Vikas Sharma

Director of sales and marketing

The Raj palace, world’s best heritage hotel,

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Small Luxury Hotels of The World

The pandemic was catalyst for sharing global tourism economy. Relentless, technological advancements and changing consumers expectation makes it arguably more difficult to forecast the future of the tourism industry than ever before. Amid rapid technological changes customers will want more in less time with less effort, OTA’s survey collected data exhibit that 65% of consumers book within 48 of their events and activities.

Arguably, post- Covid we all have witnessed that Information and communication technology (ICT) companies focusing on to cater immersive customer experience through stipulation of personalised tour packages from pre- sales aspects, great example of online and offline companies inclusion of augmented and virtual reality (AR& VR) wherein the new way to experience destinations, travel and things to do . In process, to make it pre- buying decisions relatively retail sector approach “ try before you buy” travellers can have a 360 degree virtual tour guide giving them tips wherever they are via wearable devices.

Adding to that, an emergence of cryptocurrencies and block chain payment system catering seamless travel experience for example if a customer buy bitcoin or other crypto and transfer it to anywhere in the world to another partner who exchanges instantly without exchange rate fluctuations which saves time and exchange fees . This digital solution shed light on revolutionary innovative payment option for everyone in the tourism industry.

So what’s next , big question arises align with AR , VR and crypto for seamless travel experience. ICT ( informations and communications technology) led the global tourism industry through introduction of automated immigration which is reality at several International Airports, However, travellers still need to queue, scan passport and pause for a facial scan . Moving step forward, ICT working on biometric technology could recognise travellers face as they enter on airport through security or exit through immigration. While wirelessly scanning travellers digital passport and boarding pass so they would not even have to pause or remove documents from their bag , isn’t it dream turn into reality that through AR & VR you decide your destination, no need to carry physical currency or immigration documents to travel the globe thanks to implementation of new technology in tourism industry which not only make travel hassle free but also helps to decrease required floor space , long waits and queues. In fact, it will decrease the physical footprint of airports , relatively, helps to reduce carbon footprint.

SUMIT SINHA,

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER, Hiton Garden Inn Saket.

“Covid has changed the traveling scenario altogether. Now travelers prefer a lot of technology-based travel to avoid the contacts and its time saving also and extremely convenient. We at Hilton Garden Inn Saket, also have upgraded to a lot of new technologies like QR code scanning for the menu, and a contactless payment system where we share the link with the guest and he makes the payment. Keeping in mind to save the paper as well as the environment we provide an e- bill to the guest which also helps to save a lot of paper. Also most importantly we are moving towards the most advanced step in the technological upgradation of the digital key system. This system will allow the guest to have the room key on his smartphone and he can access his room with the same. Hence Technological advancements have made travel a lot safer in these trying times, which is gradually becoming the new normal”.