experience in travel industry

Offer more in your traveler experience

Why the traveler experience matters.

of consumers having at least one trip this year will “treat themselves” with meaningful experiences

of American travelers were influenced by TikTok in 2022

of people would prefer to book an entire trip (flights, hotels, rental car and extras) through one website

of consumers worldwide expect companies to understand how their needs and objectives have changed and to address those new needs

Unlock the benefits of a unified traveler experience to increase the value of and for travelers by placing them at the front and center of your organization.

What you can do

Define a clear strategy to gain insights on demand.

Reclaim leisure demand by giving travelers new sources of inspiration. Additionally, grow the corporate traveler segment by thinking holistically about the experience and breaking down silos to drive value from multiple angles.

Create a truly seamless retail experience

Transform the direct channel experience and enhance the product offering with third-party propositions. It’s time to go beyond your own products and services to address the entire traveler journey.

Develop an omnichannel experience with digital servicing

Improve the service offered to your customers with digital processes that deliver higher customer and employee satisfaction, as well as improving financial KPIs.

Build a technology and AI core

Create an operational data and AI platform that taps into companies’ talent, technology and data ecosystems to create personalized experiences, provide real-time assistance, anticipate customers' needs and streamline operations.

What you’ll achieve

Create awareness and inspiration

Update your strategy to include new sources of inspiration that consider the experience from beginning to end and AI-powered tools to reclaim leisure demand and grow the corporate traveler segment.

Meet new travelers’ needs

Stay close to travelers’ changing needs and expectations to anticipate and meet new demands and create relevant experiences and personalized customer service.

Accelerate your business with retailing

Develop a retail strategy with new offer and order capabilities. Offer differentiated products and seamless booking experiences that surpass any third-party proposition.

Improve your technology foundations

Focus on new technologies such as cloud, data and AI to transform the way your company interacts with travelers and deliver a seamless end-to-end experience.

What’s trending in travel experience

A patchwork of technology solutions have led to a fragmented traveler journey and mean that travel companies are missing out on opportunities. How can travel companies increase their value of and for the Traveler?

How resilient consumers are adapting in an era of volatility.

Understanding unconventional consumer behavior in an age of disruption

Banyan Tree Group piloted a digital scavenger hunt at its Laguna Phuket resort to improve its customer experience and boost ancillary revenue.

What next for travel and tourism? Here's what the experts say

In many countries, more than 80% of travel and tourism spending actually comes from the domestic market. Image: Unsplash/Surface

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Stay up to date:.

In 2020 alone, the travel and tourism sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs globally.
But as the world recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism can bounce back as an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector.
Two experts highlight some of the key transformations in the sector going forward during the World Economic Forum's Our World in Transformation series.

The Travel & Tourism sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving not only companies but also tourism-driven economies severely affected by shutdowns, travel restrictions and the disappearance of international travel.

In 2020 alone, the sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs, impacting the living standards and well-being of communities across the globe. Moreover, the halt in international travel gave both leisure and business travellers the chance to consider the impact of their choices on the climate and environment.

Amid shifting demand dynamics and future opportunities and risks, a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient travel and tourism sector can be - and needs to be - built.

The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 finds that embedding inclusivity, sustainability and resilience into the travel and tourism sector as it recovers, will ensure it can continue to be a driver of global connectivity, peace and economic and social progress.

We spoke to Sandra Carvao , Chief of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Liz Ortiguera , CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Thailand (PATA), and asked them to highlight some of the key areas of risk and opportunity in the sector during an episode of the World Economic Forum's Our World in Transformation series.

Have you read?

Travel & tourism development index 2021: rebuilding for a sustainable and resilient future, towards resilience and sustainability: travel and tourism development recovery, how can we really achieve sustainability in the travel sector, what are some of the top global trends you're witnessing currently in the travel and tourism sector.

Liz Ortiguera: Given the extended lockdown that we had on travel with the pandemic, vacation for friends and relatives (VFR) is now a high priority for people who haven’t been in touch for a long time thanks to the pandemic. So, people are reconnecting. And that kind of links to the second trend, which is multi-purpose or blended travel. Never before, particularly now that we can connect digitally through Zoom, has the ability to work from anywhere enabled travellers to cover multiple purposes, like visits with friends and multiple business trips. So, we'll find that the duration of travel and the length of stay is longer. And third is the continued high focus on safety and wellness which is top of mind for travellers due to the pandemic. All travel is wellness-related now.

Sandra Carvao: I think there is a bigger concern with sustainability, which is very welcome in our industry. Consumers, particularly the younger generation, are much more aware of the impact they have, not only on the environment but also socially and on the communities they live in. We've also seen an increase in expenditure per trip, so I think people are very eager to go outside, and they're staying longer. And on the other side, I think there are some challenges: we’re seeing a rise in late bookings because restrictions can change at short notice and that’s having an impact on the decisions of travellers. This is putting pressure on the industry in terms of planning and anticipating fluctuations in demand.

Social media surveys have shown that travellers who have immersive experiences are more likely to post about them, which is good for the industry.

What is community-based tourism and why is it important?

Sandra Carvao: One of the positive impacts of the pandemic is that people are looking for local experiences and are spending more time with communities. So, the concept of community-based tourism is obviously one that puts the community at the core of every development, ensuring that it's engaged and empowered and that it benefits. At the UNWTO, we worked with the G20 and the Saudi presidency back in 2020 and produced a framework for tourism development in communities, which states that communities need to be part of the planning and management of tourism activities. We need to go beyond traditional definitions of community to a point where the industry leans on partnerships between the public and private sectors and communities.

Liz Ortiguera: In July 2022, PATA is hosting a destination-marketing forum and one of the key themes is community-based tourism. The purpose is really to put the community and authenticity-in-culture activities at the heart of the travel experience. There are benefits for all stakeholders. One is that travellers can have an authentic experience. They're not in overcrowded, touristic locations and they experience something new and unique within the community. These experiences are designed in partnership with communities who get the benefit of financial inclusion, and if activities are designed properly, the reinforcement of their cultural heritage. Governments also engage in economic development more broadly across countries. Another interesting trend is creative tourism, which means you create an experience for tourists to participate in, like a dance lesson, or a cooking lesson. Social media surveys have shown that travellers who have these kinds of immersive experiences are more likely to post about them online and that's good for the industry.

It is important to emphasize that virtual experiences, while they are a fun tool, can never replace visiting a destination.

How is technology and innovation helping to leverage cultural resources?

Sandra Carvao: One interesting trend we’re seeing is that more and more people are booking trips directly, so communities need to be supported to digitize their systems. Education and upskilling of communities are important so that they can leverage digital platforms to market themselves. From the tourists’ perspective, it is important to emphasize that virtual experiences, while they are a fun tool, can never replace visiting a destination.

Liz Ortiguera: People have been living virtually for more than two years. Amazing innovations have emerged, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, and all kinds of applications and tools. But the important thing is the experience. The destination. Real-world experiences need to remain front and centre. Technology tools should be viewed as enablers and not the core experience. And when it comes to staff, technology can really democratize education. There’s an opportunity to mobilize a mobile-first approach for those who are on the frontlines, or out in the field, and can’t easily access computers, but need to get real-time information.

How is the sector dealing with labour shortages and re-employment of the workforce?

Liz Ortiguera: Labour shortages are much more dynamic in North America and in Europe. But it’s having a knock-on effect on Asia. If, for example, their air carriers are limited by staff and they have to cancel flights, which we're very much seeing out of Europe, seating capacity then becomes a limiting factor in the recovery of Asia Pacific. That's the main constraint right now. And compounding that is the rising price of fuel. But people in the Asia Pacific are keen to get reemployed.

Sandra Carvao: Labour shortages are a priority for the sector in countries around the world. Many workers left the sector during the pandemic and the uncertainty that surrounded the measures taken to contain it left many people unsure of whether the sector would recover. It is time to address things like conditions, scheduling, and work/life balance, all things which have been top of mind for workers during the pandemic. As the sector recovers, we need time to bring new hires on board and to train them to take over where those who switched jobs left off.

Are we seeing a growing trend towards domestic tourism?

Sandra Carvao: We’re talking about 9 billion people travelling within their own countries. And in many countries, for example in Germany, more than 80% of the tourism spending actually comes from the domestic market, similarly in countries like Spain and even smaller economies. Whenever it's possible to travel again, domestic markets tend to be more resilient. They kick off first mostly due to perceptions of safety and security issues. As the world economy recovers from the pandemic, there is a good opportunity for nations to rethink their strategy, look at the domestic market in a different way, and leverage different products for domestic tourists.

When it comes to sustainable tourism, how quickly could we mainstream eco-friendly modes of transportation?

Sandra Carvao: Transport is one of the key contributors to energy impacts and tourism. But it's also important that we look at the whole value chain. The UNWTO together with the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme just launched the Glasgow Declaration, which includes green commitments from destinations and companies. We’re seeing a strong movement in the airline industry to reduce emissions. But I think, obviously, technological developments will be very important. But it's also very important to look at market shifts. And we can't forget small islands and developing states that rely on long-haul air travel. It’s important to make sure that we invest in making the problem much less impactful.

Liz Ortiguera: 'Travel and tourism' is such a broad encompassing term that it’s not fair to call it an industry: it is actually a sector of many industries. The pandemic taught us how broad the impact of the sector is in terms of sustainability. There's a big movement in terms of destination resilience, which is the foundation for achieving sustainability in the journey to net-zero. We now have standards to mitigate that impact including meetings-and-events (MIE) standards and standards for tour operators. There are multiple areas within our industry where progress is being made. And I'm really encouraged by the fact that there is such a focus not just within the sector but also among consumers.

This interview was first done at the World Economic Forum's studios in Geneva as part of 'Our World in Transformation' - a live interactive event series for our digital members. To watch all the episodes and join future sessions, please subscribe here .

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License and Republishing

World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Experiential Travel: Creating Memories, Not Checklists

Trends in the tourism industry are constantly evolving, and experiential travel is one of the latest trends that has only increased in popularity over the years. The key point of experiential travel is to create memories that will last you a lifetime, and if that sounds like exactly your type of travel, this guide will be helpful.

What exactly is experiential travel, why should you engage in it more often, and the top tour operators for experiential trips are just some of the key things covered in this detailed guide. Keep reading to learn more about experiential travel and see why so many people have become engrossed with it!

What Is Experiential Travel?

Experiential travel is a travel method that has been talked about for decades but has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It’s essentially a way of traveling that allows you to really dig deep into the local culture and fully experience every new place you visit.

Experiential tourism is mostly focused on experiences as opposed to destinations. It also entails spending more time with locals and exploring off-the-beaten paths, instead of just visiting tourist attractions with the highest ratings on Trip Advisor and Google Maps.

