How influencer-driven social commerce differs from traditional paid advertising
• Sponsorship and affiliate marketing methods typically employed throughout the social media landscape
• Influencer communities

The future of influencer-driven social commerce represents a significant opportunity for a travel industry striving to develop direct distribution channels, nurture loyalty and improve marketing efficiency. 

Image captions

By Norm Rose 

After years of hype surrounding blockchain and Web3 technologies, 2023 promises to be the year when Web3 starts providing measurable value to the travel industry. This is both a revolutionary and evolutionary change that will eventually impact all players in the travel ecosystem. 

• Separating the hype from true business impact
• Reviewing the landscape
• Adopting Web3 across the industry
• A closer look at the Web3 startup space and innovative companies, highlighting their unique contributions to the space
• An evaluation of how traditional industry players are viewing Web3 technologies, with an eye to understanding how the mainstream travel industry will adopt Web3
• A review of multiple sectors of the industry, including air and hotel distribution, short-term vacation rentals, ride sharing, payment, settlement, social travel and loyalty

The focus will be less on these companies’ future capabilities, and instead evaluate the real-world impact these companies have today. 

Green Travel Innovation Now (Yes, Now!)

By Cathy Schetzina Walsh

Facing mounting pressure to enact measurable change, travel companies must move beyond greenwashing and halfhearted environmental efforts.  

The industry can either accept the challenge to make real change and become more sustainable via innovation – or be forced to do so via crises, regulation and traveler demand.

• Several new initiatives launched by travel companies and destinations
• How individual travel companies are shifting towards renewable energy sources
• How travelers – particularly younger travelers – increasingly consider environmental impact when making travel plans

Travel companies must innovate now to establish green infrastructure, leverage data and influence traveler behavior to shift the industry towards green energy sources and preserve tourism for future generations. There are many challenges along this path. Stay tuned for more on what’s realistic, what’s not and what needs to happen to effect meaningful change. 

By Lorraine Sileo

Non-travel brands, such as financial institutions, retailers and loyalty clubs must really want to get into the travel business. Over the past 18 months, several have launched travel booking platforms or announced ambitious plans to do so, even though the online travel agency market is already consolidated and highly competitive. Will they succeed? If so, what are their advantages and what will be the impact on the marketplace?  

If travel is best left to the big travel portals, then why are so many other entities jumping in?

If travel is best left to the big travel portals, then why are so many other entities jumping in? First, it’s easy to resell travel, considering the plug-and-play options offered by Expedia for Business, Rocket Travel (Booking.com), Hopper Cloud and others. And though non-travel brands’ travel gross bookings are tiny (earned commissions), the benefits can be big in terms of generating value and customer loyalty (e.g., Costco Travel, BJ’s Travel, AARP Travel Center). 

• How these developments put a whole new spin on online travel – creating pockets of loyalty across myriad brands
• How they compare to giant OTAs
• How they signal a shift in consumer behavior

“The travel industry can use generative AI in a variety of ways …” At least according to ChatGPT , the free chatbot from OpenAI that made its public debut in November 2022 (see figure below). Since its launch, ChatGPT has attracted massive attention as the world gets a taste of AI’s creative potential. But while the technology does have applications for travel, it comes with a number of challenges that must be addressed before generative AI can have a substantial impact on the industry. 

• Why generative AI is an area that travel companies should follow closely
• Why ChatGPT marks a substantial step forward
• Speed of advancement and potential pitfalls

Regime Change in Digital Hotel Operations  

By Adam Glickman, VP Brand Strategy, Actabl and Dmitry Koltunov, Co-founder, ALICE  

Hoteliers have typically looked at past performance and results to help forecast the future. They painstakingly analyze historical data to develop budgets, plans and goals. It’s been quite a simple approach, really: look back to compare in order to look forward and plan. 

Real-time data is the “beating heart” that forward-looking plans flow through, and which allows hoteliers to maximize profits while optimizing guest experiences.

But as we move on from COVID and “revenge travel” and adapt to changing travel patterns for business, leisure and group, it’s time to consider a new approach in the context of labor shortages and inflationary pressures. It is essential to develop a strategy that puts real-time data analysis at the core of a plan to manage the business. Real-time data is the “beating heart” that forward-looking plans flow through, and which allows hoteliers to maximize profits while optimizing guest experiences. 

• Several novel data-centric approaches to optimize operating performance in new and powerful ways
• Forward-looking demand data that can help enable precise scheduling and staffing
• How sales pace and sales leader performance data can uncover market-wide trends and individual performance management opportunities
• Identifying operational functions that can be automated, freeing up team members to deliver more personalized services to more guests
• Predicting new ancillary revenue sources by evaluating changing guest behavior patterns for each market where hotels operate
• Reviewing target Hours of labor Per Occupied Room (HPOR) for various segments and providing recommendations for using benchmarks to forecast labor costs

EVTOLs in Travel: Viable Addition or Flights of Fancy? 

By: Hollis Thomases 

EVTOLs, the acronym for Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft (pronounced “ee-vee-tolls”), have been in development for over a decade. Heralded as a greener solution to fossil fuel-powered short-haul planes, helicopters and roadway-clogging cars, eVTOLs will likely service intracity and city-to-city travel. The ecosystem is commonly referred to as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) or Urban Air Transportation (UAT).  

While the applications of eVTOLs are broad and have previously been categorized into areas such as cargo, emergency medical or inspections, Phocuswright’s forthcoming analysis will focus on passenger transportation.

In the past 18 months, United, American, Virgin Atlantic and Delta have each invested in and/or made deal commitments to one or more eVTOL companies.

• Addressing carbon emissions and climate change
• Collaboration and access to data and technology
• Improving the passenger/travel experience
• Mindshare, relevancy and branding
• Broadening of accessible markets

To flourish, eVTOLs must overcome concerns regarding short-term hindrances. Some of these key pain points include safety issues, significant legal and governing issues, certification of vehicles and pilots, public perception and adoption, sustainability, and infrastructure constraints. 

What do Google, Meta, Twitter, Hopper, Booking.com, PayPal and Uber have in common? All are Western companies with their sights on becoming super apps in the vein of Asia’s all-in-one mobile powerhouses. Apps like WeChat and AliPay in China, Grab (Singapore), PayTM (India), GoTo (Indonesia), Kakao (South Korea) and AirAsia (Malaysia) have all built addictive multi-service apps that dominate their respective markets. 

While different market conditions from region to region are not replicable, there are strategic lessons to be learned from the apps themselves.  

It remains to be seen whether companies can replicate the level of super app success seen in Asia Pacific (and more recently, in Africa and Latin America) in Western markets like the U.S. and Europe. But you don’t have to build a full-fledged unicorn super app to capture some of the benefits that have made these platforms an essential part of daily life for Asian consumers. 

While different market conditions from region to region are not replicable, there are strategic lessons to be learned from the apps themselves:

• Multiple services
• Daily usage
• Social networking
• Gamification
• What can be learned from successful super apps to make travel offerings stickier and more appealing
• Whether a travel company aspires to super app status or not

The overview article features full introductions to the eight trends that we will cover in the coming months.

Watch the online event that covered each trend, presented by Phocuswright analysts:

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

The Travel Tech of the Future

It’s no secret: Technology is changing the way we explore the world, and our relationship with it.

Here’s Traveler magazine’s take on ten new developments that are   making it easier for travelers to see more of our extraordinary planet, with a softer ecological impact:

1. Liquid Gold:   Inventor   Dean Kamen ’s ingenious   Slingshot water purifier   could be the answer to bringing clean water to some of the 738 million people in the world who don’t have it—and to travelers whose use of it puts an extra burden on developing areas.

2. The Big Picture:   One-shot, 360° photo technology will change how we document our travels. New or in-development omnidirectional cameras by   Ricoh   and   Giroptic   capture, with one click, panoramic images that smartphone cameras can’t yet record. The next generation? Affordable omni­directional video cameras.

3. Twist for the Wrist:   The Pebble smartwatch , which syncs via Bluetooth to smartphones and displays texts, tweets, caller ID, and other bits of information, is paving the way for wearable computing. The watch can be customized with downloadable watch faces and Internet apps, including ones to control your music or track your running pace and distance. An Apple iWatch is reportedly in the works, too.

4. Hail Yes!:   Controversial in some cities, e-hailing apps are on the move.   Taxi Magic   provides reliable tracking,   Sidecar   takes on ride-sharing, and   WOW Taxi   has the first platform for booking wheelchair-ready cabs in Manhattan. That’s no mean feat in a city of 13,000 taxis—only 233 of which handle wheelchairs.

5. Spectacular Spectacles:   With the potential to change the way we travel, access information, and experience destinations, Google Glass now takes the form of augmented-reality eyewear that projects data (addresses, e-mails, images) in a small LCD, visible only to the wearer; this technology will eventually translate to contact lenses. Looking backward, Past View augmented-reality video goggles show images of long-gone structures as you tour a city (currently available in Seville, Spain).

6. Stick It to Me:   Utah-based Chamtech Enterprises has developed a Wi-Fi sticker for laptops and cellphones. The bandwidth-enhancer is loaded with thousands of nanoparticles that are capable of boosting a device’s signal strength.

7. Dig It?:   Scientists such as   National Geographic Explorer   Albert Yu-Min Lin   use satellite imagery and infrared scans to search for buried pyramids in Egypt or Genghis Khan’s tomb in Mongolia without invasive digging. What they find may be our next travel hot spot.

8. Cash Out:   Mobile-commerce apps such as Square ,   which works in tandem with a credit card reader, simplify transactions, turning smartphones into a tool for buying, selling, or receiving receipts. If transactional kinks get fixed, digital peer-to-peer currencies like bitcoin could let you bypass banks entirely.

9. Fast Pass:   Your next passport could be your smartphone. Apple and other tech giants are developing traveler-focused systems that could replace a paper passport with a digital one, which would store personal identification data, boarding passes, and reservations. Fingerprint immigration checkpoints in Singapore have already proven that biometrics are the secret to hassle-free arrival.

10. Share Economy:   Campinmygarden.com lists yards where travelers can pitch a tent. Spinlister.com helps visitors rent bikes from locals for as little as ten dollars a day. Emerging apps ParkatmyHouse and Park Circa offer parking spots at homes and businesses.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

George W. Stone   is an editor at large at   National Geographic Traveler   magazine.  

Do you know about a tech development that’s changing the way we travel? Share your insider intel with the Intelligent Travel community by leaving a comment.

> Related:  

• 13 Big Questions on the Future of Travel  
• Three Clutch Travel Apps

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The Future of Travel

What will it look like? Yes, there will be advances out of sci-fi, like space tourism and floating cities, but there will also be people-centered innovations that impact how we experience travel and where we choose to go. Whatever’s next, we’re ready for it.

