The signs of travel and technology coming together are already in the offing. We have seen profound changes in transport, hospitality and travel-related services with the rapid digital transformation. Think about it:
- Customers can now choose the medium of transport and type of lodging with the click of a button. The likes of Airbnb and Skyscanner offer travellers options based solely on their preferences.
- Technological innovation is fast breaking the cultural and linguistic barriers that come with travel to remote locations. Word Lens, a popular smart phone app, provides seamless translation of written words. When you see a signage or a menu through Glass in any language, the app renders the words in real-time, in English translation, through the Glass lens.
Based on these trends of using technology while traveling, the industry can make some predictions for 2015. This growing shift towards technology will make travel reach never seen before levels of “Personalisation” in the near future.
According to a new study by IBM Institute of Business Value, “There will soon evolve Everyone-to-Everyone (E2E) model. These E2E environments are defined by the direct interaction of consumers with one another, any one of whom might simultaneously act as a consumer or provider of services.
“In the near future, a traveller might drive his own car to the airport where an incoming traveller will pay him a fee to use it—all while the car’s owner visits another city and stays in a third traveller’s condo.”
This simplistic example of the E2E has wide implications on the business models of both rental car companies and hoteliers. The changes will require the consumer and organizations to engage with one another in design, marketing, creation and distribution.
All this churning presents an opportunity for new businesses to blossom especially in the social media platform, mobile revolution, Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics.
Startups like Tripoto are providing an attractive platform for consumer collaboration and value sharing. Tripoto is fast growing into the largest travel community in the globe. Tripoto is the place where travellers can connect, share their experiences and learn from each other’s stories.
Tech forums can also enable a more enhanced experience. Arpit, an avid traveller pointed out the use of smart phone while on the road, “Travel for me is about engaging with people, and giving back to the host country. I helped with construction of a school in Nakuru district of Kenya. Having a smart phone made it easier to find volunteer work and record my experiences.”
There is a new ecosystem emerging and the companies that embrace the change by becoming more flexible, partner stakeholders, and drive efforts to digital mobilisation are likely to become future leaders. Has the use of technology effected your travel experience? Leave us a comment below.