This type of tourism is also known as immersion travel because it entails travelers being fully immersed in a local culture. I like to think that immersion travel is just one aspect of experiential travel, and that adventure travel is just as an important part of it.

You can immerse yourself in a local culture all you want but if you don’t actually have authentic local experiences, I don’t think you can still call it experiential travel.

The complete opposite of experiential travel would be something like traveling to a foreign destination and staying at a resort the entire time you’re there. Sure, it’s nice to relax for a few days and spend your time sipping cocktails on the beach, but can you really say you’ve visited Mexico if you’ve never left the hotel? Experiential travelers would disagree.

Benefits of Experiential Travel

The main advantage of experiential travel is that you will end your trips feeling enriched by local cultures, and you will create memories that will last forever. You will actually get to learn and understand the history and traditions of a place, and if you do it right, you can make friends everywhere in the world.

Another benefit of experiential travel is that it should be more affordable. You wouldn’t stay in a fancy hotel, but rather in an apartment rented out by a local. You can even look into house-sitting and pet-sitting options, or just stick to couchsurfing for the most authentic experiences.

Choosing local accommodation instead of mass hotel chains allows you to get in touch with the hosts, which can provide valuable tips about the local communities and the destination’s culture.

Examples of Experiential Travel

When I plan a trip to a new country, I usually start off by creating a map on Google Maps with all the most famous landmarks, tourist attractions, and museums. I prefer to do things by myself and I avoid hiring guides and travel agents, so I do aim to achieve some level of immersion into local culture.

I also make it a point to eat at as many local restaurants as possible and try all the most famous foods in that city. The opposite would be sticking to Burger King or McDonald’s because they’re “safe” options.

While all of that is part of immersion travel, a true experiential traveler wouldn’t aim to visit just the most famous attractions in a new city. Instead, they would look for knowledgeable locals who would help them find all the best-hidden gems and places that locals enjoy the most. It could include visiting a quaint restaurant with the best local cuisine or partaking in an activity that is specific to that city.

It means joining a pasta-making class when you’re in Italy, partaking in a Flamenco dance class while you’re exploring Spain, or attending a local football game when you’re staying in England.

Planning an Experiential Travel Trip

When you’re planning an experiential travel trip, try to focus on encountering authentic local experiences. I would suggest starting off with a quick walking tour of the city. But try to look for local guides that do these tours in smaller groups – it will be a much more immersive experience and you’ll get to actually learn something, especially if you’re spending time with like-minded travelers.

Then, I suggest you do some research about the cuisine of the place you are visiting and learn about the different local dishes. Try to find restaurants that are frequented by locals – if you’re not having too much success, ask your host or a local guide for recommendations.

I’ve found that asking people on Reddit can also yield some great results because there are often locals who are willing to help tourists get to know their cultures.

Next, consider what the country or city you’re visiting is most famous for and try to find attractions or experiences that incorporate that to really get a sense of how the locals are living. An example of this would be going on at least one hike if you’re traveling in the more rural areas of Switzerland, or swimming in the Rhine River if you’re staying in Basel because it’s what the locals actually do.

Top Experiential Travel Companies

Velocity black.

Velocity Black is one of the best examples of a modern concierge service that goes above and beyond for its clients. Services offered by the company include organizing trips and holidays that are tailored to your wants and needs. Velocity Black can offer its members deals on flights with the world’s best airlines, free upgrades, and access to some of the best hotels in the world.

The company is also able to organize special experiences for its clients, which range from hanging out with celebrities to swimming with orcas. The annual membership fee is £2,000 and there’s currently a waiting list to join.

Vivid Travel

Vivid Travel is an experiential travel company that focuses on creating personalized travel itineraries for their customers. The agents will ask you questions about preferences for accommodation, ideas for experiences, and attractions, but also about your budget and preferred vacation length.

Then, they can create you a unique itinerary that explores all the things that interest you the most, while staying within your budget. They’ll do all the booking for you, and it’s a great company to use if you don’t like doing the research and bookings yourself.

Niquesa Travel

Niquesa Travel is another tour operator that specializes in custom travel itineraries. It’s more of a luxury travel company, so not the best operator to use if you’re trying to travel on a tighter budget. The company can plan and organize every aspect of your trip, from flights to immersive experiences.

You can contact Niquesa Travel to arrange any type of trip you want, and they also have a few pre-made itineraries that sound amazing. Travel to Morocco on a limited budget and follow a series of clues as you explore the local culture, or go on a road trip through England in a supercar.

Black Tomato

Black Tomato is a favored luxury travel company for experiential travel. This company has pre-made itineraries for virtually every corner of the world, but its agents can also create entirely new customized itineraries for customers.

Trekking in Nepal, safaris in Uganda, and sailing in the Galapagos Islands are just some examples of trips this company can arrange for you. Allowing Black Tomato to plan your trip means you’ll need to tell them everything about your preferences and budget, and they’ll do absolutely everything for you from booking the plane tickets to reserving you a spot in the pasta-making class in Tuscany.

Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent is one of the oldest luxury travel companies with a history of more than six decades. The company is known for incredibly detailed personalized itineraries, as well as excellent service.

Booking a trip with Abercrombie & Kent means that you could attend a private tour of a museum, get customized meals, and stay at places that are off-limits for regular people. This is one of the priciest tour agencies for experiential travel, but also one that can offer you a unique and personalized experience in every corner of the world.

Current Trends in Experiential Travel

Trends in the travel industry are constantly changing, but the core of experiential travel will always be immersive experiences. Adventure tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of experiential travel, and more and more travelers are spending their time hiking, backpacking, rafting, skydiving, and engaging in all sorts of other adventures that are typical for the places they are visiting.

Meaningful engagement with the local communities is also a growing trend in experiential travel. Forming an emotional connection with people in a foreign place is essential for creating lifelong memories, and an increasing number of people will spend their time visiting schools, museums, theaters, and similar places that the locals frequent in their daily lives.

But the way I see it, you should focus on experiences you’re genuinely interested in, and skip any experiences you might not enjoy, regardless of how local they are. An example of this would be if you were in London – maybe it would be a truly authentic local experience to spend an afternoon at a pub and go to a football match, but if that’s not something you would genuinely enjoy, you absolutely shouldn’t do it.

Instead, do something that’s fun for you – see a play at the Globe Theater, or spend an afternoon in the Natural History Museum, if that’s more up your alley.

The Future of Experiential Travel

Even with the rise of experiential travel among young adults, there is still absolutely a market for those who prefer to spend their vacation days lounging and relaxing. However, experiential travel has become extremely popular over the past few years, and it was in part a result of the global pandemic of 2020.

Most of the world was stuck for nearly a year, unable to leave their house properly, let alone travel to a new destination. When the countless restrictions were finely dropped and we were allowed to start traveling again, people wanted to get out of the house and do something.

The future of experiential travel lies in more personalized experiences and sustainability. More and more tour operators are shifting to offering immersive travel experiences to satisfy the growing demand for experiential trips. Also, the importance of AI is growing at the same time as the demand for experiential tours, and it’s hard to imagine a world in which the two don’t become integrated.

It’s expected that travel companies will turn to AI to help create unique and personalized itineraries and that VR will become a bit component of experiential travel. It’s only a matter of time until VR allows us to become fully immersed in destinations that we cannot physically visit, whether it’s a trip to Macchu Picchu from the comfort of your couch or a tour of ancient Rome.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

Top 9 Travel Trends & Innovations in 2024

How are the latest trends in the travel industry reshaping trip planning and enhancing tourist experiences in 2024? Explore our in-depth industry research on the top 9 travel trends based on our analysis of 3500+ companies worldwide. These trends include AI, immersive tourism, IoT, contactless travel & more!

Technological advancements in the travel industry meet the growing demand for personalized experiences, safety, and sustainability. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging travel trends mark a shift towards contactless travel through digital payments, self-check-ins, and more. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are automating various hospitality and travel-related operations.

For instance, smart hotels make use of internet-connected devices to remotely control rooms. Further, businesses offer virtual tours by adopting extended reality (XR) technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Travel companies also leverage data analytics to personalize marketing. At the same time, traveler assisting solutions like chatbots and voice technology aid them in booking accommodation and optimizing journeys. These travel trends improve the overall profitability of the tourism industry and enable it to make operations more sustainable and safe.

This article was published in July 2022 and updated in February 2024.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 9 Travel Trends & 18 Promising Startups

For this in-depth research on the Top 9 Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 18 global startups and scaleups. The result of this research is data-driven innovation intelligence that improves strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies & startups in the travel industry. These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform , covering 2 500 000+ startups & scaleups globally. As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant startups, emerging technologies & future industry trends quickly & exhaustively.

In the Innovation Map below, you get an overview of the Top 9 Travel Trends & Innovations that impact travel & tourism companies worldwide. Moreover, the Travel Innovation Map reveals 3 500+ hand-picked startups, all working on emerging technologies that advance their field.

Top 9 Travel Trends

Artificial Intelligence
Immersive Tourism
Internet of Things
Contactless Travel
Big Data & Analytics
Post-Pandemic Tourism
Tour Premiumization

Travel-trends-innovation-InnovationMap-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Click to download

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 9 Travel Trends

Based on the Travel Innovation Map, the Tree Map below illustrates the impact of the Top 9 Travel Industry Trends in 2024. Startups and scaleups are enabling contactless travel using technologies like biometrics, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communication (NFC). This is due to increasing health and hygiene concerns post the pandemic. The use of AI in tourism ensures hassle-free trip planning while AR and VR allow tourists to virtually visit various locations and excursions. IoT increases visibility into tourism industry operations and allows passengers to track their luggage more efficiently. Further, the demand for personalized and luxurious travel is rising. Several startups enable recreational space travel as well as offer sustainable travel options to passengers.

Travel-trends-innovation-TreeMap-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Global Startup Heat Map covers 3 635 Travel Startups & Scaleups

The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 3 635 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals that the US, Europe, and India see the most activity.

Below, you get to meet 18 out of these 3 635 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These 18 startups are hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.

Travel-trends-innovation-Heat-Map-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Interested in exploring all 3500+ travel startups & scaleups?

Top 9 Travel Trends in 2024

1. artificial intelligence.

Hotels employ intelligent chatbots, powered by AI, to provide quick and personalized responses to traveler inquiries. These chatbots simplify the booking process and gather customer reviews, aiding potential travelers in making informed decisions. Moreover, AI-based robots enhance the customer experience by automating hotel disinfection and delivering room service.

