Trends in tourism and travel industries

What is Travel Technology?
Travel technology is a broad term, which is used to describe the application of IT, e-commerce and similar technology solutions within the fields of tourism, travel and hospitality. Hotel and tourism technology may be intended to assist businesses and their employees, improve the travel experience for customers, or both.
Travel technology can help businesses to streamline their processes, or even automate processes that would traditionally require active human involvement. This can then potentially help a business to reduce staffing requirements, cut costs and increase the amount of income they generate, leading to improved financial results.
In addition, technology can assist businesses through improved accuracy and convenience, while simultaneously helping to reduce or eliminate human error. It is, however, essential to always keep up with the latest tourism technology trends, so that the best solutions are being used and so that other businesses do not gain a competitive edge.
1. Voice Search & Voice Control
Smartphones, smart speakers and AI assistants have all helped to increase the relevance of voice search as far as technology trends in the travel industry are concerned. In particular, a growing number of travel customers are using voice search to find and book airline tickets, hotel rooms and travel experiences.
It is, therefore, crucial to design your website with voice search in mind, so that you can capitalise on this trend.
On top of this, voice control is also playing a growing role in actual travel experiences too. Within hotel rooms, voice-controlled devices can be used to control lighting and heating within rooms, or to obtain tourist information without needing to speak to a member of staff. This is likely to continue to expand into other areas of the industry too.


2. Robots
Robotics technology is one of the most exciting forms of travel technology and it is constantly improving. Within hotels, for example, robots have been used in concierge-like roles, helping to greet guests when they arrive and provide information. Some hotels have expanded their use further still, involving them in cleaning and luggage handling.
Within restaurants, robots can potentially have a role in food preparation and food service. In airports, they can be used to detect concealed weapons, while some manufacturers are also using robotics to create luggage cases that intelligently follow you. Moreover, travel agents are using robots for pre-screening, making waiting times more productive for customers.
As with many other technology trends within the travel industry, the uses for robots have actually increased in response to COVID, especially as they have the potential to reduce human-to-human contact.