Travel agents and tourist businesses often face roadblocks to remain at the top of the travel industry. Success in the frequently changing economy depends on embracing cutting-edge technologies. To increase income, improve client happiness, and expand their clientele, several travel agencies are currently investing in cutting-edge travel tech solutions. In fact, a report by IMARC expects the global travel tech market to reach $17.8 billion by 2032. But, given how quickly technology is developing, it is imperative that agencies adapt as well. For travel agents keen to learn about the newest technological developments in the travel sector, this blog is a veritable gold mine. Let’s get started and learn more!
Why Use Travel Tech Solutions?
Before delving deeper into the latest technological trends in the travel segment, understanding the significance of travel tech solutions is crucial. These solutions or platforms are marvels of the travel and tourism industry that not only simplify the work of travel agents but also provide leisurely services to travelers. There are various reasons for travel agencies to incorporate a travel portal solution into their business.
- A travel tech solution like booking engines leads to quick and error-free booking confirmations for tickets, hotel rooms, cruise passes, etc.
- API-driven travel platforms assist in getting exclusive deals for travelers straight from the inventory of hotel chains, airlines, etc.
- Ticket booking portals eliminate the need for extensive research on airline and train ticket prices.
- Online travel portals allow travel agents to make online bookings, create custom packages, and seamlessly apply for refunds.
- Travel agents and managers get real-time and instant updates on all their bookings and other valuable tasks.
Top 5 Emerging Tech Travel Trends Important for Travel Agencies
Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality
One can’t name a single industry where AR/VR technology has not left a mark yet. The travel sector is no exception, as travel agencies proactively incorporate this innovative trend in their business models. The agencies can provide virtual hotel tours to their customers before finalizing their bookings. Giving a minor sneak peek into the accommodation offers travelers a sense of relief. AR/VR also allows travel companies to add extra services like AR-driven sites and landmark visits, which is a leisurely service for people who do not have time to go on a vacation but are looking for a distinct and enjoyable experience.
Bleisure Trips
People in the present day are combining their work with vacations, and these trips are popularly called ‘bleisure trips’. These trips help travelers to accommodate fun and relaxing activities into their business trips. Travel agencies can match this travel trend by creating customized packages and itineraries for travelers seeking bleisure trips. Through exclusive offers on longer stays and local experiences, travel agencies can easily attract business travelers who want to get the most out of their time away from home. Bleisure travel, which combines pleasure and business, is quickly becoming a necessary component of contemporary travel.
Automated Bookings
Today’s tech-savvy audience wants maximum results in minimum time. This is why travel agencies should switch to automated bookings, which can be done with the help of a travel portal solution. This product automates the booking experience for customers, leading to quick reservations with exclusive offers. The chances of human-made errors are also reduced with automated booking portals, leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention.
Blockchain for Payments
Statista reports that the maximum number of online payment frauds in 2023 occurred with debit cards and credit cards. This is the reason why most customers feel apprehensive while making online payments. The same is true for travelers making online bookings. However, travel agents are now adding an additional security layer by using blockchain technology for safer payments. Blockchain helps keep online transactions safe while also keeping a check on people accessing its information. By enabling blockchain payments, travel agents can win the trust of their customers.
Big Data for In-Depth Research
A well-researched service has a higher chance of succeeding in the market. Big data is key in accessing critical information as it is a gold mine of information. From finding audience preferences to crafting effective marketing strategies, travel agents can utilize big data to their advantage.
Conclusion
Providing a delightful and leisurely traveling experience is the ultimate motive of travel agencies. This experience can be further improved by investing in futuristic tech travel solutions powered by advanced technological trends like Augmented reality, automated bookings, and more. Such online portals provide quick booking confirmations, custom package creation, and safe online payments. Travel agencies looking for a reliable travel portal provider should get in touch with TBOHolidays. By focusing on automation and innovation, travel agencies can offer impressive services to their customers.
Latest Travel Tech Solution Trends for Travel Agency FAQs
A1: The most commonly utilized tech travel solutions include booking and reservation systems, travel portals, and booking management systems.
A2: The development cost of a travel portal greatly depends on the agency’s requirements, portal’s design, features, and various other factors. Travel agencies can get a fair price quote from an expert service provider like TBOHolidays.
A3: Certified and experienced industry professionals dealing with the development of tech travel solutions can assist travel agents with these products.
A4: Travel agents have to manage multiple bookings in a single day, which can get overwhelming. Online booking travel solutions manage the end-to-end tasks of a travel agent or operator with the help of automation.
Pratyush Kumar Srivastava is a seasoned expert in B2B travel writing with years of experience in the industry. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of travel technology, supplier relationships, and market trends, Pratyush offers valuable insights to help businesses optimize their travel booking strategies. Passionate about innovation and efficiency, he is dedicated to guiding travel agencies through the complexities of modern distribution channels to achieve growth and success.
