Technology has left its print everywhere. There is no business or industry that has not been impacted by it. Similarly, the travel and tourism industry has also been positively affected by digital technology. Many companies are now focusing their efforts towards custom travel technology solutions. Newer trends in technology are constantly shaping up the future of Software Development for travel and tourism industry. Here are top 10 trends that will impact the travel industry and what to anticipate in year 2019 and 2020s.
- Big Data for Travel
- Artificial Intelligence for Travel
- Recognition Technology for Travel
- Online Booking for Travel
- Robotics for Travel
- Virtual Reality for Travel
- Augmented Reality for Travel
- Progressive Web Apps for Travel
- Internet of Things for Travel
- Blockchain for Travel
Let us now round up on these leading trends in Information Technology Services for travel and tourism sector in detail.
Big Data for Travel
Big data is one of the most talked about technology trends in the industry. Many businesses have now started to venture out in the custom travel software development arena by looking into options for incorporating big data concepts in the product. With big data, companies can provide the concept of personalization to the customers. By analyzing huge amount of data, you can evaluate the consumer trends and devise ways for up selling services on basis of customer likes and dislikes.
Artificial Intelligence for Travel
Artificial intelligence is a concept that is broadly applicable everywhere in our lives. Similarly, the travel and tourism industry is also swept away by it. We already have high-end human translator software available that serves as chatbots to aid in two-way interaction with humans and provide the information needed in real-time. Travel industry is also making use of these chatbots on their customized software available on websites or through mobile apps.
Recognition Technology for Travel
In the era of customization, customers demand personalization so majority of custom software development for travel industry is about products that are about customer recognition. These include fingerprint, facial recognition, and retina scanning to name a few. The concept behind recognition tools is also to give an additional security measure and allow stronger law enforcement to resorts. With the collection of data (thanks to big data and BI), the identification of travelers is easier to maintain and then be used by companies. Frequent travelers not only get a personalized experience but also can benefit from rewards and other incentive schemes that can be offered by airlines, and tour companies.
Online Booking for Travel
In 2018 alone, the revenue online booking exceeded 92.5 million USD. This fact alone illustrates the popularity of online booking which is expected to grow further this year. Many travel companies are expanding their business online either by having their website or mobile apps available to consumers. 57% of consumers have already engaged in online booking of trips which makes this trend permanent for coming years.
Robotics for Travel
Thanks to Hollywood, we all have seen robot-human interaction in a vast number of sci-fi movies. But the connection between robots and travel industry is hard to make. However, once you consider the aspect of customer service, robots can lend a helping hand in being a translator for tourists, check-ins, and even serve as tour guides for travelers. Not only can the interaction serve people, it can also lend an exciting element for humans to have a robot be their companion during the tours.
The concept of chatbots is already popularized. We already have Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa that have been highly successful in having on-demand two-way interaction with humans for hotel booking, tour advice and other such functions. But robots will take this trend to newer heights.
A hotel by the name of Henn-na in Nagasaki, Japan is already leading the robotics front by being the first hotel to be staffed with robots. Thanks to the huge input by AI, robots are managing the entire operations of the hotel without hardly any human intervention.
Virtual Reality for Travel
Similar to the concepts of AI and robotics, Virtual Reality (VR) is the future of the way we buy, sell and perceive things generally all around us. VR in the travel industry may seem as an odd thing out but imagine getting “virtual” tours at the comfort of your home. These tours can give you a look and feel of how exciting your holiday can be.
Many big companies are giving serious thought to developing custom travel technology solutions that are based on the concept of Virtual Reality. According to research, 13% of consumers who took virtual tours are far likely to book for an actual tour. The travel industry has immense potential to grow and gain from the concept of VR.
Many big companies are giving serious thought to developing custom travel technology solutions that are based on the concept of Virtual Reality. According to research, 13% of consumers who took virtual tours are far likely to book for an actual tour. The travel industry has immense potential to grow and gain from the concept of VR.
Augmented Reality for Travel
Pretty much similar to the concept of VR, Augmented Reality (AR) is about taking into account a person’s real surroundings and augmenting them. In terms of finances, AR is definitely cost-effective in comparison to VR as it requires your smart-phone or tablet to be just connected to the Internet. Travel industry uses Augmented Reality to provide an enhanced customer experience with graphical overlays to educate and entertain consumers. Many companies use AR for higher sales of their tours.
Progressive Web Apps for Travel
Custom software development for travel industry is seeing the trend of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) that are a collection of APIs. Thanks to PWAs, mobile websites allow the functionality of native apps, offline access to content and push notifications. Travel companies can reduce their operating costs through PWAs and provide a rich and dynamic experience to users.
Internet of Things for Travel
Internet of Things (IoT) is everywhere and it comes as no surprise that vast numbers of companies are now investing on software development of products with IoT integrated in them. In the travel industry, IoT can be implemented to provide consumers a highly customized holiday experience. From the controlled temperature in their room, to how they like their tap water to be – IoT can take care of little things and make the experience all the memorable and cherished by the visitors.
Blockchain for Travel
Blockchain is another technology trend that has left its indelible mark in the travel and tourism industry. It allows traveling to be transparent as well as making the payments and transaction secure from any tampering by third-party. Travelers can make use of this technology as it allows their personal details to remain secure across the network. Blockchain is being furthered into various other uses including flight booking, hotel reservation and car renting etc.
Conclusion
All these trends will play a pivotal role in shaping the software development for travel and tourism industry. Travel companies will benefit from these trends that are providing immense opportunity for business growth. Consumers in Tourism sector will be positively affected through upcoming era of personalization and security of their personal data.
IT Service Company like Techliance is forerunner for development of custom travel software. Its customized solutions have greatly aided many travel and tourism companies in meeting their business requirements. It can help you in making a custom travel software that is flawless. It can assist you in capturing your audience with smart tourism solutions. Talk to us about your product idea and we will make it into reality.
