Technology Innovations in Travel Industry

Technology is constantly changing the way we get around and interact with the world. 2017 will be treating us to travel-friendly drones, the reintroduction of wireless, and more personalised ways to travel the world. At the heart of this sustained growth is technology advancement, which continues to create new opportunities within the market and drive an improved consumer experience. From virtual-reality tours to drone photography, new technologies continuing to reshape the way we move around, stay and play where we’re on vacation. 

Virtual Reality (VR) Travel:

VR is often considered as the future of gaming and entertainment, but in theory it has many more potential applications. VR has the capacity to fabricate any environment, while augmented reality combines virtual and corporeal elements to recreate global destinations. These virtual tours not only create opportunities for those who are unable to travel physically, but they also provide a valuable learning experience for travellers. 

Automation:

While the travel and hospitality industries are about one-on-one guest services, there are now more self-service options. Perhaps it’s a response to millennials, who are more comfortable behind a screen than in front of someone. From check-ins to concierge and housekeeping requests, hotel chains are building apps that essentially let you stay at a hotel without having to interact with staff. The same goes for airports, where you can even now tag your own luggage in addition to doing everything on your phone, including rebooking a missed connection. 

Personalization:

Most large travel technology companies are looking at personalization as the next evolution in communication between the traveller and the hotel, airline or destination. 

Emergence of One-stop, Travel Resources:

Corporate travel is a huge contributor to the overall marketplace, particularly as business class flights become increasingly accessible and trends such as ‘the bizcation’ begin to take centre stage.

Smart Luggage Locks:

Locks your luggage using Bluetooth instead of keys. It will be the year of the smart luggage locks.

Business Intelligence Inside:

By harnessing the insights of analysis to empower automated decision-making, it’s possible for systems to become proactive rather than reactive. A good example of this: when a traveller makes a search, results acts upon expected consumer behaviour using data from the past to almost instantaneously present travellers with appropriate travel options. Just like anticipating needs and taking action without human intervention.

Merchandising:

Merchandising and personalisation of travel services are very important for airlines as they seek to improve their bottom lines and meet customers’ expectations more effectively. Travellers receive personalised seat options and other tailored offers, reflecting their preferences and the nature of their journey. I believe that this kind of technology will help travel providers and sellers bring their products and services to life.

Drone Photography:

With so many drones in consumers’ hands, don’t be surprised if you start seeing them while on vacation – the new selfie stick. It can give you that awesome aerial shot no regular camera or smartphone could capture.

Conclusion:

These are only a few examples of the big technologies that will change travel in the next few years. I believe all of the above will be making their presence felt.