Travel technology: As everyone is aware, technology has changed and will continue to influence how people live. Technology has had an impact on almost every industry, and today we’ll talk about travel technology and how it affects the travel and tourist industry. Technology improvements have immensely benefited the travel and tourism industry by enabling us to travel and create enjoyable plans from the comfort of our homes.
Travel technology often referred to as tourism technology and hospitality automation is the application of information technology (IT) or information and communications technology (ICT) in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. If you’re in school or work in the travel industry, this piece is very relevant to you.
To learn more about the technology used in the travel business, examples of it, and some new trends in the sector, read the article below.
What is Travel Technology?
As was already established, travel technology is nothing more than the application of knowledge that has facilitated travel in the travel and tourist sector. Technology has completely changed the way we travel, making our journeys more enjoyable and practical. The tourism industry has undergone a substantial transition that we today refer to as travel technology.
Technology has not only made it easier for people to plan their travels, but it has also made it easier for travel companies to book trips for their clients, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and many other travel-related services.
In order to automate travel, save time, cut expenses, and give customers a smooth travel experience before, during, and after a journey, IT and e-commerce solutions are being applied in the fields of tourism, travel, and hospitality.
Travel Technology trends in the Travel and Tourism Industry
A trend is a significant change in behavior or an overall improvement within a certain industry. Many of the most important trends in travel technology have been influenced by various aspects of the hospitality industry, such as modifications in customer behavior.
The use of new travel technology by hotels has been made possible by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), voice search, virtual reality and augmented reality (VR and AR), facial recognition, the Internet of Things, and smart speakers. Additionally, they have made it possible for travel firms to give virtual reality tours and for guests to check in without having to stand in line or communicate with receptionists.
We use voice search, mobile apps, and contactless payments more and more in our daily lives, so it makes reasonable that travel technology developments would follow the same general trend.
Some of these behaviors were further hastened by the COVID-19 epidemic, which increased the demand for remedies like cleaning robots. Below is a summary of current travel technology trends in the travel and tourism sector.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The tourism sector is expected to experience considerable changes as a result of the Internet of Things (IoT). They incorporate Internet-connected sensors into a variety of products, such as automobiles, luggage, buildings, and more.
In fact, the Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero in Spain declared that over the coming years, the Internet of Things “is likely to be the key revolutionary factor in the personalization of the consumer experience.”
In some Virgin Hotel locations, guests can use an app to control the thermostat or the television in their rooms. Some suitcases come equipped with electronics that enable owners to trace the whereabouts of their luggage at any time using their cell phones, helping to prevent lost luggage at the airport or other public locations.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Due to all the opportunities they can provide, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have also joined the travel industry. More businesses are using travel technology to show customers a stateroom on a cruise ship or briefly transport them to the Great Wall of China.
Today, we don’t even need to leave the sofa to “teleport” to the farthest reaches of the world. By using the EVEREST VR software, which allows you to view the top of the planet without having to climb there, you can obtain this. Alternatively, if you’d like, you can paddle across the Grand Canyon while taking in its views and sounds.
Mobile Technology
Without question, this is the protagonist of the new modes of transportation. Our cell phones have evolved into a variety of useful tools, like a map, the best restaurant locator, and tour guides. It supports us throughout the entire purchasing process.
In fact, 45% of TripAdvisor customers say, they use their phones for every aspect of planning their vacations.
For this reason, it’s necessary to adapt corporate services and communications to these gadgets. For instance, KLM has already developed a passenger information service utilizing Facebook Messenger.
Following a reservation, this system sends the user a Facebook Messenger message with their boarding pass, ticket details, and flight status updates. The user can get all the information they require regarding their journey in the palm of their hand without having to download anything extra by using an app they already own.
Robots
Robotics, a field of technology that is constantly evolving, is one of the most fascinating in tourism as well as travel technology. Robots, for instance, have been employed at hotels to serve in concierge-like capacities, helping to welcome visitors and deliver information. Some hotels have increased their use even more by incorporating cleaning and luggage handling tasks.
