The travel industry is incredibly vibrant and thrilling, constantly bringing people from backgrounds together and creating unforgettable experiences all around the world. However it’s important to acknowledge that travel is always changing due to the advancements in technology and innovation. In this article we’ll delve into some of the cutting edge ways that travel technology is progressing at a pace revolutionizing our approach to traveling both now and in the future of 2023 and beyond.
Chatbots
Chatbots are programs powered by intelligence (AI) that allow people to have conversations through chat interfaces. These intelligent bots can provide services like offering information, answering queries, giving recommendations and even assisting in booking travel services.
In the travel industry chatbots are gaining popularity. Becoming increasingly advanced. They offer personalized and convenient assistance round the clock for travelers. Moreover chatbots prove beneficial, for travel companies as they help reduce costs, enhance efficiency and boost customer satisfaction.
Some examples of chatbots in the travel industry are:
- Skyscanner: A travel search engine that uses a chatbot on Facebook Messenger to help users find flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Expedia: A travel booking platform that uses a chatbot on Skype to help users find and book hotels.
- KLM: A Dutch airline that uses a chatbot on WhatsApp to provide flight information, boarding passes, and customer service to passengers.
Internet of Things
The travel industry could undergo transformations due to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT). In terms IoT refers to a network of objects that possess sensors, software and other technologies enabling them to communicate and share information with other devices and systems, via the internet. By harnessing IoT the travel experience can be improved in terms of convenience, safety and intelligence. Additionally, IoT can assist travel companies in streamlining their operations, minimizing expenses and boosting their gains.
Some examples of IoT in the travel industry are:
- Smart luggage: Luggage that can be tracked, locked, weighed, and charged remotely using a smartphone app.
- Smart hotels: Hotels that use IoT devices such as smart locks, thermostats, lights, and speakers to provide personalized and automated services to guests.
- Smart airports: Airports that use IoT devices such as biometric scanners, facial recognition cameras, sensors, and robots to improve security, efficiency, and passenger experience.
Contactless self-service and biometrics
The travel industry is undergoing changes due to the COVID 19 pandemic with contactless self service and biometrics playing a crucial role. Contactless self service involves using tools like mobile apps, kiosks, QR codes and voice assistants to allow travelers to complete tasks without physical contact or the need for human interaction. On the other hand biometrics relies on biological features such as fingerprints, iris scans, face scans and voice recognition to identify and verify travelers identities.
By embracing self service and biometrics travelers can enjoy benefits, like avoiding long queues, minimizing touchpoints, saving time and enhancing security. These technologies also enable travel companies to comply with health and safety regulations effectively while streamlining processes and fostering customer loyalty.
Some examples of contactless self-service and biometrics in the travel industry are:
- Clear: A company that provides a biometric identity platform that allows travelers to use their eyes or face to verify their identity at airports, stadiums, hotels, and other venues.
- Marriott: A hotel chain that offers a mobile app that allows guests to check-in, access their rooms, order room service, and check-out using their smartphones.
- Carnival: A cruise line that uses a wearable device called OceanMedallion that enables guests to access their cabins, make payments, order food and drinks, play games, and personalize their onboard experience.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology allows for the creation of a ledger that securely records transactions in a transparent and unchangeable manner. With blockchain individuals can engage in transactions without the need for intermediaries or central governing bodies.
Blockchain can offer many benefits to the travel industry such as:
- Reducing fraud
- Enhancing security
- Lowering fees
- Improving loyalty
- Increasing trust
Some examples of blockchain in the travel industry are:
- Winding Tree: A decentralized platform that connects travel suppliers and distributors directly using blockchain technology.
- Travala: A travel booking platform that accepts cryptocurrencies as payment methods and offers discounts and rewards to users who use its native token AVA.
- Loyyal: A blockchain-based platform that enables travel companies to create and manage loyalty programs that are interoperable, flexible, and scalable.
Digital Health Passports
Digital health passports are digital certificates that verify the health status of travelers, such as their vaccination records, test results, or immunity status. Digital health passports are designed to facilitate safe and seamless travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Digital health passports can help travelers comply with the varying and evolving travel restrictions and requirements across different countries and regions. They can also help travel companies ensure the health and safety of their customers and staff, as well as restore confidence and demand in the travel industry.
Some examples of digital health passports in the travel industry are:
- IATA Travel Pass: A mobile app developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that allows travelers to store and share their verified health credentials with airlines and authorities.
- CommonPass: A digital platform developed by The Commons Project Foundation and the World Economic Forum that allows travelers to access their health records and generate a QR code that certifies their compliance with the destination’s entry requirements.
- VeriFLY: A mobile app developed by Daon that allows travelers to upload their health documents and receive a pass that confirms their eligibility to travel.
Conclusion
Travel technology is advancing rapidly presenting both possibilities and unique challenges for the travel industry and individuals who love to explore. Embracing these advancements allows travel companies to elevate their offerings, streamline their operations and deliver exceptional value to their customers and partners. For travelers themselves embracin
