Travel trends in 2023 according to Amadeus: In Metaverse, travelers will move closer to the “try before you buy” model.
The exploration of the Metaverse, new possibilities offered by biometrics, itinerant work or the fact of traveling without luggage will change the sector next year.
Amadeus, the leader in travel technology, has released its annual trends, highlighting an evolving industry.
The travel industry is set to experience major changes in 2023. Topping the list is the FinTech revolution and baggage-free travel. In the Metaverse, travelers move closer to the “try before you buy” model, while in business, “team vacations” may be on the horizon.
The technological revolution in the travel sector is definitely underway. In the next 12 months and beyond, travel habits will constantly change. New tools and solutions, easier trips through airports and the ability to travel with less luggage are in the headlines.
Since the global travel recovery, the expectations of travelers and businesses are higher than ever when it comes to a seamless experience. The sector is rapidly evolving to meet ever-changing needs. In Travel Trends 2023, Amadeus introduces five new developments that will play a role in these future developments.
The Next Generation Travel Agent: Exploring the Metaverse will allow travelers to explore a destination before they arrive or relive their memories after they return.
“Smile, here’s your seat”: Biometrics help create efficiency when paying for flights.
Hands-free travel: Hotels will offer many conveniences to travelers so that they can travel lighter.
Work while roaming: Telecommuters are adopting an increasingly nomadic lifestyle, migrating to different locations as remote work policies normalize.
Team vacations: A new category of business travel is emerging, focused on developing and connecting teams as well as stimulating creativity outside the office.
These annual trends are identified by Amadeus’ team of travel technology experts. Although technology is a major driver of change and Web3 and biometrics have a big role to play, experts know that human relationships are just as important. These trends are all tied to personal and societal concerns, whether it’s the desire to travel with a lighter ecological footprint or more people wanting to be able to work anywhere.
Daniel Batchelor, Vice President, Global Corporate Marketing, Communications & Social Responsibility, Amadeus, commented: “In the collective imagination, we tend to predict the impact of technology on travel in a physical way, looking at patterns of greater and faster transportation. But today, things look very different. Individuals want to reduce their impact on the planet, while prioritizing human relationships and society as a whole. In this exciting new reality, technology will enable us to achieve these goals. The Metaverse, biometrics, and traveler expectations are coming together to rapidly change the landscape. This is an incredibly exciting time for the sector. »
A new way to travel
In the coming years, Metaverse will take traveler engagement to the next level. Travelers can enjoy deeper cultural experiences in a virtual world, exploring concerts and exhibitions. Technology also offers great potential for pre-departure assistance and the ability to ‘try before you buy’, which creates more excitement and excitement. This method is becoming increasingly popular as a way to try more expensive things like luxury cruises.
The Walt Disney Co. plans to create a real-world theme park that combines a parallel experience with a 3D virtual world, while Seoul will lead its “meta” project in 2023, with a platform called “Metaverse Seoul”. Qatar Airways, on the other hand, recently announced the creation of Qverse with meta-human cabin crew, providing an immersive experience to visit, navigate and check in at Hamad International Airport.
Smile, pay, travel
Biometric payments – via ApplePay and GooglePay – are now commonplace for in-store and travel payments. But in the coming years, biometric payments are expected to start to be used in this industry. Airports already use biometrics for identifying travel documents. The next logical step is to leverage this identity check for all payments travelers make during their travels.
No more rummaging through your bag looking for your wallet for a business upgrade. When a traveler uses biometrics to check in, drop off their bags and board the plane, these identity checks can also be used to cover payments they may make during their trip, such as adding a meal on board, which provides a smooth payment experience. Thanks to biometrics, airports and travel agencies will provide passengers with a convenient and contactless payment experience at all stages.
Some trials have begun with travel retailer Hudson using the Amazon One biometric payment solution at its Nashville International Airport store, allowing customers to walk in while paying with their palm.
Taking the phrase “travel light” to the next level
Travelers are more aware of their carbon footprint and the cost of checked baggage, which has the effect of reducing the number of suitcases. Trolleys full of branded luggage are no longer a status symbol, on the contrary.
Hotels and resorts are increasingly offering the rental of many items, such as sports equipment and workout clothes. The makers also intend to offer it to local vendors to become more popular with tourists. At the same time, travelers are looking to buy necessities locally, allowing them to support and engage with the community, while ensuring meaningful travel experiences.
International brands such as Hilton offer equipment and health equipment, helping travelers get closer to a “zero baggage stay.” A trend that is set to grow and grow.
Work while traveling
Remote workers adopt an increasingly nomadic lifestyle, migrating to different locations. They spend less time at home due to the spread of remote work policies.
Workers can choose to spend more time with their loved ones in their homeland or spend a month working abroad. From the government’s perspective, the number of countries that encourage digital nomads through visa programs and tax benefits is expected to continue to increase.
Countries like Georgia, Croatia, Iceland, and Germany have already created official programs to attract digital nomads. Nomadlist is a platform that connects a global community of remote workers living and traveling around the world, helping them find jobs at competitive prices. The platform ranks Bangkok and Lisbon in its top 5 cities for digital work. Amadeus saw a 165% increase in searches for flights from Sydney to Bangkok in the month of September 2022 compared to 2019 but also a 74% increase in searches for flights from Sao Paulo to Lisbon in the same months.
Create a link through travel
Business travel is back but different. In the past few years, many companies have implemented remote working policies, which has led to problems with team cohesion and collaboration. As a result, we’re seeing an increase in “intra-company travel,” where teams come together for the specific purpose of building relationships.
American Express Global Business Travel even published a document called “Why Business Travel Is At The Center Of The New Company Culture”. With the employee experience more important than ever, team travel programs are growing rapidly, being a great way to motivate teams, improve employee satisfaction, build company loyalty and unleash creativity.
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