Bright Ideas in Travel 2023

By CNT Editors

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The foundation of a new reality in travel

10-MINUTE READ

September 1, 2023

Certainly, many of you are curious observers, like me, who never fail to notice and appreciate subtle improvements or bold innovations during business trips or leisure journeys. Be it your kids’ live interaction with their favorite sports star’s holographic avatar at the airport, or sunny side up eggs with medium cooked veggies on the side appearing at the breakfast table at the hotel, as if the chef read your mind. Or even a thoughtful message that your luggage safely made it through the short connection to the underbelly of the airplane, somewhere just below the business class seat you’re in right now.

I’m constantly amazed by the innovations that delight the traveler at every step of the journey and, at the same time, make a big difference to the travel business. Going to new places, meeting new people, embracing new experiences has never been more high-tech—or more exciting.

Ushering in a new era of travel

It’s safe to say that the travel industry , and travel itself, is on the cusp of a new era. With ambitious travel players competing to shape new physical and digital realities for consumers, and quickly evolving technologies like generative AI changing the way we approach work trips, vacations and holidays, it’s easy to see why many view this as a moment of fundamental transition for the industry.

In fact, 98% of travel executives agree that the convergence of the digital and physical worlds will transform business over the next decade. It is going to be an era of travel in which the interactions and experiences—in a digital world built on ‘bits’ and in the real world built of ‘atoms’—will become not just seamless but more synergetic.

In this new era, companies that understand and prioritize investments in the big innovations that are shaping the industry—cloud, metaverse , AI and data—are not just going to see higher returns but are going to play the biggest part in shaping the future of travel. With this in mind, we’ve identified four trends which travel players need to be aware of and embrace to stay on top of their game. 

Digital identity

Digital identity is about making it easier for travel companies to interact and connect with consumers, while helping ensure the safety and security of travelers and their data. With the UN calling for the creation of a legal ID for all people by 2030, travel companies need to establish core digital identities. This means creating a secure and trusted identity system that makes use of digital ID’s and leverages biometrics and other innovations to remove some of the hassle and hazards of traveling in the process. 

Take, for example, Air Canada – which has launched a digital identification system. Using the Air Canada app, customers can create a digital profile before taking a trip, which is used to confirm their identity at airports. Customers can then proceed along their journey without needing to show a boarding pass or government ID. 1

Keeping customers safe and secure is only part of the equation, though. Creating digital identities can help create interconnected experiences between travel players and provide a completely different end-to-end traveler experience . Delta Airlines understands this quite well. That’s why they opened the first biometric terminal in the U.S. in 2018, allowing travelers to use facial recognition for check-in bag drop and more. The solution removes the need for customers to present their passport up to four times per departure, saving an average of nine minutes when boarding a widebody aircraft. 2

Data transparency

Like all businesses, travel companies need to use data, and use it better, to stay competitive and relevant. This goes hand in hand with having the right data architecture to improve data management, deliver better visibility and achieve superior insights.

By leveraging data and data platforms in the right way, travel companies can increase transparency, visibility and trust into their processes, consumers, investments and more. For example, Radisson Hotels by Choice Hotels created a scalable digital Salesforce CRM platform and franchisee portal that consolidates all owner and franchisee touchpoints onto a single system. As a result, the company is closing deals more quickly and reducing administrative costs, and owners and franchisees have personalized information at their fingertips via any channel.

Of course, personalization is also another important aspect of data transparency. By making better use of data, travel companies can more easily understand traveler preferences, determine what customers want, create truly unique experiences, and engage customers like never before. For example, by integrating data from different sources such as airports, airlines, and ride-hailing services, companies can provide customers with a suggested schedule for their door-to-door journey and offer relevant promotions. This is going to be essential in an increasingly competitive environment where travelers are willing to spend more on luxury travel and unique experiences that they can’t find anywhere else.

Finally, data-sharing agreements are also essential, and fundamental to protecting customer privacy, loyalty and trust. And building intelligence and security into data platforms can help identify risks such as synthetic profiles and deep fakes.

Generative AI

Generative AI is not just the latest innovation in the world of travel but also has the potential to revolutionize the entire traveler journey and the travel value chain. Travel companies can use the power of generative AI to guide travelers seamlessly through their journey. And they can do this while delivering hyper-personalized experiences, and opening up new possibilities in travel inspiration, personalized trip planning and individualized marketing.

Priceline’s new automated travel agent, Penny, is a great example of how Generative AI can make the traveler journey easier and more robust. Connected to Priceline’s entire hotel network, Penny can provide local restaurant and sightseeing recommendations, let customers interact with the front desk, and even allow customers to safely and securely book directly within the chatbot. 3

Ultimately, this technology has the potential to transform the way the travel industry does business, and the way it impacts both customers and employees—all while making customers feel more confident, engaged and secure as they go through their entire journey.

Technology and science

For decades, we’ve focused on the impact and potential that new technologies are delivering for the travel industry . Now, it’s becoming apparent that technology alone cannot solve major global problems affecting travel. Instead, we’ve got to combine technology with the latest science to make travel safer and more efficient.

The Avelia platform, built and launched together with Shell, Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel aims to tackle these fundamental challenges. It’s an innovative, blockchain-enabled solution that links corporate entities, cargo players and airlines to producers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The platform enables corporate entities to share the environmental costs and benefits of SAF. This means that more SAF can be used to fuel flights, in turn providing fuel suppliers with the confidence to invest in production. And of course, this is going to help the aviation industry make great strides toward meeting net zero targets. 4

Solving for such multi-dimensional and time-sensitive problems also requires huge computational power. Quantum computing—in particular—will be crucial. This technology will offer benefits like faster calculations, more accurate data-based decision making and the ability to develop new algorithms and system capabilities. These advantages will help airlines better handle disruptions, plan networks more efficiently and improve safety and fuel usage with near real-time response rates.

Getting ready for a new reality

In a marketplace that’s changing faster than ever before, travel companies have got to evolve at an even faster pace. Travel companies who seize the moment will put to better use innovation, technology and science to shape the future of travel, influence customer journeys, and ultimately thrive in a new reality.

To drive the kind of customer engagement necessary to grow and excel, travel companies have got to embrace digital identity to protect travelers and make the journey much smoother. They have got to accept data transparency as a matter of practice and use their troves of data to offer unprecedented insight into their business. They must use generative AI to transform their organizational processes and offer customer experiences like never before. And they must combine technology and science to tackle major industry challenges and major obstacles to the future of travel itself.

I’m excited about all the changes I see around me every day in the travel industry. There is potential for limitless growth for travel companies that are able to quickly mobilize their technology investments and pivot to be leaders in the new era of converging digital and physical realities.

1  Presenting Air Canada's digital identification system, aircanada.com, accessed August 2023.

2  Delta's exclusive partnership with TSA streamlines check-in, security in Atlanta, news.delta.com, accessed August 2023.

3  Introducing Our Trip Intelligence Suite, press.priceline.com, accessed August 2023.

4  Shell, Accenture and Amex GBT launch one of the world’s first blockchain powered digital book-and-claim solutions for scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), shell.com, accessed August 2023.

Anshul Gupta

Managing Director – Accenture Technology

The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

As travel resumes and builds momentum, it’s becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. —a number made more significant because it was reached without travelers from China, which had the world’s largest outbound travel market before the pandemic. 2 “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Recovery and growth are likely to continue. According to estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80 to 95 percent of prepandemic levels depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, travel recovery in Asia–Pacific, and geopolitical tensions, among other factors. 3 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries in which the organization conducts research will have either recovered to prepandemic levels or be within 95 percent of full recovery. 4 “Global travel and tourism catapults into 2023 says WTTC,” World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), April 26, 2023.

Longer-term forecasts also point to optimism for the decade ahead. Travel and tourism GDP is predicted to grow, on average, at 5.8 percent a year between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the growth of the overall economy at an expected 2.7 percent a year. 5 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 , WTTC, August 2022.

So, is it all systems go for travel and tourism? Not really. The industry continues to face a prolonged and widespread labor shortage. After losing 62 million travel and tourism jobs in 2020, labor supply and demand remain out of balance. 6 “WTTC research reveals Travel & Tourism’s slow recovery is hitting jobs and growth worldwide,” World Travel & Tourism Council, October 6, 2021. Today, in the European Union, 11 percent of tourism jobs are likely to go unfilled; in the United States, that figure is 7 percent. 7 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022.

There has been an exodus of tourism staff, particularly from customer-facing roles, to other sectors, and there is no sign that the industry will be able to bring all these people back. 8 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022. Hotels, restaurants, cruises, airports, and airlines face staff shortages that can translate into operational, reputational, and financial difficulties. If unaddressed, these shortages may constrain the industry’s growth trajectory.

The current labor shortage may have its roots in factors related to the nature of work in the industry. Chronic workplace challenges, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, have culminated in an industry struggling to rebuild its workforce. Generally, tourism-related jobs are largely informal, partly due to high seasonality and weak regulation. And conditions such as excessively long working hours, low wages, a high turnover rate, and a lack of social protection tend to be most pronounced in an informal economy. Additionally, shift work, night work, and temporary or part-time employment are common in tourism.

The industry may need to revisit some fundamentals to build a far more sustainable future: either make the industry more attractive to talent (and put conditions in place to retain staff for longer periods) or improve products, services, and processes so that they complement existing staffing needs or solve existing pain points.

One solution could be to build a workforce with the mix of digital and interpersonal skills needed to keep up with travelers’ fast-changing requirements. The industry could make the most of available technology to provide customers with a digitally enhanced experience, resolve staff shortages, and improve working conditions.

Would you like to learn more about our Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice ?

Complementing concierges with chatbots.

The pace of technological change has redefined customer expectations. Technology-driven services are often at customers’ fingertips, with no queues or waiting times. By contrast, the airport and airline disruption widely reported in the press over the summer of 2022 points to customers not receiving this same level of digital innovation when traveling.

Imagine the following travel experience: it’s 2035 and you start your long-awaited honeymoon to a tropical island. A virtual tour operator and a destination travel specialist booked your trip for you; you connected via videoconference to make your plans. Your itinerary was chosen with the support of generative AI , which analyzed your preferences, recommended personalized travel packages, and made real-time adjustments based on your feedback.

Before leaving home, you check in online and QR code your luggage. You travel to the airport by self-driving cab. After dropping off your luggage at the self-service counter, you pass through security and the biometric check. You access the premier lounge with the QR code on the airline’s loyalty card and help yourself to a glass of wine and a sandwich. After your flight, a prebooked, self-driving cab takes you to the resort. No need to check in—that was completed online ahead of time (including picking your room and making sure that the hotel’s virtual concierge arranged for red roses and a bottle of champagne to be delivered).

While your luggage is brought to the room by a baggage robot, your personal digital concierge presents the honeymoon itinerary with all the requested bookings. For the romantic dinner on the first night, you order your food via the restaurant app on the table and settle the bill likewise. So far, you’ve had very little human interaction. But at dinner, the sommelier chats with you in person about the wine. The next day, your sightseeing is made easier by the hotel app and digital guide—and you don’t get lost! With the aid of holographic technology, the virtual tour guide brings historical figures to life and takes your sightseeing experience to a whole new level. Then, as arranged, a local citizen meets you and takes you to their home to enjoy a local family dinner. The trip is seamless, there are no holdups or snags.

