WTTC and Trip.com Group Reveal Tech Revolution in Travel & Tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group have launched the report “Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism” at ITB Berlin, highlighting innovations set to transform the industry.

The report explores 16 transformative technologies across four major trends: Digital Technologies, Financial Technologies, Future of Mobility, and Breakthrough Innovations.

Travel Reinvented: AI, Quantum Computing, and Supersonic Flights

The report suggests that by the end of the decade, AI agents will not only automate travel searches and bookings but could match human intelligence in many tasks, transforming Travel & Tourism as we know it.

Quantum computing could solve complex problems, from optimising global air traffic in real-time to advancing space travel and deep-sea tourism.

Supersonic flight, according to the report, is set to make a comeback after more than twenty years. “Boom Technology and United are gearing up to carry passengers at blistering speeds within the next four years,” highlights the report.

Furthermore, the report indicates that smart cities with driverless cars and advanced air mobility will not only redefine today’s top destinations but will also “open doors to places once thought unreachable, redefining the tourist experience” for future travellers.

Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director & Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, stated:

“Travellers today expect intuitive, efficient, and hyper-personalised planning and booking. At Trip.com Group, we are pioneering AI-powered travel assistance, Super Apps, and innovations to meet and exceed these expectations.”

Future Insights

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 for Seamless Travel: A survey of 8,000 travellers found 97% want a single platform integrating flights, hotels, activities, and payments for a seamless journey.

Greener Travel: From Virgin Atlantic’s first 100% sustainable fuel transatlantic flight to Port Miami’s shore power expansion, the sector is moving towards a sustainable future.

Space Tourism: Commercial space travel is rapidly approaching reality, with accelerating infrastructure and demand.

Driving Industry Transformation

The report underscores the 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 tech investments, the industry is on the brink of its most significant transformation since the dawn of internet.”

Featuring insights from Trip.com Group, Hilton, Qatar Airways, and MSC Cruises, the report highlights how global leaders are leveraging cutting-edge innovations.

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