At airports, these robots guide travelers and assist with luggage handling. Facial recognition technology, driven by AI, expedites identity verification at airports, enhancing security and offering a swift alternative to traditional methods. Startups are developing AI-powered trip planning solutions, optimizing journeys, and personalizing travel experiences.

Travel Professor develops a Travel Chatbot

UK-based startup Travel Professor offers an AI-enabled chatbot for travelers. The startup’s chat widget software monitors multiple flight deals and notifies users when their preferences match. It also provides travel destination recommendations and flight price alerts. This allows travelers to book economical flights and have a budget-friendly tourism experience.

Pneuma Travel facilitates Travel Planning

US startup Pneuma Travel develops a voice-assisted digital agent, Sarah , to streamline the process of travel planning. This assistant, powered by AI, excels in arranging flight and accommodation bookings and assists travelers in discovering a variety of activities. Sarah , available round the clock, provides continuous support for all travel-related inquiries.

Moreover, Sarah customizes travel options according to individual preferences and budgetary constraints. The agent further enhances the travel experience by providing insights into local attractions in unfamiliar cities. Importantly, Sarah enables real-time modifications to travel plans, in compliance with specific airline policies, thereby minimizing waiting times for users.

2. Immersive Tourism

Immersive tourism caters to the growing demand for meaningful experiences among travelers, leveraging AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR). VR simulates original locations through a computer-generated environment, allowing tourists to virtually explore destinations. It provides travelers with a comprehensive 360-degree tour of points of interest.

AR enhances the travel experience with interactive elements such as navigation maps and ads. Travel companies employ AR and VR-based gamification to heighten tourist attractions. Moreover, these technologies enable hotels and resorts to present amenities and rooms in an engaging, interactive manner.

VR Travel Expo offers VR-based Travel Plans

US startup VR Travel Expo develops a VR travel application to transform the way people research and book travel. The application enables users to plan their vacations more efficiently. It provides an engaging platform for users to explore and expand their knowledge of the world. Moreover, it employs 3D geospatial technology that creates real-time digital twins of the world. This further enhances the travel planning experience.

AR Tour makes AR Glasses

Italian startup AR Tour offers AR-powered tours. The startup’s AR glasses superimpose reconstructed images of archaeological ruins to show how the site originally was. Its tour informs the tourists about the site’s history and significance via an audio-visual package. Moreover, the startup designs lightweight AR glasses to prevent motion sickness among tourists, improving convenience.

3. Internet of Things

IoT generates ample data that tourism companies leverage to personalize services in their subsequent visits. Hotels use IoT sensors to enable smart rooms that automate room lighting, temperature, and ambiance control, enhancing guest comfort. These sensors adjust appliances in vacant rooms, conserving energy and reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

Startups harness IoT to deliver location-specific information to customers, including real-time luggage tracking via IoT tags, minimizing lost items. Airlines also incorporate IoT-based solutions into seats, monitoring passenger temperature and heart rate for proactive health management.

Altitude enables Smart Hotels

New Zealand-based startup Altitude creates an IoT-based hotel software and hardware to develop smart hotels. The startup makes self-service kiosks to automate reservations, room up-gradation, payments, as well as check-in and check-out. Its hotel management platform further enables contactless engagement with guests. Additionally, Altitude’s mobile keys allow guests to open doors using mobile phones, providing convenience and saving time for travelers.

Smart Tour provides Smart Itineraries

Brazilian startup Smart Tour offers smart itineraries using IoT and quick response (QR) codes. The startup recommends travel routes and destinations based on the user’s preference in real-time. This facilitates a seamless experience for travelers. Besides, the user-generated data enables tourism managers to better understand consumer behavior and indulge in proximity marketing. The startup also offers a contact tracing solution to monitor COVID-19 infected travelers and ensure public safety.

4. Contactless Travel

Travelers benefit from contactless recognition technologies like retina scanning, which replace traditional travel documents, speeding up passenger identification and reducing airport queues. QR codes offered by travel companies allow tourists to access relevant information on their mobile devices, enhancing engagement.

Hotels have introduced contactless self-check-ins, enabling visitors to arrange services before arrival. Additionally, contactless payment modes are available in hotels and restaurants for swift and secure transactions. Moreover, wearable devices are transforming the travel experience by providing real-time notifications and touch-free access to services and information.

Loxe designs Smart Hotel Keys

US-based startup Loxe makes smart mobile keys for hotels. The startup’s smartphone app replaces key cards with contactless mobile keys that allow users to unlock doors using smartphones. It also reduces operational costs incurred in the manufacturing of conventional keys or plastic cards. Moreover, the startup designs a Bluetooth retrofit module that converts normal door locks into mobile-ready door locks. This allows hotel owners to easily convert their existing locks into smart ones without additional expenses while improving guest safety and convenience.

Avendi provides Contactless Payment

Singaporean startup Avendi offers contactless and cashless payments for travelers. The startup allows tourists to accumulate expenses throughout their trip and pay at the end of the journey. Avendi’s app utilizes QR codes to add all the billed expenses and shown through its dashboard. The user settles the tab amount in the preferred currency, preventing the inconvenience of cash withdrawal or credit card payments.

5. Big Data & Analytics

Big data empowers travel companies with customer trends for strategic marketing. Analyzing traveler behavior, they offer tailored recommendations for hotel bookings, cab hires, flight reservations, and ticket purchases.

Predicting future demand is another advantage of big data and analytics, helping hotels and airlines identify peak periods to optimize revenue. Advanced analysis of transactional data aids in detecting cyber fraud, and safeguarding sensitive customer information such as credit card details and biometric data.

CheckandPack creates a Travel Platform

Dutch startup CheckandPack offers a big data travel platform. It runs marketing campaigns to gather traveler data and understand tourism trends. Based on these insights, the platform enables businesses to approach travelers with a customized appeal. It also provides travelers with holiday planning.

3Victors provides Travel Data Analytics

US-based startup 3Victors offers travel data analytics. The startup’s product, PriceEye Suite , proactively monitors the prices of numerous airlines to provide insights into competitor prices. It creates a dashboard to display travelers’ location of interest, allowing travel airlines to better manage their revenue and pricing strategy.

6. Post-Pandemic Tourism

Post-pandemic tourism focuses on safe, sustainable, and flexible travel options, responding to evolving traveler preferences and health guidelines. Enhanced health and safety protocols, including regular sanitization and contactless services, become standard in airlines and hotels, ensuring traveler confidence.

Destinations and operators emphasize outdoor and less crowded experiences, catering to a heightened demand for nature-based and wellness travel. Flexible booking policies and trip insurance gain prominence, offering peace of mind amid uncertainties. Sustainable travel gains traction, with tourists and businesses prioritizing environmental impact and community well-being.

GOPASS Global enables Pre-travel Risk Management

Singaporean startup GOPASS Global provides a travel risk analytics platform against COVID-19. It analyzes the biosecurity risk elements involved in a trip, such as border restrictions, quarantine requirements, airport type, and airline transit points or seating in real-time. This allows travelers to assess risk factors and plan their trips accordingly.

Moreover, the startup creates world maps displaying information regarding COVID-prone areas, testing areas, and vaccine coverage. This provides travelers with a preview of the current situation, allowing them to ensure safety during business and leisure travel.

Workcations enables Work from Anywhere

Indian startup Workcations provides properties at tourist destinations for remote-working individuals. It offers amenities like internet connectivity, food, and a quiet ambiance, allowing tourists to work in a peaceful environment without hindrance. This increases employee productivity, motivation, and retention.

7. Tour Premiumization

Hyper-personalization in travel experiences is on the rise, with tourists eager to immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Luxury travelers enjoy tailored experiences and intuitive services through tour premiumization. Health and wellness packages offered by travel startups help tourists unwind.

These retreats enhance health and offer detoxifying food options. Space tourism is another exciting development, offering leisure or research trips to space. Lastly, travel startups are fostering customer loyalty and building strong relationships through membership or subscription models.

STOKE provides Space Tour

US-based startup STOKE facilitates space travel using everyday-operable rockets. The startup’s rockets are reusable and deliver satellites to any desired orbit. This enables on-demand access to space, paving way for space tours for exploration, recreation, and research. The startup also emphasizes the economical and rapid development of its hardware for feasible spacecraft launches, advancing space tourism.

Origin offers Travel Personalization

Dutch startup Origin provides premium travel personalization to tourists. The startup utilizes machine learning and travel curators to plan creative vacations. It also arranges flights and accommodation for travelers. Further, the startup measures the carbon output of itineraries and offers sustainable tourism options.

8. Ecotourism

Traveling responsibly minimizes tourism’s environmental impact and supports local communities’ well-being. Ecotourists strive to reduce their carbon footprint during their journeys. Startups contribute by developing sustainable transport, ecolodges, and solar-powered resorts.

Airline passengers have the option to offset carbon emissions during flight bookings. Local tourism stimulates small businesses economically and creates job opportunities. It also emphasizes minimum littering, which lowers pollution and the time spent on cleanups.

Jet-Set Offset simplifies Flight Carbon Offset

US-based startup Jet-Set Offset creates a carbon-offsetting platform for air travel. The startup partners with non-profit organizations working against climate change and connects them with travelers. Each time travelers book flight tickets via the startup’s platform, Jet-Set Offset contributes a certain amount per mile for their journey to environmental organizations. This way, the passenger’s journey promotes mileage-based donations to offset carbon emissions.

The Green Stamp facilitates Ethical Wildlife Tour

Dutch startup The Green Stamp provides a platform to book ethical wildlife tours. It curates tours based on the tourists’ inclinations toward certain locations or wildlife. Exploration of these projects allows travelers to indirectly contribute to their cause as these wildlife projects donate to the welfare of local communities and the environment.

9. Blockchain

Blockchain provides the travel industry with operational transparency and security. Traceable payments, particularly for international travel, are a key application, that fosters trust among parties involved in transactions.

Automation and enforcement of agreements in travel insurance and supplier contracts are achieved through smart contracts. This strengthens reliability and cuts administrative costs. Travel firms establish customer loyalty programs where points are exchanged for cryptocurrency. Lastly, blockchain increases data storage security, reducing the risk of information leaks.

Upswing facilitates Guest Profiling

Indian startup Upswing creates AURA , a blockchain-powered platform for guest profiling. It provides a holistic view of guests, their preferences, and purchase patterns. The platform associates a score with each guest and suggests improvements in their service. This facilitates hotels to provide a personalized experience to their guests and, in turn, increase sales.

UIQ Travel develops a Solo Traveling App

US-based startup UIQ Travel develops a blockchain-based app to connect solo travelers. It discovers people with shared interests and suggests tours or attractions. Such hyper-personalized recommendations assist in experience discovery and also increase traveler engagement.