This scenario features less human interaction than a traditional trip—but it flows smoothly due to the underlying technology. The human interactions that do take place are authentic, meaningful, and add a special touch to the experience. This may be a far-fetched example, but the essence of the scenario is clear: use technology to ease typical travel pain points such as queues, misunderstandings, or misinformation, and elevate the quality of human interaction.

Travel with less human interaction may be considered a disruptive idea, as many travelers rely on and enjoy the human connection, the “service with a smile.” This will always be the case, but perhaps the time is right to think about bringing a digital experience into the mix. The industry may not need to depend exclusively on human beings to serve its customers. Perhaps the future of travel is physical, but digitally enhanced (and with a smile!).

Digital solutions are on the rise and can help bridge the labor gap

Digital innovation is improving customer experience across multiple industries. Car-sharing apps have overcome service-counter waiting times and endless paperwork that travelers traditionally had to cope with when renting a car. The same applies to time-consuming hotel check-in, check-out, and payment processes that can annoy weary customers. These pain points can be removed. For instance, in China, the Huazhu Hotels Group installed self-check-in kiosks that enable guests to check in or out in under 30 seconds. 9 “Huazhu Group targets lifestyle market opportunities,” ChinaTravelNews, May 27, 2021.

Technology meets hospitality

In 2019, Alibaba opened its FlyZoo Hotel in Huangzhou, described as a “290-room ultra-modern boutique, where technology meets hospitality.” 1 “Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has a hotel run almost entirely by robots that can serve food and fetch toiletries—take a look inside,” Business Insider, October 21, 2019; “FlyZoo Hotel: The hotel of the future or just more technology hype?,” Hotel Technology News, March 2019. The hotel was the first of its kind that instead of relying on traditional check-in and key card processes, allowed guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app, to check-in using self-service kiosks, and enter their rooms using facial-recognition technology.

The hotel is run almost entirely by robots that serve food and fetch toiletries and other sundries as needed. Each guest room has a voice-activated smart assistant to help guests with a variety of tasks, from adjusting the temperature, lights, curtains, and the TV to playing music and answering simple questions about the hotel and surroundings.

The hotel was developed by the company’s online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba’s AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud technology with the goal of “leveraging cutting-edge tech to help transform the hospitality industry, one that keeps the sector current with the digital era we’re living in,” according to the company.

Adoption of some digitally enhanced services was accelerated during the pandemic in the quest for safer, contactless solutions. During the Winter Olympics in Beijing, a restaurant designed to keep physical contact to a minimum used a track system on the ceiling to deliver meals directly from the kitchen to the table. 10 “This Beijing Winter Games restaurant uses ceiling-based tracks,” Trendhunter, January 26, 2022. Customers around the world have become familiar with restaurants using apps to display menus, take orders, and accept payment, as well as hotels using robots to deliver luggage and room service (see sidebar “Technology meets hospitality”). Similarly, theme parks, cinemas, stadiums, and concert halls are deploying digital solutions such as facial recognition to optimize entrance control. Shanghai Disneyland, for example, offers annual pass holders the option to choose facial recognition to facilitate park entry. 11 “Facial recognition park entry,” Shanghai Disney Resort website.

Automation and digitization can also free up staff from attending to repetitive functions that could be handled more efficiently via an app and instead reserve the human touch for roles where staff can add the most value. For instance, technology can help customer-facing staff to provide a more personalized service. By accessing data analytics, frontline staff can have guests’ details and preferences at their fingertips. A trainee can become an experienced concierge in a short time, with the help of technology.

Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential

According to Skift Research calculations, total revenue generated by guest apps and in-room technology in 2019 was approximately $293 million, including proprietary apps by hotel brands as well as third-party vendors. 1 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. The relatively low market penetration rate of this kind of tech points to around $2.4 billion in untapped revenue potential (exhibit).

Even though guest-facing technology is available—the kind that can facilitate contactless interactions and offer travelers convenience and personalized service—the industry is only beginning to explore its potential. A report by Skift Research shows that the hotel industry, in particular, has not tapped into tech’s potential. Only 11 percent of hotels and 25 percent of hotel rooms worldwide are supported by a hotel app or use in-room technology, and only 3 percent of hotels offer keyless entry. 12 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. Of the five types of technology examined (guest apps and in-room tech; virtual concierge; guest messaging and chatbots; digital check-in and kiosks; and keyless entry), all have relatively low market-penetration rates (see sidebar “Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential”).

While apps, digitization, and new technology may be the answer to offering better customer experience, there is also the possibility that tourism may face competition from technological advances, particularly virtual experiences. Museums, attractions, and historical sites can be made interactive and, in some cases, more lifelike, through AR/VR technology that can enhance the physical travel experience by reconstructing historical places or events.

Up until now, tourism, arguably, was one of a few sectors that could not easily be replaced by tech. It was not possible to replicate the physical experience of traveling to another place. With the emerging metaverse , this might change. Travelers could potentially enjoy an event or experience from their sofa without any logistical snags, and without the commitment to traveling to another country for any length of time. For example, Google offers virtual tours of the Pyramids of Meroë in Sudan via an immersive online experience available in a range of languages. 13 Mariam Khaled Dabboussi, “Step into the Meroë pyramids with Google,” Google, May 17, 2022. And a crypto banking group, The BCB Group, has created a metaverse city that includes representations of some of the most visited destinations in the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. According to BCB, the total cost of flights, transfers, and entry for all these landmarks would come to $7,600—while a virtual trip would cost just over $2. 14 “What impact can the Metaverse have on the travel industry?,” Middle East Economy, July 29, 2022.

The metaverse holds potential for business travel, too—the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in particular. Participants could take part in activities in the same immersive space while connecting from anywhere, dramatically reducing travel, venue, catering, and other costs. 15 “ Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual? ,” McKinsey, May 4, 2023.

The allure and convenience of such digital experiences make offering seamless, customer-centric travel and tourism in the real world all the more pressing.

Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages

Is the future contactless.

Given the advances in technology, and the many digital innovations and applications that already exist, there is potential for businesses across the travel and tourism spectrum to cope with labor shortages while improving customer experience. Process automation and digitization can also add to process efficiency. Taken together, a combination of outsourcing, remote work, and digital solutions can help to retain existing staff and reduce dependency on roles that employers are struggling to fill (exhibit).

Depending on the customer service approach and direct contact need, we estimate that the travel and tourism industry would be able to cope with a structural labor shortage of around 10 to 15 percent in the long run by operating more flexibly and increasing digital and automated efficiency—while offering the remaining staff an improved total work package.

Outsourcing and remote work could also help resolve the labor shortage

While COVID-19 pushed organizations in a wide variety of sectors to embrace remote work, there are many hospitality roles that rely on direct physical services that cannot be performed remotely, such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and facility management. If faced with staff shortages, these roles could be outsourced to third-party professional service providers, and existing staff could be reskilled to take up new positions.

In McKinsey’s experience, the total service cost of this type of work in a typical hotel can make up 10 percent of total operating costs. Most often, these roles are not guest facing. A professional and digital-based solution might become an integrated part of a third-party service for hotels looking to outsource this type of work.

One of the lessons learned in the aftermath of COVID-19 is that many tourism employees moved to similar positions in other sectors because they were disillusioned by working conditions in the industry . Specialist multisector companies have been able to shuffle their staff away from tourism to other sectors that offer steady employment or more regular working hours compared with the long hours and seasonal nature of work in tourism.

The remaining travel and tourism staff may be looking for more flexibility or the option to work from home. This can be an effective solution for retaining employees. For example, a travel agent with specific destination expertise could work from home or be consulted on an needs basis.

In instances where remote work or outsourcing is not viable, there are other solutions that the hospitality industry can explore to improve operational effectiveness as well as employee satisfaction. A more agile staffing model  can better match available labor with peaks and troughs in daily, or even hourly, demand. This could involve combining similar roles or cross-training staff so that they can switch roles. Redesigned roles could potentially improve employee satisfaction by empowering staff to explore new career paths within the hotel’s operations. Combined roles build skills across disciplines—for example, supporting a housekeeper to train and become proficient in other maintenance areas, or a front-desk associate to build managerial skills.

Where management or ownership is shared across properties, roles could be staffed to cover a network of sites, rather than individual hotels. By applying a combination of these approaches, hotels could reduce the number of staff hours needed to keep operations running at the same standard. 16 “ Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages ,” McKinsey, April 3, 2023.

Taken together, operational adjustments combined with greater use of technology could provide the tourism industry with a way of overcoming staffing challenges and giving customers the seamless digitally enhanced experiences they expect in other aspects of daily life.

In an industry facing a labor shortage, there are opportunities for tech innovations that can help travel and tourism businesses do more with less, while ensuring that remaining staff are engaged and motivated to stay in the industry. For travelers, this could mean fewer friendly faces, but more meaningful experiences and interactions.

Urs Binggeli is a senior expert in McKinsey’s Zurich office, Zi Chen is a capabilities and insights specialist in the Shanghai office, Steffen Köpke is a capabilities and insights expert in the Düsseldorf office, and Jackey Yu is a partner in the Hong Kong office.

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The Travel Technology Shaping The Future Of The Industry

Welcome to our recap of the top travel technology news from the past month. We’re diving into the latest advancements, trends, and innovations that are shaping the future of the travel industry.  From AI-powered solutions that enhance customer experiences to cutting-edge network technologies ensuring smooth operations, it has been an exciting month for travel tech. Let's explore the highlights and discover how these developments are revolutionizing the way we travel.

Phocuswire: Partnership Creates Tree-Planting Rail Travel Booking Tool

Hospitality Net: The Disney-fication Of Travel: Can Automated Tools Make Guest Experience Magic?

The debate over the impact of AI and self-service on the travel industry has reached mainstream attention, as evident from recent coverage from Hospitality Net that builds on another piece from USA Today . The rise of automation and self-service in hospitality has led to concerns about losing crucial human interactions during travel. However, the Walt Disney Corporation provides a compelling example of how automation can enhance the guest experience without replacing human touch. Disney's successful implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) with MagicBands showcases a balance between technology and the human touch, catering to rising traveler expectations for both.  By using automation to enhance their guest experience, Disney proves that personalized, automation solutions can cut costs, optimize guest experience, and leave a lasting impression. The key takeaway for the travel industry is to leverage inexpensive self-service and automation tools to provide convenience while maintaining a personal touch. Technology, such as automated chatbots, can augment human capabilities, leading to empathetic and exceptional service. In the end, the “winning” travel brands will be those which leverage technology to optimize efficiency, while showcasing the true value of human care and interaction in creating memorable experiences for travelers.

