The Internet of Things (IoT) Update: How a Smart and Connected World is Changing the Travel Experience

Summary

In just a few years, the term the Internet of Things, IoT for short, has evolved from a narrow term used by futurists to describe a utopian vison of a connected world, to today’s reality, where millions of smart devices are connected to the Internet. The beauty of IoT goes beyond individual smart devices, as the sum of its parts delivers the ultimate value to the consumer by simplifying and automating tasks. These range from managing your home’s energy consumption to automatically ordering milk, when your smart refrigerator detects a need to replenish your supply. For the travel industry, the impact of IoT is beginning to be felt at the airport, on the cruise ship, at the hotel, and in the traveler’s destination. This article updates the current state of IoT, providing examples of pilots and implementations all designed to simplify and personalize the travel experience.