Technology is not just limited to iPhones and education and other businesses. Its impact and presence can be file even in the industry of tourism and travel too.
Most people are not aware as to how technology has already changed the travel and tourism industry. When one takes a quick look at the statistics related to tourism, a lot has been happening in the last couple of years.
Among the major countries, it is seen that China has been a significant driver of global tourism with the shifting usage of technology. Today, one finds an increasing number of middle-class Chinese travelers exploring the planet in much larger quantities and exploring the unknown destinations. There is a steady rise in the number of travelers from other emerging markets as per the reports from the Global Tourism Economy.
Here are a few ways of how technology has left a deep impact on the industry of travel and tourism.
Targeting travelers via mobiles
Almost everyone has a mobile phone, and this so what encourages the tour operators to reach their potential customers through mobile and offer them a great mobile experience. The leading tour operators and travel booking platforms like Bookaway use new technologies to promote their services and get more bookings online.
Online booking software
Owing to the rising popularity and higher demand is no surprise to see the online tour booking system getting more and more advanced and sophisticated. Automated bookings can save lots of time and hassle for both tour operators and travelers in managing the bookings.
The booking software can handle tedious and time-consuming work like managing itineraries, invoices, taxes, reservations, and other paperwork efficiently.
Useful gadgets for tour guides
An increasing number of tour guides rely on specific travel gadgets that have become a must-have for them. Those useful applications can indeed turn them into a wizard and manage a skilled tour guide confidently and as a great storyteller. Hence it is no surprise to see most of the tour guides out there enhances their guide skills with the help of technology.
Biometric and recognition technology
It is getting increasingly common for recognition technology to be used for check-ins and check-outs at hotels or to allow the customers to pay for meals in a restaurant. All they need to do is walk through the exit and get access to rooms with biometric identifiers such as facial recognition, retina scanning, and fingerprint recognition.
Personalizing the customer experience
Another major impact of the technology can be seen in transforming the customer experience and personalization of the experience for the customers. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the customers can learn about the significant updates in the tourism industry and interact with the hotels, airport transport, and room facilities. Customers can even follow their suitcase location via their cell phones.
Powerful travel technology with 5G
Thanks to the 5G networks, one can now be free of the 4G limitations and enjoy many faster-downloading speeds, more stable connections, and wider coverage for their travel needs. It only means a much more efficient contact with the technologies and devices to enjoy an immersive tourism experience. The new technologies are indeed very useful in planning and optimizing the travel experience and increase efficacy.
Destination travel marketing
The destination marketing strategy has been redefined, thanks to the readily available information via mobile devices and social media. Destination tour operators and marketers engage directly with consumers on a much large scale and a higher level than before, all thanks to the current technologies.
Mobile platforms and communication allow more profound engagement with a visitor and at all stages right from booking and post-visit. It is the word of mouth that helps the tour operators and marketers to reach a much larger audience.
Big Data for useful comparison
Big Data is creating new opportunities in the travel industry, both for the tour operators and travelers. Many industry players already rely on Big Data to offer and get information about a particular location.
For example, the tour operators use the data to figure out how and where to target their marketing campaigns and develop the most appropriate customer profile. Travelers can use the data to get an idea about why go for a trip, the expenses, and know more about the country of origin.
Franchising for local and focused travel
Independent and local agents feel empowered because of the current technologies that have strengthened the franchise business model. The upsurge of big data and the proliferation of e-commerce enable the local franchisees to collate and provide a comprehensive service to travelers.
The independent travel agents around the world can now connect and the travelers, thanks to the advanced technology and ever-expanding consumer base. Now they can provide a more specialized and localized experience to their customers.
Virtual assistants for travelers
Today, travelers rely on their virtual assistants for all their needs and can learn about the weather and political conditions in a particular city or country. The arrival of AI-powered virtual assistants in the hotels is indeed opening up new possibilities. Consumers can now look forward to a more interactive and personalized experience when traveling.
Augmented reality for real experience
Although augmented reality is very similar to virtual reality, it enhances the person’s perception of real surroundings. The best part is that it is a lot cheaper than virtual reality and needs only a device with internet access. The tourism industry is taking advantage of Augmented Reality to improve customer experience with graphical overlays and provide him with valuable information about local destinations through filters and effects.
Indeed, technology has been a game-changer for the industry to tourism and travel. The growing international travel is driven by advancing technologies that make way for cross-border collaboration between nations and their governments and the private sector.
The digitalization of travel has indeed benefitted the tourism and travel industry with increasing accessibility to travel. The recent technological advances have changed the way we book our tickets, make travel arrangements, and all with just a few clicks.