Airport Technology: How Airlines Can Mitigate Downtime During Summer Travel Surges

Phocuswire: AI Insights: Generative AI For Corporate Travel Service And Communications

Brands across the travel industry are exploring - and using - generative artificial intelligence solutions from companies including OpenAI, Google, and more. In this new series, Phocuswire is surveying technology professionals at leading travel brands to gauge how they’re using this increasingly accessible technology to enhance intelligence and creativity while deepening expertise and insights.    This article details a noteworthy application of generative AI used by Flight Centre Travel Group . Their current work with the technology is in part focused on creating personalized policy communications. Travel managers can use AI to easily create notifications and nudges to guide employee booking behavior across various platforms. While there are challenges to using AI - which Flight Centre Travel Group notes include establishing governance and advocating for responsible coexistence with human oversight – generative AI is a huge opportunity for the travel industry. The technology has the potential to rapidly perform complex activities, removing workplace drudgery and empowering teams to focus on higher value work and personal interaction, enhancing service to clients. For other brands in the travelsphere, similar investments in this technology stand to position them to unleash game-changing advances that enrich customer experiences by streamlining processes, enhancing customer experiences, and driving data-driven decision-making.

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Travel technology is an umbrella term to describe the multitude of different uses of modern technology such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and mobile technology within the fields of tourism, travel, and hospitality industry.

Technology solutions can be deployed at virtually every point of travel in one form or another, significantly influencing the overall customer experience.

Do you remember buying an airline ticket from a real human being?

Neither do we.

We all got used to the presence of modern technological advancements in the travel industry.

There are many more ways in which modern digital technology influences and improves the travel industry.

The ultimate motivation behind implementing these technologies is pretty straightforward. It as always boils down to increasing profits and expanding business, which in turn has a positive impact on customer experience.

First and foremost, it leads to improved efficiency and decreased operating costs.

In fact, it is a win-win situation for online travel agencies, airlines, as well as the travelers.

For companies, digital transformation in travel industry means better margins and healthier cash flows. For customers, in turn, it means many more attractive tourist destinations and lower prices.

[Read also: What’s the Future of Digital Transformation and Its Trends? An Expert’s Point of View ]

These days, almost everyone has a smartphone or other mobile device, granting access to an immense choice of online services.

It is thus crucial for travel companies to allow their customers to book their trips, check-in for their flights, and find information about their destinations online.

Even though we are taking all of these modern utilities for granted, they are still a key factor for improving user experience in the travel industry. As a result, they have to be improved and optimized consistently.

Latest travel technology trends refer to the innovations and digital solutions that are transforming the travel and tourism industry. Some of the trends include online travel booking, virtual tourism, mobile travel apps, chatbots and artificial intelligence. Here are some of the latest quantitative statistics and forecasts on travel technology trends:

• Generative AI tools like ChatGPT will become more popular for trip planning, as half of travelers surveyed are interested in using them to find the perfect stay.
• Destination “dupes” and “set-jetting” will continue to be in vogue as travelers seek affordable alternatives to crowded or expensive places, or follow the locations featured in their favorite shows or movies¹.
• Global travel app revenues will grow by 17 percent in 2024, reaching nearly $400 million.
• The share of digital ad spending in the travel and leisure industry will reach 14.5 percent in the United States and 13.9 percent in the United Kingdom in 2024.
• The world’s leading online travel agencies (OTAs) will spend $2.3 billion on Google advertising in 2024.
• The global travel and tourism market will shift from 66 percent offline sales channels to 54 percent online sales channels from 2017 to 2027.
• The global travel technology market will grow by approximately 45 percent from 2020 to 2026, reaching $12.5 billion.
• The Asia-Pacific region’s recovery will be evident as travelers flock to destinations such as Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia, which have successfully contained the pandemic and reopened their borders.
• Travelers will need to be more creative and flexible in their destination choices, as travel restrictions and regulations may change frequently due to the ongoing health crisis.
• Travelers will opt for carry-on only luggage with a twist: they will use smart luggage that can track their location, charge their devices, and weigh themselves.
• Travelers will rely more on their travel advisors, who can offer more than just flights and hotels, but also personalized experiences, insider tips, and access to exclusive benefits.

Sources: Statista , Travel + Leisure , Smart Flyer .

There are plenty of different technology trends that are shaping the future of the travel industry.

Below, we’ve listed 11 of the most important travel industry trends.

Let’s compare here travel search engines to the Google search engine.

On the surface it is a pretty simple concept. A user introduce certain keywords of their interest and the search engine matches the most relevant results.

But what if you are looking for a hotel room in a specific location with certain room facilities? A simple Google search won’t be able to compute so many details.

This is where metasearch engines enter.

Metasearch engines are the tools that send search queries to many sources and organize results in a comprehensive list.

The main objective of such sites is to aggregate results in a unified way, so that the client can access the maximum number of available options on the market. It allows users to have a reliable source of objective information and to compare offers with one another.

Results presented by metasearch engines are obtained with less amount of exertion on the end user side.

Instead of searching one single search engine to find a specific website or browsing through different services, the right amount of data can be obtained by a metasearch engine.

It definitely improves the user experience. Ans save their precious time.

In the tourism industry, metasearch engines are used to search through and compare travel agencies’ offers to provide clients with as many suitable options as possible.

Nowadays, these services have grown quite robust. Many provide smart price alerts or tempting last-minute deals.

When developing a metasearch engine for an online travel agency , lodging reservation service, hotel booking engine , or a hotel inventory management software key factors are performance and scalability .

A team of Stratoflow Java developers when tasked with improving the travel search engine for a major hotel bookings aggregator decided to extract the availability search into a separate cache layer based on an in-memory data grid (IMDG) platform. It allowed for a major decrease in SQL database usage, as well as improved efficiency.

Interestingly, our client saw almost an immediate commercial effect right after the initial implementation.

Higher overall throughput of the travel search engine allowed the existing customer base to query the platform more frequently, generating higher revenues in the process.

[Read also: Introduction to a hotel channel manager ]

Airlines such as Ryanair or Southwest are known for their extremely low price model.

You can hop anytime you want on a plane from Warsaw to London for less than 30 dollars.

You may have been wondering – how are airlenes able to break even, and run a successful business model with such low prices?

The answer is artificial intelligence.

These days, the pricing of airline tickets is completely automated and run by advanced systems that aim to fill a plane with passengers at the most optimal prices.

These systems take into consideration different types of clients. Those can be either business travelers who value convenience and comfort the most or leisure travelers who are more cost-conscious regardless of long layovers.

All of these factors are summed up by the pricing system. The goal is to fill as many seats on each plane as possible. But at the same time to avoid situations of complete tickets’ unavailability for potential clients in a very complex balancing act.

Airlines’ pricing systems have to process an immense amount of customer data as well as travel trends about local destinations.

It is worth mentioning that during the COVID-19 pandemic pricing systems of many popular airlines were pretty severely disrupted. This led to a rather peculiar situation when we could book flights from Europe to the US for less than 200 dollars.

How was that possible? The dynamic pricing engines weren’t prepared for such an exceptional situation.

Nevertheless, as pandemic restrictions loosen, and airlines worldwide resume their normal routes and operations, dynamic pricing systems continue to play a vital role in their business model .

[Read also: Benefits of Digital Transformation for Your Business ]

Airlines are characterized by their large involved capital and incredibly slim average profit margins hovering around 5% (ignoring COVID-19 disruptions).

What does it mean for travel technology trends?

It’s simple. For an airline to make money, it has to adapt fast and consistently search for profitable routing opportunities.

This task has to be handled by automatic scheduling systems .

Aside from the cost, the major factor for customers determining which flight they will choose is the overall travel time.

Airlines, therefore, put an enormous effort into assembling the most optimal schedule that they can offer in the shortest travel time possible.

Modern dynamic scheduling systems have to take into account these three factors pointed by Nawal Taneja :

• Scheduling optimization system – An automated solution created by a team of experienced developers that process operational data and identify the set of possible routing and scheduling changes. These have to be both profitable and operationally feasible.Such a system works based on all the possible arrangements of feasible schedule changes. Then it sorts them by their profitability.
• Access to reliable market data – A dynamic scheduling system uses only reliable and accurate data on the routes popularity and its profitability.Considering a fairly short time horizon of flight scheduling operation, the best source for booking and revenue data is an internal Revenue Management system .
• Knowledge about potential operational constraints – Many factors dictate whether a certain route is feasible operationally or not.These include maintenance costs at airports, gate availability, and miscellaneous aircraft-specific constraints.Only understanding all of them can ensure that a dynamic scheduling system can return positive results.

In terms of profitability, it is estimated that dynamic scheduling can result in a 1-3% increase in revenue , depending on its utilization rate.

It constitutes a substantial amount when it comes to the airline industry.

Stratoflow developers have a great deal of experience in this particular field.

They were tasked by a global flight information company to improve their existing system.

Stratoflow proposed a replacement of major calculation logic with an open-source, high-performance framework that dramatically lowered TCO when compared with the existing code.

4. Internet of Things (IoT)

Another emerging technology that is slowly being adopted by the tourism industry is the Internet of Things (IoT)

This concept refers to the network of physical devices —“things”—that are equipped with various sensors in order to connect and exchange data with other systems within the network over the internet.

Depending on the use case, these “things” can range from ordinary household devices to sophisticated industrial machinery.

When it comes to its role in the tourism industry, we’ve already seen some practical implementations beginning to appear.

Some airports, using IoT devices, tag passengers’ bags to alert them of their luggage’s current whereabouts and send them a notification when it arrives at the carousel.

Hotels are also starting to leverage some IoT-enabled sensors and voice control devices to adjust things like air conditioning. Using an in-room tablet, hotel guests can seamlessly control the temperature, music, lighting, and curtains, changing the atmosphere of the room and personalizing their experience to a whole new level.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality (VR) has recently once again come into the spotlight when Facebook rebranded itself and announced Metaverse. It’s a conceptual virtual universe that will be a future replacement for well-established social networks.

These visions seem exciting and a little eerie at times. But can virtual and augmented reality also influence the tourism industry in the future? As it turns out, the answer is “yes”.

Virtual Reality allows people to explore new places without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Virtual tours will enable people to have a glimpse of a certain exotic place before their visit in person. What’s more, popular travel platforms like Booking.com can set up virtual hotel room previews in order to better manage customer expectations.

Contactless payment methods take pride of place among recent tourism technology trends.

As the pandemic forced people to shy away from physical coins and banknotes, contactless payment options like GooglePay and Apple Pay have gained a lot of popularity.

When using them, the user’s device with a payment app communicates with the reader using RFID technology.

To see how it works in practice let’s take a look at the contactless payment method designed by The Walt Disney Company.

Disney offers Disney World guests custom wristbands, known as MagicBands. Visitors can link their credit card to their MagicBand to make purchases with a simple and effortless swipe of a wrist.

From a business standpoint, this solution offers Disney an unmatched opportunity to track customer behavior in order to optimize its operations even further. It is a trend that is undoubtedly gaining traction in various sectors of the travel industry.

7. AI Integration and AI chatbots

AI is expected to be increasingly used in the hotel and travel industry, creating more seamless travel experiences and supporting new innovations to meet higher guest expectations.

Recently a story has surfaced that, allegedly, an advanced AI chatbot developed by Google has become self-aware.