Discover all Travel Trends, Technologies & Startups

Tourism, although severely impacted by the pandemic, now continues to rapidly grow across the globe. Post-pandemic trends indicate an increasing emphasis on hygiene and safety during travel. The industry is witnessing the widespread adoption of disruptive technologies like AI, XR, IoT, and blockchain. The travel industry utilizes big data to understand traveler trends for targeted marketing. The transition to ecotourism is accelerating as businesses integrate zero-emission transit and carbon offset programs to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Travel Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation and startup scouting process. Among others, personalization, decarbonization, and travel safety will transform the sector as we know it today. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout startups, technologies & trends that matter to you!

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Cultural Shifts: The Rising Demand for Personalized and Private Travel Experiences

I n an era where luxury travel is no longer defined by mere opulence but by the depth and authenticity of experiences, the industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards personalization, privacy, and sustainability.

This evolution is driven by a more discerning clientele that prioritizes environmental consciousness, quality experiences over material possessions, and the need for wellness and digital detox.

As the world becomes increasingly connected, the desire to disconnect, to enjoy secluded and unique experiences, has grown more pronounced, reshaping the luxury travel landscape.

Amid these cultural shifts, destinations like Denver and Vail, Colorado, emerge as epitomes of this new luxury travel ethos. These locations offer not just breathtaking natural beauty but also cater to the nuanced demands of the modern traveler through services like Eddie Limo.

Eddie Limo stands at the forefront, offering personalized and private travel experiences that align with the values of sustainability, privacy, and wellness, encapsulating the essence of luxury travel’s new direction.

The Evolution of Luxury Travel

Luxury travel has undergone a significant transformation over the decades. Historically, it was characterized by extravagant displays of wealth, with luxury being synonymous with grand hotels, opulent cruises, and first-class air travel. However, as societal values and preferences evolved, so did the concept of luxury travel.

Today, it transcends the traditional markers of luxury to embrace more personalized, experience-driven endeavors. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of luxury as not just a matter of external display but as an expression of unique, meaningful experiences that resonate on a personal level. Sustainability and environmental consciousness have become integral to this evolution.

High-net-worth individuals are increasingly looking to align their travel choices with their values, seeking out options that minimize environmental impact while maximizing personal enrichment. This shift is not merely about the destinations but about the journey itself, with travelers opting for eco-friendly transportation options and accommodations that share their commitment to the planet.

The Demand for Personalization in Travel

The modern luxury traveler is in pursuit of personalized experiences that reflect their individuality. This desire for personalization extends beyond the accommodations and into the very mode of travel, with a growing preference for private, tailor-made services. Denver and Vail, with their unique landscapes and offerings, have become hotspots for travelers seeking bespoke experiences, from custom itineraries to private transportation.

Enter services like Denver car service , which play a pivotal role in fulfilling this demand for personalization. These services go beyond mere transportation; they offer an extension of the luxury experience itself. From Denver to Vail, travelers can enjoy the comfort and exclusivity of a private limo, tailored to their specific preferences.

Whether it’s choosing the route to take in the scenic beauty of Colorado, selecting an eco-friendly vehicle for the journey, or ensuring the trip aligns with a digital detox plan, Denver’s car services are at the forefront of providing these personalized travel experiences.

Customization options are abundant, allowing travelers to design their journey down to the last detail. This level of personalization ensures that each trip is not just a journey from point A to B but a bespoke experience that reflects the traveler’s values, interests, and lifestyle. It’s a testament to how luxury travel has evolved to cater to the individual, offering not just a service but an experience that is as unique as the traveler themselves.

Privacy and Exclusivity in Modern Travel

In the digital era, where every moment seems to be captured and shared, the luxury of privacy has become increasingly precious. The value placed on private and exclusive travel experiences has soared, as high-net-worth individuals seek solace away from the public eye and the omnipresent digital world. This pursuit of privacy and exclusivity has led to a heightened demand for personalized travel options that promise not just seclusion but also an unmatched quality of experience.

Denver Limo Service exemplifies this trend by offering bespoke transportation solutions that cater to the discerning traveler’s need for privacy and exclusivity. With services stretching from the urban elegance of Denver to the serene landscapes of Vail, they provide a secluded, comfortable journey that is as much about the experience as it is about the destination. These private limo services ensure that travelers can enjoy their journey in the luxury of solitude, with bespoke amenities tailored to their preferences, reinforcing the allure of exclusivity in modern travel.

Sustainability and Eco-conscious Travel

As environmental awareness permeates all aspects of society, luxury travel is no exception. Today’s travelers are not just looking for opulence and comfort but are also conscious of their environmental footprint. This shift towards sustainability has encouraged travel services, including limo companies, to adopt eco-friendly practices and offer greener travel options.

Eddie Limo is at the forefront of this eco-conscious travel movement, integrating sustainability into the heart of its luxury travel experiences.

By incorporating eco-friendly vehicles and adhering to sustainable business practices, Eddie Limo is catering to the growing demand for services that align with travelers’ environmental values. This commitment to sustainability enhances the travel experience, offering the luxury of knowing that the journey contributes positively to the planet’s well-being. It is a testament to the evolving landscape of luxury travel, where sustainability becomes a hallmark of true luxury.

The Role of Digital Detox in Travel Preferences

In an age dominated by digital connectivity, the concept of a digital detox has gained significant traction, particularly among luxury travelers seeking refuge from the constant barrage of digital noise. The desire to disconnect, to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature or the richness of a new culture without the distraction of devices, is a growing trend. Destinations like Vail, with their natural beauty and serene environment, have become havens for those looking to escape the digital tether.

Private car services play a crucial role in supporting this digital detox journey. They provide a stress-free, disconnected environment from the moment the traveler steps into the vehicle, ensuring a transition into tranquility that complements the destination’s serene offerings.

This uninterrupted peace allows travelers to fully engage with the experience, to reflect, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them in a more meaningful way. Services like Eddie Limo offer not just transportation but a sanctuary on wheels, facilitating a seamless digital detox that begins with the journey itself, making the travel experience more enriching and fulfilling.

Eddie Limo’s Approach to Personalized and Private Travel

Eddie Limo serves as a quintessential example of how luxury travel services are adapting to the modern traveler’s demand for personalization, privacy, sustainability, and exclusive luxury. Their Denver to Vail car service is not just a mode of transportation but a curated travel experience that embodies the cultural shifts towards more individualized and private travel preferences.

Personalization: Eddie Limo distinguishes itself by offering highly personalized services tailored to each traveler’s unique needs. From selecting the type of vehicle to accommodate personal style or eco-preferences to customizing the route based on scenic preferences or time constraints, Eddie Limo ensures that every aspect of the journey is aligned with the traveler’s desires. This level of personalization transforms the journey from Denver to Vail into a bespoke experience, reflecting the individual’s lifestyle and preferences.

Privacy: In today’s digital age, privacy is a luxury, and Eddie Limo understands this well. Their service offers the utmost in privacy and exclusivity, providing a sanctuary where travelers can relax away from the public eye. The private, comfortable setting of their vehicles allows clients to enjoy solitude or intimate conversations without intrusion, ensuring a journey that respects the traveler’s need for seclusion and confidentiality.

Sustainability: Eddie Limo’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their choice of vehicles and operational practices. By offering options for eco-friendly vehicles and implementing sustainable business practices, Eddie Limo caters to the environmentally conscious traveler. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of each journey but also aligns with the values of travelers who prioritize environmental responsibility even while seeking luxury experiences.

Luxury: The hallmark of Eddie Limo’s service is its unwavering commitment to luxury. From the quality of the vehicles to the professionalism of the drivers, every element of the service is designed to provide a premium experience. The seamless integration of luxury with personalization, privacy, and sustainability ensures that the journey from Denver to Vail is not only comfortable but also aligns with the highest standards of modern luxury travel.

The evolving landscape of luxury travel is marked by a growing demand for personalized, private, and sustainable travel experiences. This cultural shift reflects a deeper understanding of luxury, not as mere opulence but as an experience that resonates with the traveler’s individual values and lifestyle preferences. Eddie Limo, with its Denver to Vail car service , stands as a testament to how luxury travel services can adapt to meet these evolving demands, offering journeys that are personalized, private, sustainable, and unequivocally luxurious.

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Evertise Studios.

Cultural Shifts: The Rising Demand for Personalized and Private Travel Experiences

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Global tourism industry - statistics & facts

What are the leading global tourism destinations, digitalization of the global tourism industry, how important is sustainable tourism, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide 2019-2033

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 1950-2023

Global leisure travel spend 2019-2022

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Current statistics on this topic.

Leading global travel markets by travel and tourism contribution to GDP 2019-2022

Travel and tourism employment worldwide 2019-2033

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Basic Statistic Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide 2019-2033
Basic Statistic Travel and tourism: share of global GDP 2019-2033
Basic Statistic Leading global travel markets by travel and tourism contribution to GDP 2019-2022
Basic Statistic Global leisure travel spend 2019-2022
Premium Statistic Global business travel spending 2001-2022
Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 1950-2023
Basic Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 2005-2023, by region
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Total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) worldwide in 2019 and 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2033 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

Travel and tourism: share of global GDP 2019-2033

Share of travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP worldwide in 2019 and 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2033

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Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 2005-2023, by region

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2005 to 2023, by region (in millions)

Number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide from 2019 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2033 (in millions)

Premium Statistic Global hotel and resort industry market size worldwide 2013-2023
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Basic Statistic Leading hotel companies worldwide 2023, by number of properties
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Premium Statistic Countries with the most hotel construction projects in the pipeline worldwide 2022

Global hotel and resort industry market size worldwide 2013-2023

Market size of the hotel and resort industry worldwide from 2013 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

Most valuable hotel brands worldwide 2023, by brand value

Leading hotel brands based on brand value worldwide in 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Leading hotel companies worldwide 2023, by number of properties

Leading hotel companies worldwide as of June 2023, by number of properties

Hotel openings worldwide 2021-2024

Number of hotels opened worldwide from 2021 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2024

Hotel room openings worldwide 2021-2024

Number of hotel rooms opened worldwide from 2021 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2024

Countries with the most hotel construction projects in the pipeline worldwide 2022

Countries with the highest number of hotel construction projects in the pipeline worldwide as of Q4 2022

Premium Statistic Airports with the most international air passenger traffic worldwide 2022
Premium Statistic Market value of selected airlines worldwide 2023
Premium Statistic Global passenger rail users forecast 2017-2027
Premium Statistic Daily ridership of bus rapid transit systems worldwide by region 2023
Premium Statistic Number of users of car rentals worldwide 2019-2028
Premium Statistic Number of users in selected countries in the Car Rentals market in 2023
Premium Statistic Carbon footprint of international tourism transport worldwide 2005-2030, by type