Robots might be used in restaurants to help with food preparation and serving. While some manufacturers are also utilizing robotics to develop luggage cases that intelligently track you, they can be used to detect concealed weapons in airports. Additionally, pre-screening is done by robots used by travel agencies, which makes customer wait times more efficient.
The employment of robots has actually expanded in reaction to COVID, as has the usage of many other technological advances in the travel sector, particularly because they have the potential to lessen human-to-human contact.
Contactless Payments
Accepting contactless payments is a crucial aspect of travel technology. Travel agencies will be able to process payments far more swiftly as a result, even in circumstances where consumers lack access to cash or their credit or debit card. Being a time saver, it can also improve the client experience.
After the coronavirus outbreak, the availability of contactless payments evolved from a convenience to a crucial component of tourism marketing. Many tourists are hesitant to handle currency because they are concerned about the virus spreading. Additionally, you can protect your own personnel by using contactless payments as much as feasible.
AI Chatbots
Artificial Intelligence Travel Agent and Chatbots: Because AI-powered chatbots can answer consumers’ questions quickly and continuously, regardless of personnel availability, they are one of the most logical investments you can make in travel technology. To meet the high standards of customer service that are currently expected, this may be necessary.
These chatbots typically perform best when responding to questions, that are frequently asked and have standardized replies. Modern chatbots, however, continue to get better as they engage in more and more exchanges because of advancements in AI technology.
Additionally, they may be particularly adept in responding to inquiries on policies and other regulations or practices.
CyberSecurity Measures
Since businesses in the sector are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and other types of data breaches, cybersecurity is a major area of focus for people in the travel management profession. Because they employ many people and have access to a wealth of client data, travel agencies are a prime target.
Ransomware and phishing assaults are two of the major concerns in this sector, but because of the modern reliance on data, businesses are also at risk from human mistakes brought on by their own staff. To keep your company secure, you must invest in cybersecurity education as well as a variety of hardware and software solutions.
Additionally, it’s critical to adhere to data protection rules and stay current with legislation.
Real-Life Examples of Travel Technology
The following are some of the most notable applications of travel technology and most popular travel apps (travel applications), which stay active and updated with the latest technologies:
- Hotelmize;
- HEHA! Holiday Extras;
- Trawex;
- Waze;
- Flightradar24;
- Amadeus;
- TravelCarma;
- Google Maps;
- Airbnb;
- Expedia;
- Skyscanner;
- Tripadvisor;
- Skift;
- TechnoHeaven;
- PackPoint;
Travel Technology impact on the travel and tourism industry
- FCM Travels reports that 39% of hotel reservations are done on cell phones. According to the same report, cell phones account for 22% of all flight bookings.
- Condor Ferries released the following statistics about internet reservations for travel:
- 70% of tourists examine travel options on their smartphones.
- 33% of tourists use a virtual assistant to help them arrange their vacations.
- In 2018, 82% of travel reservations were made directly with travelers.
- Online reservations are made by 66% of all travelers.
- 83% of US consumers said they prefer to book their travel online.
- 80% of tourists consult TripAdvisor reviews before making reservations.
- 72% of people will study online reviews before making a reservation.
How Has Technology Changed the Travel Industry?
Travel technology is now possible thanks to technology, which makes it easier and more fun for both travelers and travel companies to organize trips.
You may quickly and easily organize a trip and arrange for lodging, transportation, flights, and much more. Your mobile device is the ideal traveling companion, allowing you to carry your itinerary in the palm of your hand.
With the help of technology, such as augmented reality, you may simplify your packing process and stay connected wherever you are. You may create a unique experience for each journey that will be remembered forever.
Travel technology has changed the tourism industry, and we’re excited to see what the future holds. It will undoubtedly be amazing!
Conclusion: Purpose of Travel Technology
Customers may make online reservations without hiring a travel agent thanks to travel technology, which also automates payments and back-office tasks for travel agencies. With the help of startups and tech-driven companies like Hotelmize, the tourism industry is utilizing travel technology.
We hope that our article provides the most useful details in a method that will be advantageous to all of our readers.
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