AI chatbot technology has gone a long way in the last couple of years. It can also play a significant role in the development of the travel and tourism industry.

AI Chatbots stimulates human conversation, mostly using text interactions on various websites and services. Their main objective is to alleviate some congestion in call centers by proving at least basic help for customers 24/7.

When it comes to their usage in the travel and tourism industry, AirAsia is a good example of the use of a successful chatbot. Their advanced chatbot, AVA is able to do a multitude of things from helping travelers to choose seats and book flights to answering more difficult questions about current COVID-19 restrictions.

Data is a company’s most valuable asset.

This is also one of the main reasons why companies in the travel and hospitality industry are investing more and more funds into Big Data solutions.

Put simply, Big Data is a term that refers to large and unstructured data sets obtained from various data sources. These data sets are so voluminous that traditional data processing would have a hard time processing them into useful information.

Modern hotels and travel agents are using big data solutions to more effectively track customer behavior and preferences. This information is later used to improve the guest experience.

Big data measure precisely business performance.

Thanks to receiving data from previously untapped sources, the system allow for better yield management and demand prognosis.

[Read also: Fintech Trends That Shape Financial Future ]

As travel tech trends grow more robust with every passing year, connectivity develops at the same rapid pace.

A couple of years ago, 5G made its debut in some of the largest cities around the world, offering up to 20 times faster download speeds than before.

Even though that might not be such a big deal for an ordinary person, the connection between smart devices can now be more efficient than ever allowing more advanced IoT networks.

We have also seen an emergence of other breakthrough communication technologies, such as the Starlink internet.

Thanks to thousands of satellites in low earth orbit, people in virtually every corner of the world can enjoy internet speeds in excess of 100mbit/s and low latency unmatched by any other satellite internet provider.

A poor WiFi or Internet service in a hotel room can lead to bad online reviews for the hospitality and travel industry. With Starlink, even hotels in the most remote places can have a stable and fast internet connection.

[Read also: What is a GDS? ]

Facial recognition is the software that classifies a single face according to its gender, age, emotion, or other characteristics in an attempt to confirm a person’s identity.

It is currently one of the most powerful surveillance tools ever made.

While many people are happy to use it to effortlessly unlock their phones, companies and governments are beginning to use it to a much greater extent.

Facial recognition devices are beginning to appear in various airports across the world as an advanced security measure and potential deterrence.

According to a recent report from the Department of Homeland Security, “U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to dramatically expand its Biometric Exit program to cover 97 percent of outbound air passengers within four years.”

To verify accounts on virtually every major travel and tourism offer aggregator, you would have to provide a photo of your ID card and other sensitive personal data.

It’s natural to feel a bit uneasy to share so much personal information, regardless of the service’s squeaky clean reputation and impressive market share.

Tourism companies and travel businesses understand that. That’s why they dedicate a substantial amount of resources to developing reliable and safe cybersecurity practices.

As virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are becoming more and more advanced, some people speculate that they will negatively influence the tourism industry, but we beg to differ.

We predict that future tech advancements will push the travel industry towards better travel experiences and even more personalized experience.

Travel technology trends – summary

The travel and tourism industry is the one where proper interactions with the consumer are essential. As new technological breakthroughs enter the market, they are letting corporations understand their customers a bit better, and provide them with improved services and experiences.

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We are Stratoflow, a custom travel software development company . We firmly believe that software craftsmanship, collaboration and effective communication is key in delivering complex software projects. This allows us to build advanced high-performance Java applications capable of processing vast amounts of data in a short time. We also provide our clients with an option to outsource and hire Java developers to extend their teams with experienced professionals. As a result, our Java software development services contribute to our clients’ business growth. We specialize in building bespoke travel solutions like fast search engines, metasearch engines, booking engine services or channel manager integrations.

Testimonials

The developed software product was built from scratch with solid quality. We have had a long-term engagement with Stratoflow for nearly 10 years. We look at them as partners, rather than contractors. I'm impressed by their team culture and cross-team support.

Nathan Pesin

CTO, Legerity Financials

Stratoflow was a great partner, challenging as well as supporting our customer projects for the best outcome. They have a great pool of talent within the business - all very capability technologists, as well as being business-savvy and suitable for consultancy engagements.

Chris Goodall

Managing Consultant, CG Consultancy (UK) Limited

The bespoke metal exchange platform works great, it is easily accessible and richly functional. Stratoflow managed deadlines capably, meticulously documented their progress, and delivered a complex project at an affordable cost.

Bartlomiej Knichnicki

Vice Chairman, Supervisory Board

We are very pleased with our partnership with Stratoflow and, as we continue to grow, we expect to increase the numbers of developers that work with us on our projects. They have proven to be very skilled and flexible. They're extremely reliable, and they have a very good company culture of their own, which gives them a real edge compared to other providers that serve more as production shops rather than thought partners and creative problem solvers.

Andrew Kennedy

Founder & Managing Director, Tier 2 Consulting

Stratoflow successfully customized the system according to the specific functionalities and without bugs reported. The team was commended for their adaptability in the work process and for their responsiveness.

Joshua Blavins

Tech PM, Digital Agency

The features implemented have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from end-users. Stratoflow has an incredible technical expertise and a high degree of flexibility when it comes to changing project requirements.

Chief Technology Officer, Legerity

They have impressively good knowledge of AI issues. Very responsive to any amendments and findings. Very good communication. We received a finished project which could be implemented into production shortly after testing.

CO-Founder & CTO

Circular Fashion Company

They provided superb service with seamless communication and a highly professional, technical approach. The team displays impressive technical expertise and are willing to share information and engage in constructive feedback.

Filip Stachnik

Operations Manager, Otwarte Klatki (part of Anima International)

They're very skilled technically and are also able to see the bigger picture. Stratoflow can actually think about solutions, not just the technical task at hand, which they've been assigned.

Arnd Jan Prause

Chief Operating Officer, musQueteer

Stratoflow delivered the website successfully within the timeframe and budget. They assured that the output met the set requirements. Overall, the team's performance was excellent and recommended for their exceptional technical business expertise. They've been able to deliver all of their work on time and within budget, which has been very impressive.

Lars Andersen

Founder & CEO, My Nametags

Travel sector rebound after the pandemic is complete. We have fantastic global coverage of travel data distribution due to mutual agreements and data exchange between aggregators. Competition for the best price of limited resources degradates margins. How to win? Provide personalized experience and build your own products in the front-office. The missing bits: a traveller golden record collecting past activities and a AI/ML recommendation technology.

Michał Głomba

CEO at Stratoflow

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›
• Leisure Travel

Impact of technology on travel and tourism - statistics & facts

What are the main technology trends in travel and tourism, travel apps: two countries dominate the market, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Revenue of Amadeus 2010-2022

Amadeus: number of bookings 2010-2022

Revenue of Sabre Corp. worldwide 2012-2023

Company Insights High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific

• Great Deals E-Commerce Corporation
• Spofeed Co., Ltd.

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Online Travel Market

Most downloaded travel apps worldwide 2022, by aggregated downloads

IT Services

Tour Operators & Travel Agencies

Travel agencies and tour operators using cloud computing services EU 2016-2021

Related topics

• Online travel market
• Digitalization of the travel industry
• Digitalization of the hospitality industry worldwide

Online travel trends

• Artificial intelligence (AI) use in travel and tourism
• Travel and tourism in the metaverse
• Mobile travel trends

Online travel companies

• Booking Holdings Inc.
• Expedia Group, Inc.
• Trip.com Group
• Tripadvisor

Recommended statistics

Global distribution systems (gdss).

• Basic Statistic Revenue of Amadeus 2010-2022
• Basic Statistic Revenue of Amadeus 2010-2022, by segment
• Basic Statistic Amadeus: number of bookings 2010-2022
• Basic Statistic Revenue of Sabre Corp. worldwide 2012-2023
• Basic Statistic Revenue of Sabre Corp. worldwide 2019-2023, by segment
• Premium Statistic Revenue of Travelport worldwide 2010-2022
• Basic Statistic Revenue of Travelport 2013-2018, by segment

Revenue of Amadeus worldwide from 2010 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Amadeus 2010-2022, by segment

Revenue of Amadeus worldwide in 2022, by business segment (in million euros)

Number of travel bookings made using the Amadeus distribution platform from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Revenue of Sabre Corp. worldwide from 2012 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Sabre Corp. worldwide 2019-2023, by segment

Revenue of Sabre Corp. worldwide from 2019 to 2023, by business segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Travelport worldwide 2010-2022

Revenue of Travelport Worldwide Limited worldwide from 2010 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Travelport 2013-2018, by segment

Revenue of Travelport worldwide from 2013 to 2018, by business segment (in million U.S. dollars)

Travel apps

• Premium Statistic Revenue of the travel apps industry worldwide 2017-2027
• Premium Statistic Travel apps revenue in selected countries worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Most downloaded travel apps worldwide 2022, by aggregated downloads
• Premium Statistic Number of aggregated downloads of leading online travel agency apps worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Average number of reviews of travel and tourism apps worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Average number of ratings of travel and tourism apps worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Average retention rate of travel and tourism apps worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading travel apps in the U.S. 2022, by market share
• Premium Statistic Leading travel apps in Europe 2022, by market share

Revenue of the travel apps industry worldwide 2017-2027

Revenue of the travel apps market worldwide from 2017 to 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel apps revenue in selected countries worldwide 2022

Revenue of travel apps in selected countries worldwide in 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Most downloaded travel apps worldwide in 2022, by aggregated number of downloads (in millions)

Number of aggregated downloads of leading online travel agency apps worldwide 2023

Number of aggregated downloads of selected leading online travel agency apps worldwide in 2023 (in millions)

Average number of reviews of travel and tourism apps worldwide 2022

Average number of reviews of travel, tourism, and hospitality apps worldwide in 2022

Average number of ratings of travel and tourism apps worldwide 2022

Average number of ratings of travel, tourism, and hospitality apps worldwide in 2022

Average retention rate of travel and tourism apps worldwide 2022

Average retention rate of travel, tourism, and hospitality apps worldwide in 2022

Leading travel apps in the U.S. 2022, by market share

Market share of leading travel apps in the United States in 2022

Leading travel apps in Europe 2022, by market share

Market share of leading travel apps in Europe in 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Premium Statistic Number of companies using ChatGPT within their business 2023, by industry
• Premium Statistic Share of travel firms that implemented AI strategies worldwide 2021, by AI maturity
• Premium Statistic AI-influenced revenue share of travel companies worldwide 2018-2024
• Premium Statistic Travelers expecting to use AI to plan trips in 2033 worldwide 2022, by aspect
• Premium Statistic Expected usage of ChatGPT to plan next trip in the U.S. 2023
• Premium Statistic U.S. adults that thought a Chat-GPT text on travel was AI/human-made 2023
• Basic Statistic Interest in AI-related products among U.S. adults 2023

Number of companies using ChatGPT within their business 2023, by industry

Amount of companies using ChatGPT in their business function in 2023, by industry

