6 Travel Industry Technologies to Utilize

The travel industry is going through a digital revolution, with new technologies and tools transforming every aspect of this space. Travelers now have access to smart, advanced technology at their fingertips, which enhances and supports their travel experience.

Today, using the latest tech is no longer optional for travel businesses; it’s crucial for meeting customer demand.

If you’re just beginning to understand the scope of available technology in the travel industry, you’re not alone. Digital transformation in travel is going through a rapid boom, and the travel technology market is projected to grow to more than $10 billion by 2030.

Here are some of the most common new travel industry technology types that your travel business should consider deploying.

1. Artificial intelligence and personalization: Crafting unique travel experiences

Artificial intelligence (or AI) has been deemed the top disruptive technology of our time, and AI in travel has many implications. AI and its subset, machine learning (ML), analyze vast amounts of customer data, including browsing history, booking patterns, travel preferences, and even social media activity.

This allows AI to create hyper-personalized travel recommendations. These might include specific destinations, activities, or curated travel packages.

At this stage, personalization is now a baseline expectation for travelers. McKinsey’s research shows that more than 70% of customers expect companies to deliver personalized recommendations—and even more get frustrated when this doesn’t happen. AI enables companies to meet this expectation.

AI-driven pricing models also allow travel companies to adjust prices in real-time based on market demand. For example, during peak holiday season or major local events, AI can forecast high demand and recommend price increases, while in off-peak times, it can identify opportunities for discounts to attract travelers.

Another crucial AI-powered tool is chatbots, which have revolutionized customer service in the travel industry. AI chatbots provide instant and seamless support 24/7, handling tasks from answering FAQs to assisting with bookings.

2. Contactless solutions for a seamless guest journey

Another popular form of travel industry technology is contactless solutions. The demand for contactless technology has surged in recent years, with markets seeing more than a 90% adoption rate.

Many modern apps integrate contactless features for a streamlined guest journey. For example, hotel apps enable mobile check-in and check-out, airline apps offer mobile boarding passes, and smart payment systems like Apple Pay provide quick, contactless transactions for accommodations, meals, and activities.

Why are contactless solutions important for customers and travel businesses? These solutions provide travelers convenience, speed, and even enhanced security. Guests enjoy shorter wait times, quick procedures, and reduced exposure to risks such as credit card theft and germs (especially in crowded places like airports).

For providers, contactless systems improve efficiency by automating routine tasks, improving processes, and increasing customer satisfaction.

While many travel businesses are adopting this tech, one excellent example is Marriott International’s contactless arrival kiosks at many of its hotels and contactless grab-and-go marketplaces. If customers use the Marriott Bonvoy app, they can also choose contactless check-in and use their phone’s Bluetooth capabilities as the key to their room, gym, pool, and more.

3. Interactive PDFs and guidebooks

Interactive PDFs and digital guidebooks redefine how travelers access and engage with essential information. These tools combine the convenience and accessibility of traditional pamphlets, and travel guides with the function and ease of modern technology.

What are interactive PDFs and digital guidebooks? They’re enhanced, multimedia-enriched documents with clickable links, embedded videos, and interactive elements such as forms.

Instead of a static PDF, a travel business can create and share engaging and useful interactive PDFs and guidebooks about their destinations, services, or activities.

They’re also an excellent marketing tool for travel agents. Plus, creating these digital editions is simple: digital publishing platforms like FLIPpages allow you to easily turn static PDFs into stunning interactive publications.

Interactive PDFs and guidebooks are excellent for today’s mobile-first customers, who are much more likely to view things on their smartphones.

Research shows that most younger searchers primarily use mobile devices and that, generally, mobile phones comprise over half of all global web traffic. Interactive PDFs can easily be embedded on your website, shared in emails, and sent directly to customers, who can view them on their phones.

4. Mobile applications as essential travel tools

Speaking of mobile devices, mobile applications have emerged as a critical travel tool for both travelers and businesses. These apps offer a range of features that streamline the entire travel experience, from planning to post-trip engagement.

Some key features of popular travel mobile apps include:

• Itinerary management: These tools allow travelers to manage and/or consolidate their flight, hotel, car rental, and activity bookings. Certain tools—such as travel management software—are used to organize and manage all aspects of a trip.
• Real-time updates: Travel apps like Kayak, Kiwi, and airline apps provide customers with real-time flight status notifications, gate changes, and delays.
• Location-based suggestions: Many travel apps offer location-based recommendations, showing travelers nearby restaurants, points of interest, and attractions.

Travel apps also play a central role in driving customer engagement and loyalty programs. For example, mobile apps can deliver targeted promotions and personalized offers. They can also send push notifications to inform users about new promotions, last-minute deals, and trip updates to help customers stay engaged even after their initial booking.

Loyalty programs can be integrated into apps, allowing users to track their points, redeem rewards, and access members-only perks. Additionally, if you create an interactive PDF, you can place it on your mobile app so your customers can easily access it.

5. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for pre-travel experiences

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) continue to find popular support in the travel space. These tools allow travelers to plan and experience elements of their trip before they even pull their suitcases out of the closet. For example, with VR, travelers can go on virtual tours, preview accommodations, and explore streets and scenic destinations.

These tools go beyond just providing basic information. VR and AR can help build excitement around an upcoming trip. Imagine wandering the streets of Paris, riding through the savanna on a safari in Africa, or getting a sneak peek at your beach-front villa before you go.

Travel can also bring anxiety, especially for first-time travelers or for those heading to new destinations. VR and AR allow travelers to familiarize themselves with their destination ahead of time, which can help them feel more in control and less stressed.

6. Sustainable tech for eco-friendly travel solutions

Travelers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options that align with their values. The good news is that plenty of tech can contribute to sustainability and tap into the growing eco-conscious market.

For example, carbon calculators help travelers estimate their trips’ carbon footprint and provide options to offset emissions by contributing to carbon-reduction projects. Eco-conscious booking platforms, which focus on promoting eco-friendly hotels, airlines, and tours, are another example.

Businesses that support sustainable tech solutions will reap many long-term benefits. As sustainability becomes a priority for travelers, businesses that use eco-friendly tech will stand out and attract customers who share these values. This can lead to a better brand reputation and stronger brand loyalty.

Embracing innovation: The tech-driven future in travel

Travel industry technology is overhauling how people travel and how travel businesses support their customers. By adopting new travel technologies, businesses can provide quick, advanced services, meet customer technology demands, and rise above industry standards. Whether you’re a travel app, luxury travel agency, or tourism company, this is true.

If you’re eager to showcase your travel offerings in a digital interactive publication, FLIPpages is here to help.

FLIPpage is a digital publishing platform that allows you to turn static PDFs into engaging, interactive technologies. Easily create, share, and integrate travel brochures, digital pamphlets, guides, and more.

Try FLIPpages today to easily create digital-first travel publications.