5 key technology trends in travel industry
The main trend in travel today is … Summer is Here! But beyond our statement of the obvious fact, technology plays a vital role in the tourism and travel industry. It helps businesses manage their day-to-day operations while improving customer service.
It is vital that all travel companies, including airlines, hotels, restaurants, and others, keep up with the latest trends in technology. With constantly changing customer expectations, this is particularly important in an era like the COVID-19 era. This article will provide more information about these tech trends for 2021.
We have compiled the most recent technology trends in travel and tourism that also address the COVID pandemic’s impact on consumer behavior.
Voice Search & Voice Control
Smart speakers, smartphones, AI assistants have helped increase the relevancy of voice search as one of the technology trends in the travel industry. A growing number of customers are using voice search to book flights, hotels, and other travel experiences.
Voice search is a growing trend, and it is crucial to design your website accordingly.
Voice control is also gaining popularity in travel experiences. Voice-controlled devices can control heating and lighting in hotel rooms, for instance. Tourists can use the devices to get all types of information. It is expected that this technology will continue to grow in other parts of the industry as well.
Robots
One of the most innovative forms of travel technology, robotics technology, is continually improving. Robots can assist guests in registering and providing information. They are also used in concierge-like roles or for the cleaning activity at some hotels.
Robots could play a big part in restaurant food preparation and service. They can detect concealed weapons in airports. Some manufacturers also use robotics to make luggage cases that intelligently follow you. Travel agents use robots to prescreen customers, which makes waiting times less stressful.
Like many other trends in technology within the travel industry, robots are now more popular than ever because they can reduce human-to-human contact.
Contactless payments
Accepting contactless payments is another important aspect of the travel industry. It will enable travel companies to process payments faster, even when customers do not have cash or credit card, improving the customer experience and saving time.
Contactless payments penetrated the market, at first, as an option for convenience. However, they have become a crucial part of tourism since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Many travelers are reluctant to accept cash due to their fears about the spread of this virus and now use mobile POS devices. Protect your staff by using contactless payments whenever possible.
Cybersecurity Measures
Because companies working in the travel management industry are more at risk of cyberattacks and more susceptible to data breaches from other sources, cybersecurity is a prime area of focus. Because they have access to many customer data and employ many people, travel companies are a prime target.
Ransomware attacks and phishing attacks are two of the gravest threats to this sector. However, companies can also be at risk from human error due to their employees’ modern reliance upon data. To keep your business secure, you need to invest in cybersecurity training and other hardware and software solutions.
Big Data
Big data is a major part of modern tourism management; it can improve personalization. Travel companies can use the information to adjust their offerings.
Analyzing current business performance is another good use of data. Hotel owners can use big data to improve their revenue management. They can analyze historical occupancy rates and other trends to predict future demand. Pricing and promotional strategies can be optimized when the needs are predictable.
It is mandatory for companies that operate in the travel business to keep up with the latest trends in the industry. Understanding and adopting these trends will allow them to provide a better experience for their customers and optimize revenue management.