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WTTC & Trip.com Group Unveil the Tech Revolution Reshaping Travel & Tourism
The
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com
Group have unveiled Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism
at ITB Berlin, spotlighting the innovations set to revolutionise the industry.
This
groundbreaking report explores 16 transformative technologies shaping the future
across four major trends: Digital Technologies, Financial Technologies, Future of
Mobility, and Breakthrough Innovations.
Travel
Reinvented
This
new report suggests that by the end of the decade, AI agents won’t just automate
travel searches and bookings – they could match human intelligence across many tasks,
transforming Travel & Tourism as we know it.
Quantum
computing could soon be solving problems beyond our wildest thinking. From optimising
global air traffic in real-time with unprecedented efficiency, to unlocking the
next frontiers of space travel and deep-sea tourism, bringing both closer to reality.
Supersonic
flight is set to make a spectacular comeback, more than twenty years after Concorde
retired. Boom Technology and United are gearing up to carry passengers at blistering
speeds within the next four years.
Meanwhile,
smart cities with driverless cars and advanced air mobility won’t just reshape today’s
top destinations – they’ll open doors to places once thought unreachable, redefining
the tourist experience for the travellers of tomorrow.
Julia
Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector is
in the midst of a digital revolution. From AI-driven personalisation to advancements
in aviation sustainability, innovation is reshaping how we explore the world.
“As
travellers turn to social media, streaming platforms, and cutting-edge tech to inspire
and book trips in real time, platforms like Instagram are shifting from selling
products to selling experiences. Meanwhile, technology is unlocking new adventures
off the beaten track.
“With
innovation accelerating at an extraordinary pace, businesses embrace these advancements
today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”
Boon
Sian Chai, Managing Director & Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com
Group, added: “Travellers today expect planning and booking to be intuitive, efficient,
and hyper-personalised.
“At
Trip.com Group, we are pioneering AI-powered travel assistance, Super Apps, and
innovations to cater to, and even exceed such expectations. This report is also
an essential guide for businesses looking to stay ahead of rapid digital change.”
The
Future of Travel Starts Now
Key
insights from the report include:
·
AI Revolutionising Travel – 94% of industry
leaders see AI as mission-critical. AI-powered assistants like Trip.com’s TripGenie
saw a 200% surge in usage in 2024, revolutionising trip planning and customer experiences.
·
Super Apps Redefining Seamless Travel –
A survey of 8,000 travellers found 97% want a single platform integrating flights,
hotels, activities, and payments, for a frictionless journey.
·
Greener Travel Takes Off – From Virgin
Atlantic’s first-ever 100% sustainable fuel transatlantic flight, to Port Miami’s
expansion of shore power, the Travel & Tourism sector is advancing towards a
more sustainable future.
·
Space Tourism Lifts Off – Once a distant
dream, commercial space travel is rapidly approaching reality, with infrastructure
and demand accelerating at an unprecedented pace.
Driving
Industry Transformation
The
report underscores the critical need for investment in digital skills and regulatory
frameworks to unlock the full potential of these technologies.
With
91% of travel businesses planning to increase their tech investments, the industry
is on the brink of its most significant transformation since the dawn of the Internet.
Featuring
exclusive insights from Trip.com Group, Hilton, Qatar Airways, and MSC Cruises,
the report highlights how global leaders are already leveraging these cutting edge
innovations.
Image
Credit: © WTTC
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