Share of travel firms that implemented AI strategies worldwide 2021, by AI maturity

Share of travel companies that implemented Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies worldwide as of September 2021, by maturity of AI strategies

AI-influenced revenue share of travel companies worldwide 2018-2024

Share of travel companies' revenue that was influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) worldwide in 2018 and 2021, with a forecast for 2024

Travelers expecting to use AI to plan trips in 2033 worldwide 2022, by aspect

Share of travelers that would trust using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan travel in 2033 worldwide as of August 2022, by travel aspect

Expected usage of ChatGPT to plan next trip in the U.S. 2023

Likelihood of using ChatGPT in the process of planning the next trip among respondents in the United States as of April 2023

U.S. adults that thought a Chat-GPT text on travel was AI/human-made 2023

Share of adults that believed a ChatGPT-generated text about travel was made by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) or a human in the United States as of March 2023

Interest in AI-related products among U.S. adults 2023

Share of adults in the United States who are interested in artificial intelligence (AI) related products as of February 2023

Metaverse and extended reality (XR)

• Basic Statistic Leading business sectors already investing in the metaverse 2022
• Premium Statistic U.S teens and adults on enhanced experiences in the metaverse 2022
• Premium Statistic Interest in metaverse travel activities of Gen Z in the U.S. and the UK 2022
• Premium Statistic Interest in AR in the U.S. 2022, by use case
• Premium Statistic Interest in VR in the U.S. 2022, by use case

Leading business sectors already investing in the metaverse 2022

Leading business sectors worldwide that have already invested in the metaverse as of March 2022

U.S teens and adults on enhanced experiences in the metaverse 2022

Experiences expected to be better in a virtual or metaverse environment according to teens and adults in the United States as of May 2022

Interest in metaverse travel activities of Gen Z in the U.S. and the UK 2022

Interest in metaverse travel activities of Gen Z in the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) as of February 2022

Interest in AR in the U.S. 2022, by use case

Interest in augmented reality (AR) in the United States as of October 2022, by use case

Interest in VR in the U.S. 2022, by use case

Interest in virtual reality (VR) in the United States as of October 2022, by use case

Use of technology

• Premium Statistic Travelers' expected use of selected planning tools for trips in 2033 worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Expected comfort level with selected payment methods for trips in 2033 worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Global consumer and merchant acceptance of crypto payments 2021, by industry
• Basic Statistic Popular goods and services to buy with crypto 2022, by gender and income group
• Premium Statistic Travel agencies and tour operators using cloud computing services EU 2016-2021

Travelers' expected use of selected planning tools for trips in 2033 worldwide 2022

Share of travelers expecting to use selected planning tools for trips in 2033 worldwide as of August 2022

Expected comfort level with selected payment methods for trips in 2033 worldwide 2022

Share of travelers expecting to be comfortable in using selected payment methods for trips in 2033 worldwide as of August 2022

Global consumer and merchant acceptance of crypto payments 2021, by industry

Willingness to use/accept cryptocurrencies for payments by consumers/merchants across various industries worldwide as of 2021

Popular goods and services to buy with crypto 2022, by gender and income group

Most popular goods and services bought by consumers worldwide when using cryptocurrencies for online shopping in 2022, by gender and income group

Use of cloud computing services among travel agencies, tour operators, and related activities in the European Union (EU 27) from 2016 to 2021, by cloud service

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The future of travel: 10 concepts that will change the way we experience the world

T ravel has come a long way since the age of Silk Road caravans, daunting sea voyages and steam locomotives -– and will continue to transform in years to come.

Concepts that feel plucked from sci-fi novels and films are quickly making their way into mainstream travel, shaping every step of the journey.

Sooner rather than later, we could be piloting passenger drones around Singapore or rocketing into Earth’s orbit to admire the world from the edge of space.

From autonomous taxis to passenger drones, biometric immigration tunnels, instant translation and hotels, here’s a peek at what’s coming down the runway.

The end of airport lines

Although controversial , biometric identification (automatically verifying one’s identity via fingerprints, facial recognition or iris scans) is quickly becoming the technology of choice at airports worldwide.

Considered a faster and more accurate way to screen passengers, biometrics can cut processing time for typical airport procedures – think baggage check-in, lounge access, boarding and immigration control – in half.

For example, in 2018, Dubai International Airport introduced biometric “Smart Gates” tunnels , which use facial recognition to verify travelers’ identities in as little as five seconds.

It’s as simple as it sounds: after deplaning, travelers walk into a tunnel, look at a green light, and then continue to baggage claim without waiting in line or interacting with an immigration officer.

Elsewhere in the world, facial recognition technology is already in use to some extent at Hong Kong International Airport , Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Indira Gandhi International in Delhi, London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, among other airports.

Meanwhile, the European Union plans to roll out an automated entry-exit system in 2024 that uses fingerprints and facial images to identify foreign travelers and streamline border control checks.

Airlines are also adopting biometric identification.

Emirates has created a “ biometric pathway ” at Dubai International Airport that enables passengers to pass through immigration and boarding without presenting their documents.

And in the US, major airlines like American Airlines, United and Delta have been experimenting with biometric check-in, bag drops and boarding gates at select airports for the last couple of years.

Less lost luggage

Have you arrived in a foreign country only to spend the first day of vacation stocking up on underwear, toiletries and essential clothing while your luggage takes an unexpected detour?

Given the millions of mishandled checked bags every year , it’s no wonder people are yearning for tech-savvy solutions to this common travel headache.

Some are turning to devices like SmartTags, Tile Pros and AirTags to keep track of their belongings. Others opt for sophisticated suitcases like the Samsara’s Tag Smart, which includes an integrated AirTag that syncs with Apple’s Find My app and uses Bluetooth to track the bag’s location.

Looking ahead, we’ll likely see digital bag tags containing RFID transmitters replace conventional paper tags – an evolution that would save time at check-in while simultaneously making tracking and identifying luggage easier for airlines.

Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways, among others, are ahead of the game, having partnered with Dutch digital bag tag pioneer BAGTAG. Such products enable travelers to register and activate their luggage tag at home, then drop luggage at a self-service kiosk and track it via an app.

Since tagging errors are just one reason for delayed or lost luggage , airlines and airports are also looking to solve common issues such as transfer mishandling, failure to load, ticketing errors and weather delays.

In the future, don’t be surprised if we see automated baggage handling, AI-powered bag recognition programs, AI security scanning and perhaps even an AI global database that links travelers with their bags – all solutions that could lead to fewer lost bags in the long run.

Next-level augmented reality

On a future trip to Europe, imagine exploring the Accademia Gallery in Florence guided by a talking “David” sculpture or embarking on a digital treasure hunt through the streets of Paris.

Requiring only a phone and internet connection, augmented reality (AR) can add another layer of intrigue to our travel experiences.

Specterras Productions , which strives to make the world’s natural and cultural wonders more accessible via technology, is already bringing such experiences to life.

“With AR, you can create animated busts at a museum – in the future, you’ll be able to walk up to a sculpture of Alexander the Great or Herodotus and interact with the art via your mobile phone, kind of like ‘Night at the Museum,” Michael Breer, chief creative officer at Specterras, tells CNN Travel.

AR and virtual reality (VR) became more mainstream during the Covid-19 pandemic when museums and destinations introduced interactive virtual experiences for would-be travelers.

What’s more, experimental artists like KAWS – known for his toy-like sculptures and collectables – famously embraced the technology in his “Expanded Holiday” project , which saw giant AR sculptures levitating in 12 cities around the world in 2020.

Breer says these technologies also enable people to explore parts of the world they might not be able to see in person.

“Economically, visiting places like Pompeii, Palmyra, Machu Picchu or the Great Barrier Reef is very difficult. So, for many people, VR and AR will provide a good substitute for these experiences,” Breer adds.

And in terms of planning, VR may also play a more vital role in decision-making in the future.

If travelers can explore a destination, hotel, restaurant or excursion via VR first, they will likely have more confidence when making reservations.

The rise of flying taxis

You’ve probably seen videos of passenger drones and eVTOL – electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft that don’t require a runway – taking over the internet.

These futuristic aircraft tend to be electric, ultralight and kitted out with autopilot software that makes it possible for everyday people to hop in the pilot seat – after an orientation session and VR flight simulation, of course.

That’s the strategy at LIFT Aircraft, which says that anyone can fly its amphibious HEXA aircraft in the US without a pilot’s license since it qualifies as an “ultra-light” vehicle under federal regulations. (That said, the Federal Aviation Administration recently proposed  a comprehensive rule  for training and certifying pilots of power-lifted aircraft.)

The aircraft offers many automated safety precautions like a collision-avoidance system, a triple-redundant flight computer and a ballistic parachute for the whole aircraft.

On track to start offering commercial flights in 2023, the company plans to let travelers fly the aircraft on short, scenic rides – about 8-15 minutes at a time – during a 25-city roadshow across the US.

In the future, customers will be able to find and book LIFT flights via a mobile app that provides flight simulation training, a proficiency test, a pre-flight checklist and ground crew support.

Other companies, like Ehang in China, are on a mission to alleviate traffic jams with flying taxi drones.

At the same time, New York-based Kelekona plans to offer flights on its battery-powered, 40-passenger drone bus as an eco-friendly alternative to mass transit.

Another notable company is Volocopter, which is on its way to bringing a fleet of electric air taxis to Singapore and Paris in 2024.

Then there’s the Jetson ONE – a single-person, all-electric eVTOL with auto-hover, stable flight and landing capabilities – which can fly for about 20 minutes up to 63 mph.

“A first application for a future flying car is to replace taxis in large cities,” Jetson co-founder Peter Ternstrom tells CNN Travel. “This will free up ground-level space and provide a much faster service for the passengers. The same goes for shuttle services from city centers to airports.

“Electric personal flying cars will revolutionize adventurous travel. Safaris, mountain tops, visiting Machu Picchu – all places that are currently difficult to get to will suddenly be possible.”

Robotaxis gain momentum

While some taxi services head into the clouds, others will stay firmly on terra firma – but with some serious upgrades.

Boston-based Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai and global tech company Aptiv, has seen some early success.

Available to public passengers in Las Vegas, Motional provides autonomous robotaxis (via Lyft and Uber apps) that can drop passengers at popular destinations on the Las Vegas Strip.

A person is still present in the robotaxi at the moment, but the cars are expected to become fully driverless later this year, the company tells CNN Travel.

Another company seeing momentum is Waymo (a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc.), which has operated the first fully autonomous ride-hailing service in parts of Phoenix since 2020.

Available via the Waymo One app, the service has since expanded to downtown Phoenix, San Francisco and, next up, Los Angeles.

Of course, major players like Amazon, Tesla and Cruise are speeding forward in North America.

Amazon’s self-driving vehicle unit known as Zoox is being tested in San Francisco; an update to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta software became available in mid-March, addressing the safety risks associated with an earlier recall ; and Cruise has operations underway in San Francisco and Austin.