Airports with the most international air passenger traffic worldwide 2022

Leading airports for international air passenger traffic in 2022 (in million international passengers)

Market value of selected airlines worldwide 2023

Market value of selected airlines worldwide as of May 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Global passenger rail users forecast 2017-2027

Worldwide number of passenger rail users from 2017 to 2022, with a forecast through 2027 (in billion users)

Daily ridership of bus rapid transit systems worldwide by region 2023

Number of daily passengers using bus rapid transit (BRT) systems as of April 2023, by region

Number of users of car rentals worldwide 2019-2028

Number of users of car rentals worldwide from 2019 to 2028 (in millions)

Number of users in selected countries in the Car Rentals market in 2023

Number of users in selected countries in the Car Rentals market in 2023 (in million)

Carbon footprint of international tourism transport worldwide 2005-2030, by type

Transport-related emissions from international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2005 and 2016, with a forecast for 2030, by mode of transport (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)

Attractions

Premium Statistic Leading museums by highest attendance worldwide 2019-2022
Basic Statistic Most visited amusement and theme parks worldwide 2019-2022
Basic Statistic Monuments on the UNESCO world heritage list 2023, by type
Basic Statistic Selected countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide 2023

Leading museums by highest attendance worldwide 2019-2022

Most visited museums worldwide from 2019 to 2022 (in millions)

Most visited amusement and theme parks worldwide 2019-2022

Leading amusement and theme parks worldwide from 2019 to 2022, by attendance (in millions)

Monuments on the UNESCO world heritage list 2023, by type

Number of monuments on the UNESCO world heritage list as of September 2023, by type

Selected countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide 2023

Number of Michelin-starred restaurants in selected countries and territories worldwide as of July 2023

Online travel market

Premium Statistic Online travel market size worldwide 2017-2028
Premium Statistic Estimated desktop vs. mobile revenue of leading OTAs worldwide 2023
Premium Statistic Number of aggregated downloads of leading online travel agency apps worldwide 2023
Basic Statistic Market cap of leading online travel companies worldwide 2023
Premium Statistic Estimated EV/Revenue ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment
Premium Statistic Estimated EV/EBITDA ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment

Online travel market size worldwide 2017-2028

Online travel market size worldwide from 2017 to 2023, with a forecast until 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Estimated desktop vs. mobile revenue of leading OTAs worldwide 2023

Estimated desktop vs. mobile revenue of leading online travel agencies (OTAs) worldwide in 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of aggregated downloads of leading online travel agency apps worldwide 2023

Number of aggregated downloads of selected leading online travel agency apps worldwide in 2023 (in millions)

Market cap of leading online travel companies worldwide 2023

Market cap of leading online travel companies worldwide as of September 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Estimated EV/Revenue ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment

Estimated enterprise value to revenue (EV/Revenue) ratio in the online travel market worldwide as of April 2024, by segment

Estimated EV/EBITDA ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment

Estimated enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio in the online travel market worldwide as of April 2024, by segment

Selected trends

Premium Statistic Global travelers who believe in the importance of green travel 2023
Premium Statistic Sustainable initiatives travelers would adopt worldwide 2022, by region
Premium Statistic Airbnb revenue worldwide 2017-2023
Premium Statistic Airbnb nights and experiences booked worldwide 2017-2023
Premium Statistic Technologies global hotels plan to implement in the next three years 2022
Premium Statistic Hotel technologies global consumers think would improve their future stay 2022

Global travelers who believe in the importance of green travel 2023

Share of travelers that believe sustainable travel is important worldwide in 2023

Sustainable initiatives travelers would adopt worldwide 2022, by region

Main sustainable initiatives travelers are willing to adopt worldwide in 2022, by region

Airbnb revenue worldwide 2017-2023

Revenue of Airbnb worldwide from 2017 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Airbnb nights and experiences booked worldwide 2017-2023

Nights and experiences booked with Airbnb from 2017 to 2023 (in millions)

Technologies global hotels plan to implement in the next three years 2022

Technologies hotels are most likely to implement in the next three years worldwide as of 2022

Hotel technologies global consumers think would improve their future stay 2022

Must-have hotel technologies to create a more amazing stay in the future among travelers worldwide as of 2022

Premium Statistic Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2019-2028, by segment
Premium Statistic Distribution of sales channels in the travel and tourism market worldwide 2018-2028
Premium Statistic Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region
Premium Statistic Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2019-2028, by segment

Revenue of the global travel and tourism market from 2019 to 2028, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of sales channels in the travel and tourism market worldwide 2018-2028

Revenue share of sales channels of the travel and tourism market worldwide from 2018 to 2028

Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide from 2020 to 2022, with a forecast until 2025, by region

Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide from 2020 to 2022, with a forecast until 2025, by region

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Travel Industry: An Overview of One of the Largest Service Industries

Travel Industry

The travel industry encompasses a wide range of services and businesses catering to the needs of travelers, including transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and tourism services. It’s vital for its significant contribution to global economic growth, job creation, and fostering cultural exchange and understanding between different regions and communities.

Key Takeaways

Diverse Sectors: The travel industry encompasses a variety of sectors, including transportation, accommodation, and food and beverage services.
Economic Impact: It plays a significant role in global economic development and job creation.
Technological Advancements: Technological innovations are shaping the future of travel, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
Market Trends and Adaptation: The industry needs to adapt to changing market trends and traveler behaviors.
Global Connectivity and Accessibility : Advances in transportation and technology make global travel more accessible, connecting diverse cultures.

Table of Contents:

What is the Travel Industry?

The Difference Between the Travel Industry and the Tourism Industry

Transportation
Accommodation
Food and Beverage
Entertainment
Connected Industries
The Latest Travel Trends
Technology Trends in the Travel Industry
The Latest Travel Marketing Tips

Revenue Management and Its Importance For the Travel Industry

Boost bookings by connecting with a travel agency, the best job boards for roles in the travel industry, tips to find a career in the travel industry, what you need to know about tourism management, google travel insights: tools and insights for the travel industry.

Other Related Industries

Introduction

The travel industry is one of the largest service industries in the world, an increasingly important one in the modern age. It is centered on the movement of people from one location to another and the services they require along the way. It is closely linked to the hospitality and hotel industries, among others. In this article, you will learn more about what the travel industry is and the various sectors contained within it.

What Is the Travel Industry?

In simple terms, the travel industry provides services related to travel from one location to another. This includes services directly related to the travel itself, such as transportation, but also includes services related to catering to travelers’ needs and wants after arriving at their destination.

It is often associated with the tourism industry, and, as you will learn later in this article, there is a significant cross-over between the two, especially in terms of the businesses that fall under their respective umbrellas.

According to the Travel & Tourism – Worldwide Report by Statista, the combined travel & tourism market is projected to grow to a market volume of $1,063 billion by 2028, but while the travel and tourism industries are interlinked, it is important to understand that the two have some notable differences. Essentially, the tourism industry relates to the industry centered on tourism, which is the specific act of traveling to a different location, either for business or pleasure.

By contrast, the travel industry is related to a person’s travel from one place to another and the various services they use in that process. In some ways, this means that the travel industry is slightly broader than the tourism industry because it covers many travel purposes and includes trips to non-tourist destinations.

Table: Difference Between the Tourism and Travel Industry

What sectors and company types operate within the travel industry.

The travel industry encompasses multiple sectors. Read about the key players below.

1) Transportation

When they think of the travel industry, many immediately think about transportation and the companies offering transport services. In reality, this is only one sector of the travel industry. Still, it is perhaps the most important, as it centers around facilitating travel from one location to another. Included within this are road, rail, air, and water transportation services, as outlined below:

Airline Industry

The airline industry provides various forms of air travel, including commercial and chartered flights. These flights can be overseas or domestic and cater for relatively short distances, right through to trips to the other side of the world. Different airlines tend to serve specific regions and airports.

Car rental plays a key role in the travel industry, providing temporary access to cars and other similar vehicles. For travelers, the main benefit is the freedom provided via access to a car, as it means the process of getting around is not reliant on scheduled public transport services.

Water Transport

Water transport moves people across the water, including rivers, lakes, canals, and oceans. Examples of some of the forms of transport that are included within this category are ocean liners and ferries. Cruises are also included in this, as cruises have a set path, and travel is a fundamental part of the experience.

Coach Services

In many cases, travelers use coach services to travel to their chosen location, which is often more cost-effective than the main alternatives. Coaches also facilitate day trips, while local bus services provide a means for getting around once travelers have arrived at their destination.

Railways are one of the main ways that people travel domestically, while many rail services also facilitate long-distance international travel. Moreover, underground or subway-style train services tend to provide a convenient way for travelers to get around large cities once they have arrived.

Finally, one of the emerging sub-sections of the transport category of the travel industry relates to spacecraft and commercial space flight. Virgin Galactic is the most well-known example here, with the company aiming to provide space tourism services shortly, allowing customers to travel to outer space.

2) Accommodation

Another vital sector within the travel industry is the accommodation sector. After all, most long-distance travelers will require somewhere to stay overnight. That said, people’s accommodation requirements can vary quite significantly, depending on the length of their stay, the purpose of their journey, the budget they are operating on, the experience they wish to gain, and their personal preferences. According to the Hotel And Other Travel Accommodation Global Market Opportunities And Strategies by Research and Markets, the global hotel and accommodation market is projected to reach $1,453.44 billion by 2031.

The hotel and travel industries are closely linked, with hotels being the most popular accommodation for those traveling to a different location and staying overnight. Hotels are establishments that provide access to beds within private rooms. These rooms usually have en suite bathrooms and additional facilities.

Shared Accommodation

Thanks to the success of services like Airbnb, shared accommodation has emerged as an increasingly popular option for travelers. Through these platforms, guests can find homestay offerings. This may mean having access to a private room in an occupied house or having access to a room shared with other guests.

A form of sociable accommodation, hostels provide dorm rooms with multiple beds, and guests effectively pay for a bed rather than a private room. There is a wide range of hostel types, with either mixed or same-sex dormitories, and guests will typically share kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces.

Considered a form of outdoor accommodation, camping involves staying overnight in basic shelters, such as a tent. Travelers may spend their time in a commercial campsite, which usually provides additional amenities, or camp in publicly accessible conservation areas, such as national parks.

Bed and Breakfast

A bed and breakfast is similar to a hotel in that guests have a private room for overnight stays. However, B&Bs tend to be converted family homes, often with the owners still living there. As the name suggests, breakfast is provided, while a B&B usually has a few rooms.

