What are the travel technology trends of 2016 that will get you off the couch?

Do you still remember the last time you booked an air ticket through a travel agent? Like you, most of the travelers prefer online travel bookings to visiting travel agency personally. In 2016, travel technology has improved far beyond online booking facility. From virtual reality to drone photography, the changes are happening every now and then.

Travel technology trends of 2016

Let’s have a look at some of the travel technology trends of 2016.

Cloud Passports

Right now, Australian citizens own biometric passports. It is capable of storing personal information like digital photo, biometric data and other identification details in it. This helps in avoiding the requirement of carrying the passport for each journey. Also, it helps to eliminate the chances of missing passports or getting it stolen by someone. The duplicity of passports can also be reduced to a great extent using this technological advent.

Meanwhile, an app called Mobile Passport Control is being tested by border control at airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and Seattle. It helps the user to provide information and submit it electronically. However, the travelers are expected to carry their physical passports for the time being.

Drone Photography

This holiday season would be awesome with aerial shots offered by drones.Due to certain bitter experiences caused by inexperienced drone pilots, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented the rule which suggests that the drone owners require a license.

Personalized Travel

Travel technology app will help to provide travel technological services for each individual. Based on the previous hotel booking details, hotels can analyse the purchase behaviour of the traveler. This information can be obtained by analysing the booking placed through app or website. It helps in providing personalised information for the clients. For e.g.; MyMagic+ wristband system of Disney helps in collecting online information of the visitors. 

VR Travel

Virtual Reality travel or VR travel will let the travelers explore the destinations before they place booking. It provides the real feel of being at the destinations with the help of devices like Samsung Gear or Oculus Rift. It was initially launched by Marriott hotels. VR technology has kicked off in 2016. It is expected that more travel agents would adopt this feature when the devices are available at an affordable rate.

Automated Hotel Services

Travel and hospitality services are moving forward to providing self-service options to the occupants. Most of the well-known hoteliers are opting for building apps that will help the occupants to place their orders through apps rather than calling the housekeeping staff and talking to them personally. This will help to save time and effort. Also, it can avoid the language barrier which occurs when you travel to non-English speaking nations. Some of the hotel apps will let you open or close doors and operate television with your smartphone.

The entire face of travelling is changing every year. International flying is no more difficult. Each and every information required for your first-time travel will be available on the website or apps of your travel partner. Your travel plan is just a click away. So no more delays or confusions, pack your bags for the next trip to your dream destination.

Which is the best GDS software for IATA travel agencies?

If you are a growing travel agency and aspire to do business globally, gds travel software will be right choice as this will bring you competitive edge. If you are a startup agency and Non IATA, then you can go for non GDS travel software or B2B2C systems.