Cutting-Edge Digital Automation Technologies for the Travel Industry
The world of travel is evolving rapidly, and the expectations of customers are growing in sympathy. As digital technology becomes increasingly sophisticated the ways these innovations can be applied with the industry are becoming key brand differentiators in the new normal. However, the sheer volume of technologies can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know which ones are worth serious investment consideration right now and which would be better off adopting a wait and see perspective for. With that in mind here are four incredible automation technologies disrupting the travel business in 2022 and you should be adopting to meet the needs of the contemporary and future traveller.
Artificial Intelligence
For years now AI technology has been slowly making its way from the pages of science fiction and into global industry, and the travel industry is no exception. AI is being deployed by travel brands to automate several key tasks and streamline the customer experience. From chatbots designed to help customers book trips without the need to visit or speak to a human travel agent, to applications for forecasting fluctuations in flight pricing empowering them to get the best flight for the best price possible. Artificial intelligence has now even gone one stage further with some hotel brands even beginning to employ AI powered robot concierges for real face-to-face customer service interactions. Perhaps the most well-known example of this technology in action the Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki – the world’s first hotel entirely staffed by multi-lingual robots.
Self Service Technology
As customer demographics become increasingly populated by digital natives, travellers are becoming ever more accustomed to taking care of many day-to-day tasks themselves using mobile technology and they expect this kind of self-service to also be available to them during any trips they may take.
Research suggests 89% of customers expect to be able to access a self-service portal of one description or another to address everyday needs.
Rapid cloud technology adoption is helping to drive this shift as it allows companies to access an all-in-one ecosystem for their customer service interactions. Cloud technology allows multiple platforms to work in synchronicity with one another to provider customers and employees alike a smooth and streamlined experience. Instant communication between platforms and devices allows self-service technology to update things in real time and make sure no wires get crossed.
Augmented Reality
Having first gained prominence thanks to a certain popular mobile game featuring collectable Japanese monsters, augmented reality technology has grown to find applications across global industry.
With augmented reality technology travellers can access localised information regarding several elements of their experience.
From revealing hidden information regarding landmarks and other tourist attraction to providing hotel guests with unique experiences – such as exciting treasure hunts for the kids – augmented reality is rapidly becoming a must have for modern travel brands looking to leverage the best from digital technology.
Virtual Reality
Another piece of contemporary technology which has leapt from the world of fiction into our lives is virtual reality. Finally making good on the promises it made during the 1980s, VR technology is now a serious piece of entertainment hardware.
However, VR tech is also finding a home in global industry and may sectors have deployed it to improve customer experience and help workforces perform their roles more effectively and efficiently.
In the travel business this means providing travellers planning their next trip to take virtual tours of hotels, airplanes, cities, resorts, and more. Taking some of the guesswork and risk inherent in deciding on somewhere to visit or stay means customers can book with confidence and focus on planning the best trip ever.
Final Thoughts
Digital technology is handing over much of the process of exploring and booking a trip. With AI, the cloud, self-service, AR and VR, and many other technologies besides all working to automate and streamline these processes, travel brands can focus on delivering the best experiences possible and customers can relax and enjoy a well-earned break.
These technologies and more will be part of the conversation at Digital Travel 2022, being held in November, at The Tower Hotel, London.
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