As we edge closer to 2024, the world of travel is poised for a major shake-up. Advancements in AI, mobile technology, and sustainable practices are about to redefine travel experiences for everyone. Let’s dive in and explore what’s on the travel horizon for the coming year.
Faster mobile bookings
In 2024, mobile bookings will dominate the travel industry. As more and more people access services from their smartphones, travel brands are stepping up their game in travel app development, optimizing their digital platforms for on-the-go use.
Being able to book entire vacations through an app will become a standard, not a novelty. From flights and hotels to tours and restaurant reservations, third-party planners will increasingly bundle it all in one place. No more jumping between tabs and services to plan the perfect getaway.
Of course, human travel agents aren’t going anywhere. But their roles will evolve to focus more on complex, highly customized itineraries. For quick weekend escapes or standard family vacations, smartphones have cemented themselves as the traveler’s first point of contact.
AI concierge services
In 2024, AI-powered virtual travel assistants will handle more bookings and provide personalized recommendations. Travelers will have the ability to simply tell the AI what kind of experience they’re looking for, and it will suggest destinations and deals tailored to their needs.
The AI is already capable of booking flights, hotels, and activities according to preferences and budget, but its proficiency in doing so will only improve in the future. It will tap into the latest travel data to find the best times to visit locations, alert customers to deals, and suggest itineraries that match their interests.
Travelers can expect AI concierges to:
- Learn their tastes and preferences to provide customized suggestions.
- Monitor prices across sites and book when the best deals become available.
- Suggest destinations and experiences they might not have considered but would love.
- Handle schedule changes and rebookings instantly if needed.
- Provide local recommendations for food, nightlife, shopping, and recreation in their destination.
Biometric technology
Biometric technology will become increasingly common for identification and security in the travel industry. Using fingerprints, facial recognition, or retina scans, companies can verify the identity of travelers to provide a seamless customer experience.
Airports and airlines are investing in biometric technology to speed up processes like check-in, bag drops, boarding, and security. Some airports already have facial recognition cameras to identify travelers at key points in the airport.
Hotels are also adopting biometric tech for an improved check-in experience. Travelers’ face or fingerprints can be used instead of keys to provide access to their room, making it easy to get in and reducing waste from plastic key cards.
While biometric data provides convenience, it also raises privacy concerns. Regulations may be put in place to ensure travelers’ biometric information is kept private and secure. The travel industry will need to be transparent about how data is collected and used to gain customers’ trust.
VR & AR
Virtual and augmented reality are set to revolutionize the travel experience. The possibilities with VR headsets are endless, opening up a new dimension where one could experience destinations before even setting foot there. The pyramids of Egypt, the beaches of Hawaii, or the canals of Venice could all be pre-explored, right from the comfort of one’s living room.
Some travel companies are already using VR and AR for marketing and customer experiences. Resorts offer virtual tours, so travelers can explore the property. Airlines provide immersive entertainment on flights. Cruise lines let travelers “tour” ships and destinations. Museums create AR exhibits that bring artifacts to life.
In the coming years, VR and AR will become more widespread, integrated, and advanced. Customers will demand and expect highly personalized, interactive experiences. Companies that provide the latest technology with valuable content and seamless implementation will have a competitive advantage.
Smarter pricing algorithms
In 2024, smarter pricing algorithms will allow travel companies to adjust rates in real-time based on demand. Companies have been using dynamic pricing models for years to set initial rates, but advances in AI will allow them to make micro-changes to prices around the clock.
As an example, an airline may drop fares for a flight by 5-10% a few days before departure if there are still empty seats to fill. Then, they may increase prices for the remaining seats in the 24 hours leading up to the flight as last-minute bookings come in. These small but frequent price changes, powered by AI monitoring booking data, can help companies maximize revenue for each trip.
This shift in technology and habits means travelers now need to be more flexible and open to last-minute deals. The traditional practice of booking 6-12 months in advance to secure the best fare may soon become obsolete. Changes are evident, particularly among budget-conscious travelers. For instance, it’s becoming more common for people to stay alert for flash sales and sudden price drops for trips they’re interested in. After all, they never know when a price adjustment could save them 10, 20, or even 30% on their getaway.
Sustainable eco-friendly tech
Travel companies are increasingly investing in sustainable technology to minimize their carbon footprint. As we move into 2024, it’s anticipated that a greater number of destinations will champion eco-friendly activities and transportation options.
You can expect to encounter solar-powered vehicles for sightseeing, rechargeable transit passes, as well as bike or scooter rentals for local exploration. In addition, a growing number of hotels are set to feature smart thermostats, smartphone-enabled keyless entries, and rooms equipped with occupancy sensors to cut back on energy consumption. Similarly, cruise lines and tour operators are likely to counterbalance their emissions by backing environmental initiatives. This seamless integration of technology and sustainability is the future of travel.