On the other side of the world, in China, tech giant Baidu began operating a fully autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, in cities like Beijing, Chongqing and Wuhan in 2022 and plans to expand rapidly in 2023.

“Autonomous ride-hailing service is gradually becoming part of people’s everyday lives,” a Baidu spokesperson tells CNN Travel. “In cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, each robotaxi on Apollo Go can complete more than 15 rides per day on average.”

Net-zero flights on the horizon

As passenger drones and eVTOLs become commonplace, you may wonder: what’s next for good old-fashioned airplanes?

The future of travel is inextricably linked to climate change – a reality that led the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to announce a long-term goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

Thanks to a mix of emerging technologies ranging from sustainable aviation fuel to hydrogen-powered engines to all-electric planes, it’s certainly possible, though critics have expressed considerable doubt .

US-based Eviation Aircraft is leading the way, providing a peek into the future with its sleek, all-electric “Alice” plane.

Set to enter service in 2027, the nine-seater commuter plane aims to reduce the environmental impact of regional hops. So far, over 300 Alice aircraft have been ordered by the likes of Aerus airline in Mexico, DHL, Air New Zealand and more.

We may also see a supersonic comeback within the next decade. Denver-based Boom has been working on an updated version of the Concorde that aims to make supersonic travel much quieter, greener and more affordable.

According to the company, Boom’s “Overture” aircraft can carry up to 80 people at Mach 1.7 speeds (or about twice as fast as traditional airlines) while emitting zero carbon emissions.

Meaning, a flight from New York City to Frankfurt could take four hours instead of eight, or you could go from LA to Sydney in eight hours instead of 14.

And since Overture will fly at a higher altitude than today’s aircraft – up to 60,000 feet – travelers would get to see the curvature of the Earth through the windows.

So far, several major airlines, including American Airlines, United and Japan Airlines, have placed orders for Overture, signaling industry confidence in the future of supersonic.

We’ll have to be patient, though – Boom plans to commence aircraft production in 2024, conduct test flights in 2027, and achieve certifications to carry passengers as early as 2029.

Eco-fabulous hotel stays

Like air travel, eco-conscious hotels are paving the way for more sustainable travel in the future.

When room2 Chiswick opened in London in 2021, it became the world’s “whole life net-zero” hotel.

In other words, the property has offset its entire carbon footprint, from production and construction, materials, maintenance, electricity and so on.

Compared with a typical UK hotel of a similar size, room2 uses 89% less energy per square meter thanks to ground source heat pumps, solar panels, water-saving fixtures, sustainable procurement policies, a biodiverse green roof and a zero-waste policy.

In the US, Bauhaus-style Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton , is on track to become the first net-zero hotel in the country after revitalizing a heritage building designed by Hungarian-born architect Marcel Breuer.

Opened in May 2022, the hotel’s day-to-day operations are fully solar-powered by 1,000 PV panels on the roof, and, as a result, the property emits zero carbon emissions.

It also features triple-glazed windows, an electric shuttle van, and a carport full of electric car chargers, including 12 Tesla Superchargers – enhancements that have earned the property LEED Platinum certification.

Looking ahead, the Six Senses Svart aims to be the world’s first energy-positive hotel when it opens in 2024 within the Arctic Circle in Norway.

With its low-impact overwater design inspired by local fish-drying structures, a solar power system, a zero-waste restaurant and efficient waste and water management systems, the hotel aims to help eco-minded travelers responsibly explore the polar region.

Also coming up in 2024 is Sheybarah Resort , an entirely off-grid resort in a protected marine park in the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia known for its dense mangroves, pristine coral reefs and sea life.

The LEED-Platinum property plans to minimize its footprint in many ways, from suspending pod-like hotel rooms above the water (so as not to disturb marine life) to installing a solar farm, a solar-powered desalination plant for fresh water and on-site recycling facilities.

Say goodbye to language barriers

There’s nothing wrong with playing charades, but wouldn’t it be amazing to have deeper conversations with the people you meet while traveling?

Suppose language barriers became a thing of the past. In that case, we could connect across cultures, work and live abroad, discover new business opportunities and relate to far-flung family members.

The good news is that real-time translation is growing more sophisticated by the day.

Google’s Pixel Buds can either translate what’s being said directly into your ear or share a transcription so you can follow along.

The company has also been working on wearable augmented-reality glasses that display translated text on the lenses in real-time.

Another company, Mymanu , also offers auto voice translation via its CLIK S earbuds.

Currently used in the hospitality industry and soon to be rolled out to help asylum seekers in the UK , the headphones sync with the company’s MyJuno translation app to help users communicate with people in over 37 languages.

The company says it will soon be launching the world’s first voice-controlled, eSIM-enabled earbuds. Called “Titan,” they can be used like a screen-less phone, and they also offer live translation without the need for a phone app.

The space race rockets forward

We’re well on our way to exploring the final frontier with a flurry of space tourism initiatives available now – or very soon – to the most affluent explorers.

According to SpaceVIP , which bills itself as the only aggregator of space-related experiences, roughly a dozen types of expeditions are available in 2023, with many more to follow.

For starters, Blue Origin offers excursions past the Kármán Line – a boundary 62 miles above sea level that marks the beginning of outer space.

Meanwhile, S paceX has successfully launched commercial orbits around the Earth, missions to the International Space Station (ISS), and plans to take Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and an international crew of artists, actors, musicians and athletes on the first civilian mission around the moon in 2023. 

Those seeking a leisurely and luxurious experience can soon travel to the edge of space in a pressurized Spaceship Neptune capsule, propelled by a SpaceBalloon (the same used by NASA), with Space Perspective .

During the six-hour journey, due to launch in 2024, travelers will enjoy panoramic views of the Earth, a gourmet meal and cocktails before a slow descent and water landing.

Virgin Galactic, meanwhile, plans to launch 90-minute joyrides into the upper atmosphere this summer .

If they do go ahead, the $450,000 suborbital flight will reach about 50 miles above the planet, where passengers will have about a minute to enjoy astounding views and experience zero gravity.

Meanwhile, several companies, including Hi-Seas, Space Training Academy, Nastar Center and Air Zero G, provide Earth-bound training programs so you can experience various levels of gravity, learn astronaut maneuvers and enjoy simulator experiences like a moon launch or ISS docking.

Hyperloop coming down the pipeline

US entrepreneur Elon Musk has been talking about hyperloop technology – an ultra-high-speed transport system in a low-pressure vacuum tube – for years.

As the pitch goes, with hyperloop networks, we could travel in pods up to 760 mph from LA to San Francisco in 30 minutes, Beijing to Shanghai in 60, and Paris to Amsterdam in 90.

In addition to saving time, proponents claim hyperloop also has the potential to provide a cheaper, faster, safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional mass transit.

Over the past decade, early movers like Musk’s The Boring Company, Virgin Hyperloop (now Hyperloop One) and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) made some impressive headway but encountered regulatory, funding and infrastructure challenges.

Despite an unsuccessful IPO attempt earlier this year , HyperloopTT is reportedly working on potential projects, including a “Great Lakes” link between Chicago, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, according to Bloomberg .

While thoroughly tested hyperloop transit networks may still be a decade, if not decades, away, many innovative companies are pushing the technology forward.

According to the South China Morning Post , the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation completed a few successful hyperloop test runs in Shanxi province in January 2023.

In addition, Hardt Hyperloop in the Netherlands demonstrated its technology at low speeds and is now constructing the European Hyperloop Center for high-speed demonstrations and testing.

Meanwhile, Toronto-based TransPod hopes to bring hyperloop technology to Canada with its eponymous tube-based transportation system powered by renewable energy.

By 2025, the company plans to build a 620-mile-per-hour TransPod link between Calgary and Edmonton, connecting the two cities in 45 minutes.

Maybe it’s a pipedream – or maybe it will transform travel as we know it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

The Future of Travel is Now: World Trip Deal Reveals Its AI-Powered Journey Planning

The Future of Travel is Now: World Trip Deal Reveals Its AI-Powered Journey Planning.

Dubai, UAE - April 19, 2024 —

Travel booking has long been a challenging task for adventurers worldwide. The process of filtering through countless flights, accommodations, and activities can be daunting, compounded by user-unfriendly interfaces and strict budget limits.

However, World Trip Deal (WTD), an innovative online travel agency (OTA), proposes a solution to transform the travel booking experience.

World Trip Deal (WTD), led by CEO Mahdi Nourian, utilizes AI to democratize luxury travel, making it affordable without compromising quality.

The company provides personalized itineraries and unique experiences for budget-conscious travelers, revolutionizing the travel industry.

AI Meets Affordability: World Trip Deal CEO on Democratizing Luxury Travel

This approach not only democratizes luxury travel but also enriches journeys, making exclusive experiences accessible to a broader audience.

Many online travel agencies focus on finding the cheapest deals. How is WTD using AI to create a more personalized and luxurious travel experience? (Focuses on personalization and luxury aspect)

World Trip Deal (WTD) redefines travel booking by using AI to curate personalized, luxurious experiences within a reasonable budget.

Unlike typical agencies focusing on generic options, WTD crafts unique itineraries based on individual preferences and history.

This approach offers exclusive deals and luxury experiences tailored to each traveler, ensuring a distinct and memorable journey without financial strain.

With the rise of AI in travel booking, how is World Trip Deal differentiating itself from the competition? (Focuses on competition and differentiation)

Mahdi Nourian: Look, there's no denying it – AI is taking the travel booking world by storm. Competition is fierce, and everyone's scrambling to integrate this powerful technology. 

But here at World Trip Deal (WTD), we're not just following the pack; we're leading the charge. Here's how we differentiate ourselves:

1. Beyond Basic Recommendations:  Many travel platforms use AI to suggest popular destinations or amazing hotel options . WTD goes a step further. We leverage AI to create a unique profile for each traveler. Imagine a travel agent who analyzes your past trips, interests, and budget to curate an itinerary that feels like it was designed specifically for you. No more cookie-cutter experiences!

2. Luxury on a Budget:  Let's face it, affordability is a major concern for many travelers. However, luxury shouldn't be reserved for the high rollers. WTD's AI technology negotiates exclusive travel deals with travel partners, unlocking hidden gems and securing discounts on luxury hotels and unique experiences.

3. Flexibility for the Adventurous Soul:  Travel plans can change, and WTD's AI is built to adapt. Unlike some competitors with rigid AI recommendations, our platform allows travelers to modify their itineraries on the fly . 

4. A Seamless User Experience:  AI shouldn't feel like a black box. WTD's user-friendly platform integrates seamlessly with our AI engine. 

Travelers can search, compare, and book flights, accommodations, and activities all within a single platform. 

No more juggling multiple websites and struggling with complex interfaces. We believe travel planning should be enjoyable, not a chore.

5. Future-Proofing Travel Booking:  AI is constantly evolving, and at WTD, we're committed to staying at the forefront of this technology. 

So, sure, the travel booking landscape is brimming with AI, but at WTD, we offer a distinctly personalized and budget-conscious approach to luxury travel . We're not just suggesting destinations; we're crafting unforgettable adventures tailored to your unique desires.

