10 innovations that are changing travel

1. Augmented Reality

Remember when Pokemonomania took over the world in 2016? With the release of the Pokemon Go app, people across the globe took to the streets in search of Pokemon.

This is one of the most prominent examples of the use of AR technology.

Of course the travel industry has not been spared from this technology and AR is already being actively used in apps for travelers. In terms of excursions AR can compete with the guide - it is worth pointing the camera at a landmark and in a moment you get information about it. The app owner, in turn, collects information about which exhibits/attractions are the most popular and saves on guide salaries.

Advanced travel agents are using AR to show tours in detail, and navigation apps like AR City help you plot a route to any location available on Apple Maps. Airlines haven't been spared from the trend either. For example, using a smartphone camera and KLM's AR app (iOS/Android), you can check your hand luggage.

2. Virtual Reality

It's a good idea to check out the view from your room before you check-in. And not just to look at a photo, but to see everything as in reality. Imagine, it is already possible! Marriot hotel chain uses the technology "VR Postcards", which allows using VR glasses and an application, to walk around the hotel and evaluate the view from the balcony even before booking a room. In this way, guests can be sure of the quality of their accommodation when traveling. Moreover, "VR Postcards" also allows you to travel the world in your room.

3. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence continues to expand the world and it has reached the travel industry too. The main purpose of using AI in the travel segment is to analyze terabytes of data and personalize offers for travelers. With the help of artificial intelligence, The Dorchester hotel in London regularly analyzes reviews and based on this, changes the breakfast menu to suit the needs of customers.

4. Smart rooms

The InterContinental hotel chain in China is already making full use of smart home technology for hotel rooms. Almost all functions of a hotel room can be controlled by voice - changing music, adjusting its volume, controlling air conditioning and lighting.

5. Apps

6. Chatbots

According to a study by consulting firm PWC, 41% of millennials prefer to communicate via messengers and social networks. In a couple of years, by 2020, Generation Y will make up more than half of the world's workforce, which means that the number of travelers who prefer to communicate in messengers will increase proportionally. In connection with such statistics, airlines, accommodation rental services and other travel services are actively implementing the practice of using chatbots to communicate with customers. Nobody has canceled the good old hotline, but it is rapidly losing popularity.

As a response to this challenge, Air France created the Lea chatbot, which is ready to help 24/7 and communicates in English and French. The chatbot provides information about the flight, possible hotel accommodation and meals in case of problems with the flight, vouchers for compensation and other nuances of the trip. If the chat-bot does not solve a problem, you can write to Air France Facebook messenger at any time of the day. In addition to English and French, they communicate there in 12 other languages - the answer comes within 1 hour.

7. Face Recognition Technology

In February 2019, Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport began using facial recognition devices in test mode. The algorithm is as follows: after checking in, a passenger must scan his passport, boarding pass and face at a special kiosk. Then he passes passport control and security control, and when boarding the plane the passenger must once again "scan" - if the photo matches what is already in the database, the passenger is allowed on board. Thus, you do not need to show your passport and boarding pass when boarding, which means you can save valuable time.

8. User-Generated Content

The desire of users to share experiences and create content is the main driving force behind social networks. Brands have caught on to this and have started to incentivize users to share content that involves their product. Both sides win: the brand gets loyalty and unique content, the user gets recognition. And in general, people trust photos and posts of other people much more than the brand's own story. This is how Uniworld river cruise service uses exclusively user-generated content to promote its services - potential customers can see boats and cruises through the eyes of other users.

9. Bitcoin

Becoming a victim of robbery is one of the most common fears of travelers. Yes, it is not pleasant, but the solution has long been invented - to keep large sums on the card, and for absolute safety - in bitcoins. It sounds unfamiliar, but in the not-too-distant future, bitcoin payments will become commonplace. More than 5000 bitcoin ATMs have already been installed all over the world. To use it, you will need to specify your phone number, which receives a PIN, or the system will ask you to confirm your identity with a scan of your ID.

10. Autonomous cars

A dozen years ago, autopilot cars seemed like artifacts from the distant future, but in 2019, you can already come across the news that a driver who slept at the wheel of a Tesla with autopilot turned on was detained in the United States.

In addition to Tesla, which popularized the autonomous driving feature, the autopilot trend has been picked up by other car companies. The Mercedes S-Class, BMW 5 Series, Volvo XC60 and Audi A8 are all already equipped with partial autopilot features, which will be scaled up in the future. How does this affect traveling? Now no more agonizing with Google Maps and paper maps - the car navigates itself in unfamiliar terrain and will bring you where you need to go.

As we can see, the future is closer than it seems. Tesla sets the fashion for autopiloted cars, KLM and Air France define digital trends in aviation, bitcoin smoothly enters our everyday life, and artificial intelligence helps to adapt travel services to the needs of travelers. What's next? We'll see.