Tuesday 14 January 2020

GUEST BLOG: Travel Technology Trends: 2020 and beyond from CTM Europe

Innovation and new technologies are changing the way we plan, travel and experience our trips. As a business traveller, it is ideal to stay up to date on the latest travel technology trends which can bring you heightened experiences. As we go into 2020, let’s look at some of the top technology trends from 2019, and what we can expect to see more of in the year ahead.

1. RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)

RFID or radio frequency identification is a form of wireless communication that can be used to track objects equipped with an RFID-embedded chip. IATA recommends the use of the RFID technology for baggage tracking which provides real time baggage information that allows airlines to efficiently track the bag through all airport processes.

British Airways recently launched a digital reusable bag tag that seamlessly connects your luggage to your BA app. The digital TAG allows travellers to keep track of where the luggage throughout the baggage handling process and help reduce mishandling. From January 2020 the standard price will be £80.

2. SMART DEVICES

A smart device is an electronic device, generally connected to other devices or networks via different wireless protocols that can operate to some extent interactively and autonomously. Travel industry players like hotels can make use of these devices to optimise guest experience and streamline operations.

Amazon has launched 'Alexa for Hospitality', designed to bring its voice assistant technology to hotel rooms. It simplifies tasks for guests like playing music, controlling in-room temperature or lighting, and even checking out. Alexa makes delivering a great customer experience simple.



3. KNOWN TRAVELLER DIGITAL IDENTITY (KTDI)

KTDI provides a frictionless travel experience for passengers while allowing them to have greater control over their personal data. The identity data that is usually stored on a chip on a passenger’s passport is instead securely stored and encrypted on their mobile devices. Passengers can manage their identity data and consent to share it with border authorities, airlines and other pilot partners in advance. Using biometrics, the data is checked at every leg of the journey until arrival at the destination, without the need for a physical passport.

The World Economic Forum and the governments of the Netherlands and Canada launch the first pilot project for paperless travel between the two countries at Montreal Airport. Still in its testing phase, the final project is expected to be rolled out at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Toronto’s Pearson international airports by early 2020.


Image Source: World Economic Forum

4. VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY

The travel industry has recently started to adopt virtual and augmented reality technology to increase customer engagements. Virtual reality provides travellers with guided tours of what they can expect which allow the travellers to digitally get into the virtual surroundings of the place they are going to visit, be it a hotel or a tourist spot.

Augmented reality is relatively handy and easier to access. By having a smartphone with the app and internet connection, travellers can find out more about the location, a building or a landmark they are in, in real time.

Hong Kong Tourism Board has joined hands with sky100 and virtual reality experience design house TimeLooper to introduce “VR Time Travel: Step into Old Hong Kong” micro films.



Google is launching its augmented reality walking directions feature for Google Maps. The Live View feature provides super-useful orientation by showing you arrows, and big street markers overlaid on the real scene in front of you.



5. 5G NETWORK

The 5G speed of data transfer will cause significant change and bring far-reaching benefits to your business trips. With 5G technology, the travel sector will become connected whether in transportation, culture or hospitality, this new generation of the wireless network will bring many improvements and technological advancements. The travel experience will become much more seamless and flexible than ever.

OPPO Australia has created the world’s first travelling 5G network powered smart hotel. The 5G hotel is powered off OPPO’s Reno smartphone with 5G network and packed full of the latest technologies, including 5G cloud gaming, an AR wardrobe and advanced smart home features.



CTM Europe is exhibiting at Business Travel Show 2020, which takes place on 26-27 February at Olympia London. Register now for free at www.businesstravelshow.com and pop by their stand B620. 

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