What role do you see AI playing in the future of travel booking, and how is World Trip Deal preparing for it? (Focuses on future trends and WTD's position)

World Trip Deal (WTD) leverages AI to shape the future of travel booking, promising a dynamic, personalized experience.

Envision AI tailoring itineraries based on real-time factors like weather or mood, simplifying processes such as airport check-ins, and offering real-time translation.

WTD invests in continuous AI advancement, ensuring a seamless, intuitive user experience, and revolutionizing travel from planning to discovery.

●      Transparency with AI: "How transparent is World Trip Deal with travellers regarding how AI is used in the booking process? Do they have any control over the AI recommendations?"

Mahdi Nourian emphasizes transparency at World Trip Deal (WTD), clearly outlining AI’s role in the booking process:

1. Clear Communication: WTD provides easy-to-understand explanations where AI impacts recommendations.

2. AI Preferences: Travelers can tailor their AI interactions by setting preferences for travel style, interests, and pace.

3. Curated Transparency: Instead of complex technical details, WTD highlights when recommendations are AI-driven, based on travel trends and user behaviors.

4. Control Through Customization: The platform allows extensive customization, enabling travelers to refine searches and adjust itineraries.

5. Human Expertise: AI is enhanced by human experts who provide insights to balance and personalize the travel experience.

WTD’s approach ensures that travelers understand and control AI’s input, enhancing their booking experience while keeping personal choice paramount.

Future of Travel and WTD:

●      AI and Sustainability: "Is there a role for AI in promoting sustainable travel practices within World Trip Deal's platform?" 

Mahdi Nourian: at World Trip Deal we emphasize AI’s role in sustainable travel with eco-friendly suggestions and carbon offset options. WTD prioritizes user experience, innovates continuously, and ensures data transparency.

This approach not only enhances travel but also promotes responsible tourism and builds user trust in AI integration.

Finally, let's explore the broader impact of AI on the travel industry.

Transforming Travel:

●      Hyper-Personalization: AI will personalize travel experiences beyond imagination. Imagine itineraries tailored not just to destinations but to your mood, preferences, and even real-time data. AI will transform travel from a one-size-fits-all experience to a truly personal journey.

●      Streamlined Booking & Management: Travel booking will become effortless. Imagine AI automating tedious tasks like visa applications, travel insurance, and even managing itinerary changes with ease.

●      Accessibility & Inclusivity: AI can break down language barriers and assist travelers with disabilities. Imagine real-time translation tools and AI-powered accessibility recommendations, making travel a more inclusive experience for everyone.

However, AI also comes with challenges:

●      Ethical Considerations: Transparency and data privacy are crucial. AI algorithms need to be free from bias and ensure responsible data usage.

●      Human Interaction: Travel advisors still have a vital role. AI shouldn't replace the human touch. We envision a future where AI complements human expertise, offering a dynamic and personalized travel experience.

So, there you have it. World Trip Deal (WTD) is shaking things up in the travel industry with a potent blend of AI and affordability.

From personalized itineraries to hidden gem recommendations, WTD is making luxury travel accessible for the budget-conscious adventurer.

But WTD's vision extends beyond booking. They're looking to leverage AI throughout your entire journey, offering real-time recommendations, fostering a travel community, and even promoting sustainable practices.

 As AI continues to reshape the travel landscape, WTD is poised to be a leader in this exciting transformation.

So, the next time you're dreaming of an escape, ditch the outdated guidebooks and endless price comparisons.

Head over to World Trip Deal and let AI craft the perfect adventure for you. After all, travel should be an unforgettable experience, not a logistical nightmare. And with WTD, it can be just that.

Contact Info: Name: Mehdi Nourian Email: Send Email Organization: World Trip Deal Address: UAE, Dubai, Barsha Heights, Sheikha Noora Building, Office 709 Website: https://www.worldtripdeal.com/

Release ID: 89127569

If you come across any problems, discrepancies, or concerns related to the content contained within this press release that necessitate action or if a press release requires takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out without delay by contacting [email protected]. Our committed team will be readily accessible round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take appropriate actions to rectify identified issues or support with press release removals. Ensuring accurate and reliable information remains our unwavering commitment.

The Future of Travel Agents, will technology replace them?

The evolving role of travel agents.

The travel industry has witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of digital technology . Travel agents, once seen primarily as intermediaries for booking flights and accommodations, have now transitioned into a more dynamic role. This evolution has been spurred by the influx of online platforms and mobile applications, which have redefined how travel planning and management are conducted. However, rather than becoming obsolete, travel agents have adapted to these changes, merging traditional customer service with modern technology. This fusion has led to the emergence of travel consultants or advisors who are tech-savvy , yet retain the irreplaceable human element in service delivery. They are no longer just agents; they are travel experts, equipped with both the tools and knowledge to provide an unparalleled travel experience.

The Impact of Technology on Travel Planning

In the digital era, travel planning has undergone a significant transformation. Online booking platforms, social media, and mobile apps have become integral to how people plan and book their travels . These platforms offer convenience and a plethora of options, often overwhelming travelers with choices. In this context, travel agents have become vital interpreters of this information, offering clarity and expert advice. CRM systems like Salesforce or Zoho CRM exemplify the technological advancements in customer management, enabling travel agents to deliver more personalized and efficient service. They help agents track customer preferences, manage itineraries, and ensure seamless travel experiences. Despite the proliferation of DIY travel planning tools, the expertise and personalized service offered by travel agents remain in high demand, particularly for customized itineraries, complex trips, and luxury travel experiences.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Service

Modern travel agents are embracing technological tools to redefine their service offerings . Tools like TTS WebAgent are at the forefront, providing a one-stop solution for managing bookings, customer relationships, and itinerary planning. These tools are not just about efficiency; they are about enhancing the customer experience. They enable agents to quickly respond to inquiries and personalize travel recommendations based on past preferences. By leveraging such technology , travel agents can devote more time to understanding their client’s unique needs and crafting tailor-made travel experiences. This high level of personalization is what sets travel agents apart in the digital age, offering a bespoke service that online platforms cannot replicate.

The Human Touch in a Digital World

In a world dominated by digital interfaces, the human touch provided by travel agents becomes even more valuable. While technology offers efficiency and access to information, it lacks the personalization and empathy that human interactions bring. Travel agents excel in understanding the nuances of their client’s desires, offering a level of customization and care that algorithms cannot match. This human aspect is particularly crucial when dealing with unforeseen issues or special requests. Travel agents can offer reassurance, immediate assistance, and flexible solutions , aspects that are often missing in automated systems. Their expertise in understanding cultural nuances, local customs, and hidden gems adds an enriching layer to travel experiences that technology alone cannot provide.

Travel Agents: Navigators of Complex Travel Ecosystems

The travel industry is a complex ecosystem with multiple stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, tour operators, and more. Travel agents play a critical role in navigating this complexity, especially in scenarios like group travels, unique destinations, or luxury journeys . With their extensive knowledge and network , they can coordinate with various entities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. They can also provide valuable insights into local customs, the best times to visit, and must-see destinations, which are crucial for an enriched travel experience. In addition, they are adept at handling logistics and troubleshooting, providing peace of mind to travelers. Their role is particularly indispensable in organizing complicated itineraries, where their expertise and personal connections can turn a complex journey into a seamless adventure.

Artificial Intelligence in Travel Planning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping travel planning , enhancing the capabilities of travel agents with advanced tools like TTS WebAgent. This AI-powered platform uniquely identifies flight options that are typically beyond the reach of standard searches, offering more personalized and cost-effective travel solutions.

Additionally, AI extends its benefits through tools like chatbots and agent productivity software. Chatbots provide instant, 24/7 assistance to clients, answering queries and offering recommendations, thus enhancing customer service without the need for constant human oversight. Agent productivity tools, empowered by AI, streamline various administrative tasks, allowing travel agents to focus on more critical aspects of client engagement and itinerary planning.

These AI-driven solutions collectively elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of travel agents , ensuring they can deliver superior, tailored travel experiences while operating more efficiently in a competitive market.

The Symbiosis of Technology and Personal Touch

As the travel industry continues to evolve, the role of travel agents remains crucial but must adapt to changing technologies and client expectations. Embracing these changes is key to staying relevant and competitive. The future of travel planning is intertwined with technological advancements, and agents who leverage these tools will find themselves at the forefront of the industry.

The incorporation of AI in platforms like TTS WebAgent , the use of chatbots for customer interaction, and AI-enhanced productivity tools are not just trends but necessities in the modern travel landscape. These innovations offer unprecedented opportunities for personalization , efficiency, and improved client service. By adopting these technologies, agents can provide more tailored experiences, respond swiftly to client needs, and manage operations with greater ease.

Looking ahead, travel agents must continue to balance the human touch with technological proficiency. The goal is not to replace the personal connection that is central to the travel agent’s role but to enhance it with tools that offer deeper insights, streamlined processes, and more effective communication channels.

In conclusion, the future of travel agents is dynamic and promising, shaped by a blend of traditional expertise and cutting-edge technology. By staying informed and adaptable, agents can not only meet but exceed the expectations of the modern traveler, securing their place as indispensable advisors in the world of travel.

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REDEFINING THE END-TO-END PASSENGER EXPERIENCE AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

The New Terminal One at JFK awards airside technology contracts as it prioritises passenger experience and efficient operations

Digital Transformation | On the Ground // Apr 2024

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The New Terminal One at New York JFK Airport, a new international terminal being built in partnership with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport, has awarded contracts that will see it utilise the latest Airside 4.0 technology from ADB SAFEGATE (an exhibitor at FTE Global , Los Angeles, 28-30 October 2024).

The first phase of The New Terminal One, including the arrivals and departures halls and the first 14 gates, is scheduled to open in June 2026.

In partnership with Tishman Construction Corp, the builder of the terminal, ADB SAFEGATE will deliver the latest Airside 4.0 technology, which includes a comprehensive apron management and tower system. The systems combine 12 separate products and solutions, including apron management software, advanced visual docking guidance systems, ramps services management system, intelligent lead-in and roadway guard lighting, and a virtual apron control room, offering one of the most integrated airport apron operations in the U.S.

“Passenger experience and efficient operations are key priorities for our future operating business,” said Simon Gandy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The New Terminal One. “They support our ambition to transform international travel to New York and the United States and to be ranked among the top airport terminals in the world. We are pleased to be working with ADB SAFEGATE to ensure our airside operations are safe and efficient and that through improved information sharing and decision-making, our community of customers and stakeholders and ultimately our future travellers will benefit from this investment in technology.”

The integrated solutions that will be delivered to The New Terminal One are part of ADB SAFEGATE’s Airside 4.0 vision, which aims to provide innovative solutions to boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability in airports worldwide.

“Our scope of work involves a complete apron management system bringing a new level of intelligence and automation to provide the most efficient and safest ramp operation in America, and among the very best in the world,” said Nick Haines, VP Americas, ADB SAFEGATE.

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