WTTC and TRIP.COM Group present the technological advances that will transform the travel and tourism sector

At the ITB Berlin International Trade Fair, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group have presented the report: Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism, highlighting the advances in technological innovation that will revolutionize the industry. 

This report explores 16 transformative technologies that shape the future of the sector through four main trends: Digital Technologies, Financial Technologies, Future of Mobility and Revolutionary Innovations.

Reinvented travel
This new 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 and tourism as we know it.

Quantum computing could soon be solving diverse problems, beyond those currently imaginable. From optimizing global air traffic in real-time with unprecedented efficiency, to unlocking the next frontiers of space travel and deep-sea tourism, bringing both closer to reality.

Supersonic flight is set to make a spectacular comeback, more than twenty years after Concorde retired. Boom Technology and United are preparing to transport passengers at breakneck speeds within the next four years.

Meanwhile, smart cities with driverless cars and advanced air mobility will not only reshape today’s top destinations, but open the doors to places previously considered unreachable, redefining the tourism experience for tomorrow’s travelers.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said: “The travel and tourism sector is in the midst of a digital revolution. From AI-driven personalisation, to advancements in aviation sustainability, innovation is changing the way we explore the world.

“As travellers turn to social media, streaming platforms and cutting-edge technology to inspire and book travel in real time, platforms like Instagram are shifting from selling products to selling experiences. Meanwhile, technology is unlocking new adventures off the beaten track.

“With innovation accelerating at an extraordinary pace, companies that embrace these advancements today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, added: “Today’s travellers expect planning and booking to be intuitive, efficient and hyper-personalised.

"At Trip.com Group, we are pioneering AI-powered traveler assistance, Super Apps and innovations to meet and even exceed these expectations. This report is also an essential guide for businesses looking to stay ahead of the accelerating digital shift."

The future of travel starts now
Key findings from the report include:

1. AI revolutionizes travel: 94% of industry leaders see AI as critical. AI-powered assistants, such as Trip.com’s TripGenie, saw a 200% increase in usage by 2024, revolutionizing travel planning and customer experiences.

2. A survey of 8,000 travelers revealed that 97% want a single platform that integrates flights, hotels, activities and payments, for a frictionless journey.

3. From Virgin Atlantic’s first 100% sustainably fueled transatlantic flight to Port Miami’s onshore power expansion, the travel and tourism industry is moving toward a more sustainable future.

4. Space tourism takes off: Once a distant dream, commercial space travel is fast approaching reality, with infrastructure and demand accelerating at an unprecedented pace.

Driving industry transformation
The report underscores the critical need to invest in digital capabilities and regulatory frameworks to unlock the full potential of these technologies.

With 91% of travel companies planning to increase their technology investments, the industry is on the cusp of its most significant transformation since the dawn of the internet.

With exclusive insights from Trip.com Group, Hilton, Qatar Airways and MSC Cruises, the report highlights how world leaders are already taking advantage of these cutting-edge innovations.

Source: WTTC.