If anything, positive came out of the pandemic for the cruise industry, it may be the acceleration of innovative ideas and technological enhancements by cruise lines. The major players deftly utilized the unintended downtime to implement technology that leapfrogged several years to meet the demands of both government bodies, and their core customer base. While innovation was in full swing on many ships pre-pandemic, the industry is increasingly advancing technology in several avenues. Optimistically, it is possible to say that the best is yet to come.This analysis features a dive into the cruise segment’s recent and more notable technical developments. Topics covered include:Changes to the booking process, including new tools and capabilities Updates and upgrades to the passenger onboarding experience Progress in the sustainability arena, featuring cruise-specific initiatives Projections for what lies ahead, with newly implemented technology and beyond

Analyst: Marilyn MacallairTopic: Technology InnovationSegment: CruiseRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Travel is alive and buzzing in the social media ecosystem. Users, brands and influencers are all sharing, guiding and inspiring through the whole arc of the trip experience. Yet a wide range of opportunities remain untapped, as consumers’ engagement with travel content on social platforms differs from, and still lags other industries. This article addresses the following key topics:Overview of social media utilization for travel and trip planning Analysis of social media platform choice/preference by age Discussion of influencers’ value in travel marketing Highlights of missed and potential opportunities for social travel marketersThis article is derived from the findings of Phocuswright’s U.S. Consumer Travel 2022 survey and explores who is using social for travel, what platforms they’re on, and the role social media plays in their travel practices.

Analyst: Madeline ListTopics: Social & Search, Consumer Trends, Destination & Activities Marketing, Mobile, Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel AgenciesRegion: U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Following a long buildup-and-hype period, 2023 is proving to be a pivotal year for Web3: These decentralized technologies are now delivering concrete, measurable value to the travel industry. Over the past several years, a diverse set of new Web3 companies have emerged, and many are already driving change in the travel space. Startups continue emerging, providing travelers with new capabilities and flexibilities while impacting overall cost of distribution and settlement for industry players.Part of a content series that explores some of the most significant technology-driven trends that will influence travel distribution in 2023 and beyond, this article highlights 17 companies that are implementing Web3 technology, and focuses on:How these organizations are leveraging Web3Description of the specific value-add being provided to the travel industryAssessment of current progress, achievements and challengesOutlook for 2023 and beyond 

Analyst: Norm RoseTopics: Technology Innovation, Business TravelSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel AgenciesRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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The time for pondering and discussing what it means to be “green” in the travel industry is over. In the five decades since the first Earth Day highlighted the need for environmental protection, world tourism has exploded. Concerns regarding overtourism, pollution and rising carbon emissions tied to modern travel only continue to rise. Whether motivated by the love of travel or profit, the tourism industry should heed this warning: accelerate sustainability action and innovation if long-term success is desired.Part of a content series that explores some of the most significant technology-driven trends that will influence travel distribution in 2023 and beyond, this article addresses the following topics:Overview of current sustainability practices prevalent in the travel industryChallenges for the travel industry, including going beyond greenwashing and deploying meaningful, nimble solutionsSuggestions for innovation and highlights of up-and-coming green strategiesImpact of sustainable choices and practices on business success 

Analyst: Cathy WalshTopics: Social & Search, Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Cruise, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel Agencies, Tours & PackagesRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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A key goal of travel industry marketers is to build efficient, direct-to-consumer relationships by expanding brand reach, enhancing traveler engagement and maximizing customer lifetime value. But consumer privacy protections and a relatively high level of dependence on OTAs in certain segments can often complicate campaign realization. Further, outpacing by other industries leaves travel marketing strategies looking stale. Forward-thinking travel providers are realizing that they can engage directly with consumers through social commerce – a rapidly growing sector where they currently lag. Part of a content series that explores some of the most significant technology-driven trends that will influence travel distribution in 2023 and beyond, this article addresses the following topics:Broad overview of direct-to-consumer marketing and social commerce in travelComparison of different marketing/commerce partnership styles, including benefits and challengesExamples and success stories from other industriesRecommendations on how the travel industry could benefit from embracing social commerce 

Analyst: Robert ColeTopic: Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel AgenciesRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Each year, Phocuswright publishes a content series that identifies the most significant innovation trends in travel technology and distribution for the upcoming year and beyond. This year we again incorporate the views of our extended analyst team, who contribute a range of perspectives and expertise. This report features brief introductions to the in-depth discussions that will be explored throughout the year. 

Analysts: Michael Coletta, Robert Cole, Cathy Walsh, Hollis Thomases, Dmitry Koltunov, Adam Glickman, Lorraine Sileo, Norm RoseTopic: Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel AgenciesRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Report

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Tokenization is a well-established concept: For twenty years, traditional applications surrounded transaction security and sensitive data storage. Incorporating blockchain technologies have now taken the concept of tokenization into a new era. Utilizing tokens – which are representation of a particular asset or utility that live on a blockchain – allows for lowered costs all around and increased business opportunities. Addressed are short, medium, and long-term possibilities for a tokenized future that enables consumers to put forth their travel requirements and have increases supplier competition, transparency, and seamlessness in a secure fashion.

Analyst: Norm RoseTopics: Technology Innovation, Business TravelSegments: Air, Hotels & LodgingRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Autonomous vehicles are an example of a futuristic concept that everyone knows will become reality soon, but as of October 2022 has yet to emerge as a mainstream everyday option. Soon, multiple global trials will lead to increased autonomous vehicle usage and consumer awareness, impacting the in-destination experience in ways never before possible. Navigating the application of technologies, safety measures and practical deployments for these developments are all part of the self-driving equation. This article explores the emerging role autonomous vehicles will play in mobility and the new opportunities and challenges for the travel industry.

Analyst: Norm RoseTopic: Technology InnovationSegment: Car Rental & Ground TransportationRegions: Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Due to the pandemic, quarantines and remote working policies became the norm, slashing corporate travel budgets. While the restart is well underway, a revamp and restructuring accompany the process. As business travel recovers from the turbulence of COVID-19, the next decade has the potential to be one that disrupts stagnant models and delivers on the promise of seamless, personalized travel for a wider array of company stakeholders. Leveraging Phocuswright’s proprietary interactive database of travel startups, this updated report presents a detailed assessment and outlook for corporate travel startups in the ever-shifting modern environment.

Analyst: Michael ColettaTopic: Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel Agencies, Tours & PackagesRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Cybersecurity is an issue for every company’s management, board, employees, customers and business partners, and the essential issue boils down to balance between greater security and usability. For travel, safety and security vulnerabilities can exist in all parts of the journey. Discussing systemic challenges, possible solutions and legendary hacks of the past, this article highlights the key issues in digital protection in an ever-developing and expanding travel market.

Analyst: Robert ColeTopic: Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Hotels & LodgingRegions: Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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