Where’s your next travel adventure? Let tech take you there

If Google Maps existed during the times of Marco Polo, he might have made it to China faster. If Magellan had an online booking app, maybe he wouldn’t have ended up in a mutiny. Luckily, today’s travellers have an arsenal of digital tools that make exploring the world easier, safer, and way more exciting. From artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots that help you plan your itinerary to AR-enhanced city tours, digital technologies are transforming the Travel & Tourism sector in ways that were once the stuff of science fiction.

Travel smarter

Online platforms and AI-driven recommendations make it easier than ever to find the perfect destination, compare prices, and book flights, hotels, and activities. In fact, the 2024 AI for Good Impact report found that 94% of global business leaders think AI will be instrumental for company’s growth in the next 5 years. Travel executives are also recognising the value of Generative AI. Research found that 73% of travel leaders are focused on adopting Generative AI for cost savings and greater efficiency. Another consumer research found that 42% trust travel businesses to use AI responsibly.

With GPS, real-time traffic updates, and translation apps, travellers can navigate foreign lands with ease. No more struggling with paper maps or embarrassing hand gestures to ask for directions. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also changing the game. If you want to preview a hotel room before booking, VR’s got you. Need an interactive, AR-powered tour of Rome’s ancient ruins? Just point your phone at the Colosseum and watch history come to life.

Digital boarding passes, mobile check-ins, and biometric security make airports less stressful. Contactless payments also mean you can shop, dine, and explore without constantly reaching for cash or cards. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can also influence travel. AI algorithms curate personalised recommendations based on your interests, helping you discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist traps.

How SMEs can leverage tech

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital technologies and AI present a massive opportunity to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay competitive. AI-driven chatbots can handle customer inquiries 24/7, personalised marketing can attract the right audience, and data analytics can provide valuable insights into traveller preferences. Automation can also reduce operational costs, while digital booking systems and contactless payments improve efficiency.  

Many companies are already leveraging technology to make travel seamless. For example, Trip.com Group has strategically integrated AI to address common challenges in trip planning and customer service, transforming the travel experience with a seamless, effective customer-first approach. Similarly, in 2024, Hilton and Be My Eyes (a company focused on products for blind and low-sighted people) formed an accessibility partnership. The goal is to ensure all guests have the same experience, and travellers who are blind, or have low vision, have a more accessible and welcoming stay.

Therefore, whether you're a tech-savvy traveller or still clinging to your paper guidebooks, digital innovations are here to stay. So why not embrace them? Next time you plan a trip, try a new app, explore an AI-recommended hotspot, or take a VR tour before you go. The world is waiting, digitally and physically.

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