Motels form an important part of the travel industry. The word itself means ‘motor hotel’ , and these properties primarily cater to motorists. They are usually situated along popular routes, will provide on-site parking, and will offer individual rooms for guests, but additional facilities are more limited than with hotels.

Boutique Hotels

A boutique hotel is a design-driven hotel with unique qualities. These hotels will often be extremely trendy and may have a specific theme. Moreover, they are often located within urban areas and will have a relatively small number of rooms. They will often be independent hotels rather than part of wider travel industry chains.

Aside from being classed as a form of transportation, cruises are also a type of accommodation. After all, guests on cruises will spend most of their time on the ship and will usually be allocated a cabin aboard the ship, where they can relax and sleep.

Farmhouse Accommodation and Agri-Tourism

Agri-tourism is a niche industry which is becoming increasingly popular, with people wishing to get away from their usual environment, spend time on a farm, see the day-to-day activities and perhaps even take part themselves. Farmhouse accommodation facilitates this and often resembles a bed and breakfast setup.

Video: What Is Agritourism?

Time-Share Accommodation

Time-share accommodation refers to a property shared between multiple owners, such as a condo or a holiday home. Ownership rights are split evenly, and usage rights are allocated to each owner for a specific period, meaning every owner gets their time to use the property.

3) Food and Beverage

The food and beverage sector primarily caters to travelers’ basic needs by providing food and drink services. However, it is essential to understand that businesses and services in this category go beyond this primary purpose. Indeed, a huge part of the food and beverage sector is also based on providing travelers with places to relax, enjoy themselves, and/or socialize.

Restaurants

For most people, restaurants are the most immediately obvious category within the food and beverages sector. Restaurants exist to allow people to enjoy meals that are prepared for them. There is a wide range of restaurant types, from fast-food chains to luxury or family restaurants, all catering to different needs and tastes.

Catering refers to providing food and drinks in locations that are more remote or self-contained, with examples of this including entertainment venues, tourist attractions and parks. In addition, catering services are provided on many forms of transport, including airplanes, trains, and ferries.

Fast Food Restaurants

Fast food restaurants serve a key role within the travel industry, providing quick and convenient food. Most fast-food restaurants will offer both dine-in and takeaway services, and many will also offer drive-through service. Fast food is usually much more affordable than the food offered by restaurants.

A nightclub is an entertainment venue that operates until late at night and emphasizes music and alcohol consumption. Common features include a bar, a stage for live performances, and a dance floor. Nightclubs may put on themed club nights or cater to specific music genres.

Bars & Cafés

For travelers, bars and cafés provide a means to enjoy food and drink more casually than restaurants and nightclubs. Cafés tend to focus on hot drinks and light snacks, while bars generally focus on alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. These premises also offer a way for travelers to meet new people.

4) Entertainment

The entertainment sector plays an interesting and complex role in the travel industry. After all, entertainment sites can sometimes be the biggest factor attracting travelers to a particular part of the world. On the other hand, businesses in this category can also play a smaller, more supplementary role, helping to keep travelers entertained during their trip, even if entertainment was not the intended purpose of their trip.

Casinos provide gambling activities, including card games, dice games, and other luck or skill-based games. In many cases, casinos also offer additional entertainment, and they are sometimes connected to hotels or resorts, especially in locations like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.

Tourist Information

Tourist information services provide travelers with information about tourist sites and activities they can engage in. There are offline and online services, with examples of offline tourist information, including tourist information offices and tourism literature, while online sources consist of informational websites.

Shopping is another crucial part of the travel industry, catering to basic needs and travelers’ desires for luxury items or consumer products. This category includes supermarkets, shopping centers, and local markets, while duty-free goods are sold at airports and other locations.

Tourist Guides & Tours

Tourists can assist travelers with sightseeing and other tour-related activities through organized tours. Aside from handling the logistical aspect of planning routes, tourist guides can also educate travelers by providing them with important information, insights, and facts.

Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are major tourist attractions and play an important part in the wider travel industry by helping to convince travelers to visit a specific destination. An amusement park will contain games, rides, performances, and other entertainment options. Theme parks are amusement parks with a specific theme, such as Walt Disney World.

5) Connected Industries

Finally, a range of industries or sub-sectors are broadly linked to the travel industry. These related industries may offer products or services to travelers before they depart on their travels or may operate to try to promote or improve the travel industry itself. They include both online and offline services, with some of the most significant related industries outlined in more detail below:

Financial Services

Several financial service providers fall within the travel industry umbrella. Perhaps the most obvious examples that would come under this definition are travel insurance, trip protection insurance, travel medical plans, and services related to currency conversion.

Travel Agents

Put simply, travel agents are retailers that provide travel and tourism products and serve as intermediaries for travelers and suppliers. They may, for example, offer flights, hotel stays, airport transfers, travel insurance, and tourism activities, often as a package. Travel agents usually receive a commission and may also offer advice.

Tour Operators

A tour operator typically provides travelers with package holiday products, which combine travel and tour components. This might mean providing: travel to a destination, overnight accommodation, hotel transfers, and the services of a tour rep. It may also include a pre-planned itinerary or a variety of organized activities.

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Online travel agencies, or OTAs, provide similar services to traditional travel agents, albeit through a website or web app. However, one of the key differences between OTAs and classic travel agents is the emphasis that OTAs place on self-service, with the website or app connecting users with the travel products they are looking for.

Video: Online Travel Agents Explained

Tourism Organizations

Tourism organizations are organizations that are actively involved in promoting the tourism industry and its interests. It includes organizations that regulate or influence national and local tourism policies, including tourist boards, tourism-related charities, and tourism inspection agencies.

Educational

Last but not least, the educational sub-section is one of the fastest-growing components of the travel industry. Many travel to business conferences, exhibitions, training sessions, or academic institutions. Businesses in this sub-section provide these services and cater to travelers’ needs.

Travel Trends: Opportunities for the Travel Industry

Change and evolution are more fast-paced than ever, with shifting demographics, fast-changing consumer behavior, and developing technology creating brand-new travel trends. Businesses operating in the travel industry that identify and take advantage of key travel trends will be uniquely positioned to thrive in this dynamic environment. In the article “ Travel Trends: Opportunities for the Travel Industry ” , we piled up the latest travel trends for you.

The Latest Technology Trends Used in the Travel Industry

For businesses in the travel industry, as well as their customers, technology plays a vital role. It can increase business operations’ efficiency and improve the customer experience. Companies operating within the travel industry must keep up-to-date with emerging travel technology trends to avoid falling behind competitors. The article “ Key Technology Trends Emerging in the Travel Industry ” describes more information and examples of innovative technology trends.

The Latest Travel Industry Marketing Tips

Travel marketing is one of the most important ways for those in the travel industry to stand out from rivals, engage customers, generate brand awareness, and offer incentives to customers. In the article “Travel Marketing: The Latest Marketing Tips to Boost Your Results!” you will find examples of some of the most up-to-date travel marketing strategies that companies operating within the travel industry should be aware of. By deploying these strategies effectively, you should be able to boost your overall business results.

In the travel industry, revenue management analyzes consumer behavior to optimize product availability and increase profits. The main objective of the revenue management strategy is to sell the right product or service to the right clients for the right price. This can only be done by understanding the customers’ perception of your service or product before being able to adjust the prices accurately. Business owners and managers within the travel industry should read the article, ‘Revenue Management; clearly explained!’ to better understand this topic.

Travel agencies can be key distribution partners for companies of all kinds in the travel industry, as they can help you generate bookings that you would otherwise have missed out on. With that being said, different travel agencies appeal to different markets, and not every travel agency will necessarily be able to reach your target demographics.

Read “Boost Bookings By Connecting With a Travel Agency,” and you can learn more about how travel agencies can assist you with demand while also gaining access to a list of some of the most valuable agencies to work with.

The travel industry offers many job opportunities, but finding and applying for travel jobs requires you to use the right channels. Specialist job boards are one of the most effective options because they allow you to search for travel jobs easily and apply online, all from a single location.

Check out “Travel Jobs: The Best Travel Industry Job Boards for Your Career” for a breakdown of some of the most popular job boards focused on the travel industry.

The travel industry has a lot to offer employees, partly due to its diversity, which is one of the reasons so many people are interested in pursuing travel careers. Of course, to land a job in the industry, you will potentially need to beat others to the post, which means getting your application spot on.

Check out the “Travel Careers: Tips to Find a Career in the Travel Industry” article, where you can read our nine tips for improving your CV, job interview technique, networking and long-term career prospects.

A travel or tourism management degree is the perfect gateway to a world of limitless career options. Just think of all the valuable skills you can gain in the process. If you have a passion for traveling, good organizational skills, and love working with people, then this job is for you.

To work as a successful tourist manager, you must first learn about the relevant qualifications and the types of jobs offered in this industry, as explained in this article, ‘Tourism Management: All You Need to Know About Tourism’ .

Many businesses in the travel industry are hugely reliant on data and need to be able to track industry trends, which is why the launch of Google Travel Insights was widely welcomed. The tool provides insights into the past and current demand for travel, along with various other tools, allowing companies to adopt a more strategic approach.

Read the “Google Travel Insights: Tools & Data Trends for The Travel Industry” article for information about Google Travel Insights, the three core components, and what they each have to offer those in the travel industry.

Travel Industry FAQs

What is part of the travel industry.

The travel industry includes sectors such as transportation (airlines, cruises, railways), accommodation (hotels, resorts), food and beverage, entertainment, and travel agencies, covering leisure, business, and other travel purposes.

Is travel the largest industry in the world?

Travel is one of the largest industries globally, significant for its economic impact and employment generation. However, it competes with industries like healthcare and technology in size.

What are the 5 components of the travel and tourism industry?

The five components of the travel and tourism industry are: transportation services, accommodation services, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, and travel services (like travel agencies and tour operators).

What is a travel service?

A travel service is any service that facilitates travel, including booking and reservation services for transportation and lodging, guided tours, travel insurance, and planning and consultation services for leisure and business travellers.

What is the largest travel company?

The largest travel company is often considered Booking Holdings (owner of Booking.com, Priceline.com, Kayak.com, and others), known for its extensive range of services and global market presence in online travel bookings.

Ultimately, the travel industry is focused on providing customers with the various services they need when travelling from one part of the world to another. It is similar to the tourism industry but has a slightly broader definition, as it includes services related to travel for purposes other than tourism.

Want to Learn More About Related Industries?

The hospitality industry is part of the travel industry, and the hotel industry is part of the hospitality industry. All these industries have in common is that they are large service industries worldwide and are increasingly important in the modern age. But what is the difference between the hotel industry and the hospitality industry? And what are all hospitality sectors within the hospitality industry? In the following articles, you learn more about related industries.

