The impact of disruptive technologies on the tourism industry is set to create multibillion dollar savings through the use of Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and wearable technology according to data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, 2019.
The latest research from Colliers International, in partnership with ATM 2019, reveals that in addition to vast cost savings, the customer experience is set to be more streamlined with travel set to become better, smoother and more personalised with travel bookings on VR platforms, AI chatbots guiding customers through the booking process and IoT providing internet based inter-connectivity between everyday devices.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director Middle East, ATM, said: “Technology, and the use of technology, is evolving every day. The tourism industry is at the very forefront of tech innovation with companies investing huge sums of money to improve the customer journey and experience.
“Airports and airlines accounted for US$30 billion of investment in IT in 2018, however this will be offset by the implementation of technology that will see fuel savings alone top US$30 billion in the next 15 years.”
There has already been “incredible developments” in recent years, Curtis said, citing the example of SITA using robots to check travellers onto flights and transport their luggage.
“Although in the infancy stage, robots have been used in some hotels to welcome guests and show them to their room,” she added.
ATM 2019 has adopted technology and innovation as its main theme and this will be integrated across all show verticals and activities, including focused seminar sessions.
Discussing the defining evolutions of hospitality technology, the Travel Tech Show will return to ATM 2019 with 45 dedicated international exhibitors and an influential agenda of discussion and debate in the Travel Tech Theatre – sponsored by Sabre Corporation.
As well as the Travel Tech Show at ATM, other features returning to the show repertoire this year include the Digital Influencers and Buyers’ Speed Networking Events which will feature 20 Chinese buyers for the first time, the ATM Best Stand Awards and the Travel Agents Academy.
This year, ATM will be held as part of the inaugural Arabian Travel Week, an umbrella brand which comprises four co-located shows: ATM 2019; Connect Middle East, India and Africa – a new route development forum, ILTM Arabia and new consumer-led event – ATM Holiday Shopper.
Another debutant this year is the Arabia China Tourism Forum at ATM which takes place on the Global Stage on April 28. With China set to account for a quarter of international tourism by 2030, an expert panel will discuss how destinations around the world can capitalise on this growth. The forum will also include a 30-minute networking session with over 80 Chinese buyers.
Adventure in travel is not just the domain of the young, according to a recent study.
Travel publisher Rough Guides released its findings from a poll of 2,000 adults age 40 and above shortly after its foray into creating bespoke trips “packed with personality and adventure”.
The study showed that over 40s reckon they have only visited a quarter of the countries they dream of going to around the world with popular backpacking destinations New Zealand, Canada, and Australia top of the list. It also emerged that more than six in 10 are already looking forward to at least one trip abroad in 2019.
Notably, three in 10 in the over 40s age group reckon they are more adventurous with their holiday choices now than they ever used to be, with 38 per cent preferring to go off the beaten track when they travel abroad.
Rather than sitting by the pool, a fifth of over 40s have tried snorkelling on a trip abroad and more than one in 10 have been on a safari.
On top of the propensity to see the world, age also affords greater freedoms to travel. Nearly half of over 40s polled say they go on more holidays now than at any other point of their lives, with six in 10 putting this down to having more money now than they did in the past.
A quarter think it’s easier to get away and go jet-setting around the globe because their kids are older, while 46 per cent have more time, according to the research. Another 40 per cent think their lives have simplified enough so they now have more freedom – in their 50s or beyond – to see the globe.
Aimee White, editor at Rough Guides, said: “Travel is no longer the sole preserve of the young. It is important that the travel industry gives older travellers the same opportunities to have adventurous travel experiences as younger people if they want to and not dismiss them as being too ‘old’ or ‘boring’.”