Last few years saw a lot of new technologies emerging in the market. From wearable to voice search, to chatbots, these technologies are changing the ways the travel and tourism industry communicates with their customers. Businesses operating in this industry can now better streamline internal operations and have a more significant potential for growth.

However, with these technologies available on the market, the needs and expectations of customers have also evolved.

In this blog, we will be discussing six technology trends that are changing the game for the travel and tourism business.

1. A widespread of outdoor Wi-Fi areas

The demand for Wi-Fi in hotels is ever-increasing, but this demand for Wi-Fi has now increased from the indoors of the hotels to outdoor spaces. The scope of Wi-Fi has continued to expand, and it’s high time that the needs of the travelers for an outdoor Wi-Fi area should be considered.

According to Press Release by MarketWatch “In 2017, The Global outdoor Wi-Fi market Value was $28.51 billion, and by the end of 2023, it is set to reach a worth of $63.25 billion.”

Since smart gadgets and rapid networks are highly valued around the globe, many hotels and tourist locations are giving their customers the privilege of wider and faster internet services.

2. Enhanced customer service via A.I. Powered Chatbots

Machine Learning and AI can do wonders for the tourism and travel industry. Customer services can now be automated and are travel industry no longer restricted to human interaction due to the integration of artificial intelligence. Expedia.com, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Booking.com are a few examples of the businesses that are utilizing chatbots extensively.

Today, most of the smart travel portal development services use chatbots that are available to answer simple questions and direct visitors to nearby attractions of an area. Chatbots backed by intelligent A.I. algorithms can keep guests informed about various services like room, cab, and more. They can also help in conserving service time for both guests and hotel employees. Thus, strengthening the business-consumer bond and establishing a strong reputation for the hotel and its services.

3. A shift towards voice searches

Travelers hate to waste their time when they are on a trip. With the new feature of voice searches in smart devices, travelers avoid the tedious job of typing and searching for nearby locations.

In the Q2 of 2018, the global market for voice search devices grew by 187% from 2017. The hospitality industry is also including voice command tools in their hotel rooms to offer an effortless stay to their guests.

One of the most prominent examples of voice innovation in the hospitality industry is - Marriott, who partnered with Amazon for Alexa to answer hotel-related questions asked by their guests. In 2019, more hotels will be following this trend to harness the potential of voice technology to give a smoother stay experience to their customers.

4. Wearable devices for guests and hotel staffs

Wearable technology can help hotels and tourist locations in tracking their guests; this will help in maintaining security if the guests wander off the grid. Many hotels are providing keyless entry via wearable devices.

A new wrist gadget from Mont Blanc lets boarding pass barcodes directly scanned from the screen, offer turn-by-turn navigation, and book cabs from Uber.

Hotel Alessandra in Houston is another such example that is utilizing wearable technology to give exceptional services to its customers.

5. Ease of Planning on Apps

Smartphone apps are the new medium through which most of the bookings are made today. Improved features on these apps and the ability to book their hotels and flights from the palm of their hand, is what entices the customers.

Apps can help travelers in comparing flights, in searching for main attractions in a particular place as well as in planning their vacation. HotelTonight is the perfect example of mobile services that provides customers the option of last-minute bookings of hotels via their app. Nowadays, most of the travel and tourism companies are opting for mobile application development for their businesses.

6. Virtual Reality Marketing

Virtual Reality (VR) is a new trend followed by many industries and has much potential in the hospitality industry as well. Travelers get the option to try out different rooms through VR gadgets. It helps customers in making a sound decision even before arriving at the exact spot. Through VR, travel and tourism businesses can offer an immersive experience for their customers.

Lufthansa offers its in-flight experience to the visitors via a VR gear.

Conclusion

The technologies like chatbots/A.I., wearable, and more are still finding their ways into the travel and tourism industry. We will see more adoption of such technologies in the future, and more use-cases can be discovered to use such technologies to deliver a better experience to the customer, increase operational efficiency, and reduce cost.