Hotel Industry; An Overview of All Different Types of Accommodations
Hospitality Industry; Everything You Need to Know About Hospitality
Tourism Industry; Everything You Need to Know About Tourism
What is the Difference Between the Travel and Tourism Industry?
Airline Industry: All You Need to Know About The Airline Sector
Aviation Industry: Everything You Need to Know About the Aviation Sector
Everything You Need to Know About the Cruise Industry
Space Tourism: Space Companies That Will Make You An Astronaut
Restaurant Industry: Overview, Types, Examples and More

More Tips to Grow Your Business

This article is written by:.

Martijn Barten

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One comment.

Great article about the travel industry. Very informative, thank you!

20 Travel Consultant Interview Questions and Answers

Common Travel Consultant interview questions, how to answer them, and sample answers from a certified career coach.

You’ve finally been invited for an interview as a travel consultant – congratulations! This is your chance to show the hiring manager why you’re the perfect fit for the role. But first, you need to prepare yourself for the questions they might ask.

We’ve compiled some of the most common travel consultant interview questions and answers here to help you get ready. Take the time to go through them, so that on the day of the interview, you can answer confidently and be one step closer to landing your dream job.

What experience do you have in the travel industry?
Describe your approach to customer service when dealing with clients who are planning a trip.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the travel industry?
Explain how you would handle a client who is unhappy with their travel arrangements.
Are you familiar with different types of visas and passport requirements for international travel?
Tell me about a time when you had to negotiate a better deal for a client.
What strategies do you use to ensure that all of a client’s needs are met during their trip?
How do you handle last minute changes or cancellations from clients?
What methods do you use to research destinations and find the best deals for clients?
Do you have any experience working with corporate travel accounts?
Describe your process for creating detailed itineraries for clients.
What steps do you take to make sure that all of a client’s documents (e.g. passports, tickets, etc.) are in order before they leave?
How do you handle difficult questions from clients regarding safety concerns at certain destinations?
What strategies do you use to keep track of multiple bookings and reservations?
Have you ever encountered a situation where a client was not satisfied with their travel experience? If so, what did you do to resolve the issue?
What techniques do you use to build relationships with suppliers and vendors?
How do you handle complaints from customers about airline delays or other issues outside of your control?
What do you think sets you apart from other travel consultants?
What challenges have you faced while working as a travel consultant?
What do you enjoy most about being a travel consultant?

1. What experience do you have in the travel industry?

Interviewers want to know that you have the knowledge and experience to do the job. This question will allow them to understand what kind of background you have in the travel industry, such as your familiarity with different destinations, airline regulations, and booking systems. It will also help them get a sense of how you handle customer service and handle inquiries from travelers.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should provide specific examples of your experience in the travel industry. You could talk about any relevant courses or certifications that you have obtained, as well as any past work experience that has given you an understanding of how the industry works. If you don’t have a lot of experience in the travel industry, focus on other skills and experiences that are transferable to the role such as customer service, problem solving, and attention to detail.

Example: “I have three years of experience working as a travel consultant for XYZ Travel Agency. During this time, I gained extensive knowledge about different destinations around the world and became familiar with booking systems such as Sabre and Apollo. In addition to helping customers plan their trips, I was responsible for handling customer inquiries and resolving any issues that arose during the process. I also completed several courses in the travel industry which gave me an understanding of airline regulations and visa requirements. My past experiences have given me the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.”

2. Describe your approach to customer service when dealing with clients who are planning a trip.

This question helps the interviewer understand how you approach customer service, since a travel consultant’s job is to provide a high level of service to customers who are planning a trip. They want to know how you handle difficult requests, how you ensure customer satisfaction, and how you take into consideration their budget, needs, and wants.

Start by talking about the importance of listening to customers and understanding their needs. Explain that you take the time to get to know them and what they’re looking for in a trip, so you can provide them with the best service possible. Talk about how you prioritize customer satisfaction, while also being mindful of their budget and timelines. Lastly, mention any additional services or resources you offer clients to make sure they have an enjoyable experience.

Example: “I make it a point to stay up-to-date on the latest travel trends and industry news. I read travel magazines, follow key influencers in the field, and attend conferences and trade shows whenever possible. I also hold certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). My approach to customer service is to provide my clients with as much information as they need to make informed decisions about their trips. I like to ask questions that will help me understand what type of experience they’re looking for, then use my knowledge and resources to create an itinerary that meets their needs. I always strive to exceed expectations and ensure my clients have the best possible trip.”

3. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the travel industry?

Travel consultants are expected to be knowledgeable about the industry they serve and the destinations they recommend. The interviewer is likely looking for evidence that you stay informed and can make sound recommendations based on the latest trends. Showing that you know what’s happening in the world of travel—from new routes to new services to new regulations—will be a key factor in your success as a travel consultant.

To answer this question, you should demonstrate that you’re actively staying on top of the industry. You can talk about how you read travel-related magazines and websites, attend conferences or trade shows, watch relevant videos online, or follow influencers in the field. It’s also a good idea to mention any certifications you have in the travel industry. Finally, don’t forget to emphasize your interest in learning more—travel consultants are lifelong learners!

Example: “I stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the travel industry by reading a variety of online sources, attending trade shows and conferences, watching relevant videos on YouTube, and following influencers in the field. I also have an International Air Transport Association certification to help me better understand the complexities of international flights. My passion for learning means that I’m always looking for new ways to stay informed and ensure my clients are getting the best possible advice.”

4. Explain how you would handle a client who is unhappy with their travel arrangements.

Travel consultants are responsible for managing their clients’ expectations and providing the best possible customer service. This question allows the interviewer to evaluate how well you can handle a stressful situation and how you might go about resolving a difficult problem. It also shows that you are capable of maintaining a professional attitude and that you are willing to go the extra mile to ensure your clients are satisfied.

Show the interviewer that you take customer service seriously and would do whatever it takes to make sure your client is happy. Explain that you would start by listening to their concerns and understanding why they are unhappy with their travel arrangements. You can then explain what steps you would take to resolve the issue—such as offering a refund or finding an alternate solution. Finally, emphasize that you would strive to ensure the client leaves feeling satisfied and reassured.

Example: “I understand how important it is to provide excellent customer service and I take great pride in ensuring that my clients are always satisfied. If a client were unhappy with their travel arrangements, I would start by listening carefully to their concerns and understanding why they are not satisfied. After that, I would work hard to find an appropriate solution—such as offering them a refund or finding alternative arrangements. Above all else, I would strive to ensure that the client leaves feeling reassured and satisfied. In my experience, this approach has been successful in resolving most issues.”

5. Are you familiar with different types of visas and passport requirements for international travel?

To be a successful travel consultant, you need to be able to identify the visa and passport requirements for international travel and ensure that travelers have the necessary documents when they set off. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your familiarity with the different types of visas and passport requirements for international travel.

To answer this question, you should explain the types of visas and passport requirements that you are familiar with. Be sure to mention any specific countries or regions that you have experience with when it comes to visa and passport requirements. If you don’t have direct experience, talk about how you would go about researching the necessary documents for a particular country or region. Lastly, emphasize your willingness to learn more about visa and passport requirements if needed.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the visa and passport requirements for international travel. In my current position as a travel consultant, I have extensive experience researching the visa and passport requirements for various countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. I also keep up to date on any changes or updates that may occur regarding visa and passport regulations. If needed, I am more than willing to research additional visa and passport requirements for other countries or regions.”

6. Tell me about a time when you had to negotiate a better deal for a client.

Travel consultants must be familiar with the industry and its competitive landscape in order to get the best deals for their clients. This question gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and your ability to negotiate on behalf of your clients. Interviewers will want to know what strategies you used to get the best deal and how those strategies worked out for your client.

To answer this question, you should provide a specific example of when you negotiated a better deal for a client. Your answer should include details such as what strategies you used, how the negotiation went, and the outcome of the negotiation. Be sure to emphasize any cost savings or other benefits that your client received from the negotiation. You can also discuss any lessons that you learned from the experience and how it has helped you in future negotiations.

Example: “I recently negotiated a better deal for one of my corporate clients who was looking to book flights for a large group. I used my knowledge of the industry and current trends to negotiate with multiple airlines in order to get the best possible rates. After some back-and-forth negotiation, I was able to secure a discounted rate that saved the client over $2,000. The client was very pleased with the outcome and it was a great reminder of why I love working as a travel consultant.”

7. What strategies do you use to ensure that all of a client’s needs are met during their trip?

Your job as a travel consultant is to make sure your clients have the best possible experience while they’re away. That means anticipating their needs and being prepared to address them. The interviewer will want to know that you’re capable of taking the initiative and proactively helping your clients before they even have to ask for it.

Start by explaining that you take the time to get to know your clients and their needs. Talk about how you ask questions, listen carefully and make sure you have all of the necessary information before they travel. Then explain the different strategies you use to ensure their trip goes smoothly. This could include researching destinations in advance, staying up-to-date on local events, making restaurant reservations for them or providing emergency contact information. Finally, emphasize that you’re always available to help with any last minute changes or problems that may arise during their travels.

Example: “I believe that the key to providing a great travel experience is getting to know my clients and their needs. I take the time to ask questions, listen carefully and make sure I have all of the necessary information before they go on their trip. To ensure that all of their needs are met during their travels, I stay up-to-date on local events, research destinations in advance and make restaurant reservations for them when needed. I also provide emergency contact information so that if any problems arise during their travels, they can reach out to me 24/7. My goal is always to make sure that my clients’ trips run as smoothly as possible.”

8. How do you handle last minute changes or cancellations from clients?

Travel consultants must be able to handle unexpected changes, cancellations, and other issues that could arise while helping customers plan their trips. This question lets the interviewer know that you have the ability to stay organized, think on your feet, and problem-solve in a timely manner when working with clients. It also shows that you’re a good listener and understand how to reconcile any issues that may come up.

To answer this question, explain how you would handle a last minute change or cancellation from a client. Be sure to highlight your ability to stay organized and think on your feet while problem-solving in a timely manner. You can also discuss any strategies that have worked for you in the past when dealing with these types of issues. Additionally, mention any customer service training you may have received, such as conflict resolution or communication skills.

Example: “I always strive to provide the best customer service possible, so when a client needs to make a last minute change or cancel their trip, I make sure to do my best to accommodate them. I’m extremely organized and can quickly assess the situation to determine the best course of action. I’m also a good listener and understand how to reconcile any issues that may come up. In the past, I’ve found that being flexible and understanding of the client’s needs is often the best way to proceed. I also have training in conflict resolution and communication, which has helped me to be successful in these types of situations.”

