Travel technology has been rapidly evolving over the past few years, and with the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we travel, the pace of innovation is only increasing. From virtual reality tours to touchless check-ins, the travel industry is embracing technology to provide a safer, more convenient, and more immersive experience for travelers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the emerging travel technologies and their potential impact on the future of travel.
Virtual and Augmented Reality:Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology has been around for a while, but it’s now being used in the travel industry to give travelers a more immersive experience. With VR, travelers can take virtual tours of destinations before they even book their trip, allowing them to experience a destination in a more realistic and engaging way. AR can be used to provide travelers with real-time information about their surroundings, such as historical facts, restaurant recommendations, and local events.
Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in the travel industry in various ways, such as chatbots that provide customer service and personalized recommendations based on a traveler’s preferences. In the future, AI could be used to provide more sophisticated recommendations, such as suggesting personalized itineraries based on a traveler’s interests and travel history.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the travel industry by making transactions more secure, transparent, and efficient. For example, it could be used to create a secure, decentralized database of traveler information that could be accessed by airlines, hotels, and other travel companies, reducing the need for travelers to provide the same information multiple times.
Biometrics: Biometric technology, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, is already being used for security purposes at airports, but it could also be used to provide a more seamless and touchless travel experience. For example, travelers could use their biometric data to check-in, board a plane, and access hotel rooms without ever having to touch a surface or interact with a human.
Internet of Things: The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity that enables these objects to connect and exchange data. In the travel industry, IoT could be used to create a more personalized and seamless experience for travelers. For example, a hotel room could automatically adjust the temperature, lighting, and sound based on a traveler’s preferences, and a rental car could provide real-time traffic updates and suggestions for nearby attractions.
5G: 5G technology promises to revolutionize the travel industry by providing faster and more reliable internet connections, enabling travelers to stay connected and access information in real-time. For example, 5G could enable virtual concierge services that provide personalized recommendations and assistance to travelers throughout their trip.
Autonomous Vehicles: Autonomous vehicles, such as self-driving cars and drones, have the potential to transform the travel industry by providing a safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. For example, self-driving cars could be used for airport shuttles, and drones could be used for delivering luggage or providing aerial tours of destinations.
Wearable Technology: Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, is already being used in the travel industry to provide travelers with real-time information about their travel itinerary and destination. In the future, wearable technology could be used to provide more personalized recommendations and assistance, such as suggesting activities based on a traveler’s heart rate or providing translation services in real-time.
In conclusion, the future of travel technology is exciting and full of potential. By embracing emerging technologies, the travel industry can provide a safer, more convenient, and more immersive experience for travelers. From VR tours to autonomous
(This article is written by Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer & Co-Founder, Ekostay, a homestay venture., and the views expressed in this article are his own)
