Technology has altered how leisure and business travelers plan and experience their trips. Tech helps with booking, accommodations, and communication.
Studies show that 85 percent of travelers use travel apps to plan their trips. Technology allows for the purchase of tickets and digital check-in at the airport. In addition, travelers can research travel information online instead of calling or visiting a travel agent. When travelers require the assistance of travel agents, they can ask agencies online. Travelers can also make rental car and accommodation reservations.
Travelers can stay at accommodations booked through VRBO and Airbnb. These home-sharing platforms offer residential options to travelers seeking specific amenities, such as well-equipped kitchens and living rooms.
Social media has also impacted travel. Hospitality companies can use social media for marketing, influencing travelers' choices. In their digital marketing, companies can target their markets on social media and share special announcements. They can receive instant feedback and engage in dialogue with users. Travelers can leverage social media to plan their trips, share their experiences, and ask travel-related questions of other users.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered the travel industry, with some airports using AI chatbots to direct travelers and help them find information. Similarly, travel agencies use AI bots on their websites to help prospective travelers curate personalized travel experiences based on their interests, past behavior, and preferences.
Technology has reduced language barriers for travelers. Travelers can use translation apps such as iTranslate and Google Translate to communicate with people in other countries. The apps can also translate signs, menus, and text. Travelers who plan to reside in different countries for extended periods can learn languages online and with apps.
Technology has also made it easier for airlines and other transportation companies to stay in constant contact with travelers. In the past, people had to call busy and overbooked customer care agents. However, with the proliferation of instant messaging applications, transportation companies can stay in touch with their customers 24/7.
Further, technology can curtail infectious diseases spread during travel. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when contactless technology became commonplace. Most airports adopted contactless check-in and check-out systems. Similarly, virtual key cards and digital payment options were available in airports and hotels. Touchless security measures such as facial recognition technology and sensors are increasingly used. Lastly, technology has simplified payment options for many travelers, who can use Google Wallet, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay instead of cash to make purchases.
Blockchain is another aspect of technology revolutionizing the travel industry. A blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that comprises a list of securely interconnected records or blocks. Although interconnected, these blocks are usually decentralized, forming a complex and secure system that can be used to execute transactions and record data.
Consequently, blockchain technology has facilitated the improvement of decentralized booking in the travel industry. This means that customers do not have to go through middlemen to book their flights or hotel accommodation. For instance, companies like Webjet are spearheading a campaign for the use of blockchain technology to provide both customers and vendors with the necessary data to help them connect with lower prices and personalized services. Similarly, some organizations are developing blockchain-powered mobile applications that prevent customers from inputting incorrect travel data and double booking while ensuring their data security.
Augmented reality and virtual assistants are also changing the way that people travel today. Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri can help travelers with language translation, direction, finding restaurants, and weather forecasts. Similarly, augmented reality helps travelers access more information about a location or destination by displaying digital information or virtual objects over the physical world.
