At a Crossroads: Underappreciated Tech in Travel

Summary

Emerging technologies have undoubtedly revolutionized many industries, yet the travel industry has not fully unleashed all their potentials. Looking forward, many will play a crucial role in meeting the evolving demands of global travelers, emphasizing sustainability, seamless journeys and hyper-personalized experiences. As higher and higher expectations are set for travel, embracing and strategically implementing these technologies becomes essential for the industry's future growth and innovation. This article explores a critical juncture in travel, delving into why some technologies which have received a lot of publicity remain underappreciated within the industry.

Part of a content series that explores some of the most significant technology-driven trends that will influence travel distribution in 2024 and beyond, this article answers the following key questions regarding travel’s overlooking of certain useful technologies:

• Why have virtual reality, augmented reality, Web3, and the Internet of Things remained underappreciated in the travel industry?
• What are the main challenges the industry faces, in terms of implementation?
• Where have these technologies been deployed successfully, both inside and outside the industry?
• What is the outlook for these technologies in travel, and how can they complement traditional travel experiences without compromising the human-centric nature of the industry?