9. What methods do you use to research destinations and find the best deals for clients?

Travel consultants need to be able to quickly research a variety of destinations and find the best options for their clients. They need to be able to compare prices, find the best dates to travel, and understand the various types of packages and offers available. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your research and problem-solving skills, as well as your knowledge of the industry.

Talk about the various methods you use to research destinations and find deals for clients. This could include using online travel booking sites, comparison websites, industry publications, or even personal contacts in the travel industry. You should also discuss how you stay up-to-date on industry trends and offers, such as subscribing to newsletters or following social media accounts related to travel. Finally, mention any specialized software or tools that you use to make your job easier.

Example: “I use a variety of methods to research destinations and find the best deals for my clients. I’m always checking online travel booking sites, comparison websites, and industry publications to find the best deals. I also have contacts in the travel industry who can provide valuable insight and up-to-date offers. Additionally, I use specialized software to track prices and stay up-to-date on industry trends. My goal is always to find the best possible deal for my clients while ensuring that their experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.”

10. Do you have any experience working with corporate travel accounts?

Corporate travel accounts require a certain level of expertise and knowledge to manage. By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine whether or not you have the necessary skills and experience to successfully manage corporate travel accounts. They want to make sure that you understand the different needs and preferences of corporate travelers and can provide them with the best possible service.

If you have experience working with corporate travel accounts, be sure to highlight this in your answer. Talk about the different types of corporate travelers you’ve worked with and how you were able to meet their needs and preferences. If you don’t have any experience with corporate travel accounts, focus on other experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide excellent customer service. You can also explain why you believe you would make a great corporate travel consultant and what steps you would take to ensure success.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience working with corporate travel accounts. I have worked with a variety of corporate travelers, ranging from executives to business professionals, and I have been successful in providing them with the highest level of service. I understand the needs and preferences of corporate travelers and I have the knowledge and experience to ensure that all of their travel needs are met. I am also very familiar with the latest technology and systems used for corporate travel bookings, and I am confident that I can provide an excellent service to corporate travelers.”

11. Describe your process for creating detailed itineraries for clients.

The travel consultant role is all about putting together a plan and making sure everything is accounted for. An interviewer wants to know that you understand the complexity of the job and have a process in place to ensure you don’t miss anything. They also want to know that you’re organized and can handle the variety of tasks that come with the job.

Start by describing the research you do to get a sense of the client’s needs. Then, explain how you create an itinerary that works for them and their budget. Describe your process for finding flights, hotels, tours, activities, and transportation options. Talk about how you make sure everything is in order before presenting it to the client. Lastly, mention any software or tools you use to help streamline the process.

Example: “I start by meeting with the client to discuss their ideal trip and budget. Then, I do research on destinations and activities to get a sense of what’s available and what the client might be interested in. I use a mix of online research and personal recommendations to create a list of potential destinations and activities for the client. I then use flight, hotel, and tour websites to find the best deals and compare prices. I also check for any discounts or promotions that might be available. Once I’ve found the best options, I create an itinerary and make sure to include transportation, meals, and any other details that the client might need. I use a spreadsheet to keep track of all the information, and I review it multiple times before presenting it to the client.”

12. What steps do you take to make sure that all of a client’s documents (e.g. passports, tickets, etc.) are in order before they leave?

This question is designed to help the interviewer understand your attention to detail and your organizational skills. Travel consultants need to be able to keep track of all the different documents and information for each client, and make sure that everything is in order before the client leaves. The interviewer is looking for an answer that shows that you are organized and detail-oriented.

You should explain the steps you take to make sure a client’s documents are in order before they leave. You could mention that you double-check all of their documents and make sure that everything is up-to-date, such as passport expiration dates or visa requirements. You might also discuss how you keep track of all the different documents for each client, such as using a spreadsheet or other organizational system. Finally, you could talk about how you communicate with clients during this process, such as sending reminders or providing updates on any changes.

Example: “I understand the importance of making sure all of a client’s documents are in order before they leave. To ensure this, I double-check all documents and make sure that everything is up-to-date, like passport expiration dates and visa requirements. I also use a spreadsheet to keep track of all the documents for each client, so I have a central place to refer to if I need to. Finally, I keep in regular communication with clients throughout this process, sending reminders and providing updates on any changes.”

13. How do you handle difficult questions from clients regarding safety concerns at certain destinations?

It’s important for a travel consultant to be able to answer questions from clients about safety. With many destinations becoming more accessible, clients may have questions about the safety of certain areas, and it’s important that travel consultants are able to provide accurate information and advice. This will show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and can handle any delicate questions.

Start by talking about the research you do to stay up-to-date on safety information for different destinations. Mention that you use reliable sources such as government websites and travel advisories to inform your answers. You can also talk about how you prioritize customer service, so if a client has a question or concern, you take the time to answer it thoroughly and professionally. Finally, emphasize that you always advise clients to follow the rules and regulations of their destination country, and if they have any questions or concerns, they should contact you before making a decision.

Example: “I always make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest safety information for different destinations. I use reliable sources such as government websites and travel advisories to inform my answers. I also prioritize customer service, so if a client has a question or concern, I take the time to answer it thoroughly and professionally. I always advise clients to follow the rules and regulations of their destination country, and if they have any questions or concerns, they should contact me before making a decision.”

14. What strategies do you use to keep track of multiple bookings and reservations?

Working in travel requires a lot of coordination and attention to detail. Keeping track of multiple bookings and reservations is a key part of the job, and if you don’t have strong organizational skills, it can be difficult to stay on top of it all. This question allows the interviewer to assess your organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at once.

Talk about the strategies you use to stay organized and keep track of bookings. For example, do you use a calendar system or software to manage your bookings? Do you have a system for labeling reservations so you can easily identify them? Are there other tools that you use to make sure everything is on track? Show the interviewer that you’re capable of juggling multiple tasks at once and staying organized in the process.

Example: “I use a combination of tools to stay organized and make sure all my bookings and reservations are in order. I use a calendar system to keep track of upcoming bookings and I label each reservation so I can easily identify it. I also use a customer relationship management system to store client information and keep track of all my bookings. I’m very organized and have a system in place to ensure that I’m always on top of my bookings and reservations.”

15. Have you ever encountered a situation where a client was not satisfied with their travel experience? If so, what did you do to resolve the issue?

Being a travel consultant is all about customer service and problem-solving. It’s inevitable that you’ll come across a client who isn’t satisfied with their travel experience, and it’s important to know that you’re prepared to handle such a situation and work towards a resolution. This question is designed to assess your ability to think on your feet and make decisions that will benefit both you and the client.

Start by describing the situation and how you identified that the client was not satisfied. Then, explain what steps you took to address the issue. This could include apologizing for any inconvenience caused, offering a refund or compensation, or providing alternative solutions. Finally, emphasize how your actions resulted in a positive outcome and how this experience has helped you become better at resolving customer issues moving forward.

Example: “I had a client who was not satisfied with their travel experience because their flight was delayed. I immediately apologized for the inconvenience and took responsibility for the situation. I offered them a full refund, as well as an additional $50 compensation for the inconvenience. I also provided them with alternative flight options and helped them book a new flight. My actions resulted in a positive outcome for the client, and I learned from this experience that I need to be proactive in anticipating customer needs and be prepared to provide solutions quickly.”

16. What techniques do you use to build relationships with suppliers and vendors?

As a travel consultant, you’ll be expected to be the primary point of contact for the company’s clients. To do this, you need to be able to build relationships with suppliers and vendors so you can get them the best deals for their clients. Being able to build relationships with suppliers and vendors is essential for a successful travel consultant. An interviewer will want to know how you go about building these relationships and how you leverage them to get the best deals for your clients.

To answer this question, you should talk about your experience in building relationships with suppliers and vendors. Talk about the techniques you use to build trust, such as being reliable and responsive, as well as how you go about negotiating for better deals. You can also mention any special skills or knowledge that you have that allow you to get the best deals for clients. Additionally, if there are any specific examples you can provide of successful negotiations you’ve had with suppliers and vendors, be sure to include those in your answer.

Example: “I have extensive experience in building relationships with suppliers and vendors in the travel industry. My approach is to be reliable, responsive, and knowledgeable. I always make sure to do my homework and have a clear understanding of what my clients’ needs are so that I can negotiate for the best deals for them. Additionally, I have a good understanding of the travel industry, which allows me to leverage my knowledge to get the best deals for my clients. I’ve had success in negotiating deals that have saved my clients thousands of dollars.”

17. How do you handle complaints from customers about airline delays or other issues outside of your control?

Travel consultants need to be able to think on their feet and handle customer issues in a professional and efficient manner. This question is a great way to see if the candidate has the ability to come up with creative solutions to customer complaints, as well as the interpersonal skills to maintain a positive relationship with customers during difficult times.

For this question, you want to show that you understand the customer’s frustration but also demonstrate your ability to problem-solve. Talk about how you would listen carefully to what the customer is saying and try to empathize with their situation. Explain how you would then work to find a solution such as finding alternative flights or offering discounts on future trips. You can also talk about how you would stay in contact with the customer throughout the process to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.

Example: “I understand that flight delays or other issues can be incredibly frustrating, so I always take the time to listen to the customer and really understand their concerns. I then work to find a solution that meets their needs while also staying within the policies and procedures of the company. I remain in contact with the customer throughout the process to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome, and I always make sure to thank them for their patience and understanding. I’m confident that my ability to problem-solve and maintain positive customer relationships will be an asset to your team.”

18. What do you think sets you apart from other travel consultants?

This question is a great way to find out what makes you unique and how you stand out from all the other candidates they might be considering. The interviewer is looking to understand your individual strengths and how they can be used to benefit the company. They might also be looking to see what kind of unique perspectives or knowledge you have that could be beneficial to the team.

Before the interview, make sure to do your research about the company and the position. Think of ways that you can use your unique skillset or experiences to stand out from other applicants. For example, if you have experience with a specific type of travel, such as adventure travel or luxury travel, be sure to highlight this in your answer. You should also explain how you think your knowledge and expertise could help the company achieve its goals. Finally, focus on your ability to provide excellent customer service, since this is an essential part of any travel consultant’s job.

Example: “I believe that my experience in the travel industry, combined with my passion for travel and customer service, sets me apart from other travel consultants. I have a deep understanding of the complexities of travel planning and the importance of providing excellent customer service. I have extensive knowledge of both domestic and international destinations, as well as experience in planning adventure and luxury travel. I’m confident that my expertise and enthusiasm would be an asset to your team and help you achieve your goals.”

19. What challenges have you faced while working as a travel consultant?

It takes a lot of skill and attention to detail to be a successful travel consultant. It’s important to your potential employer that you’re able to recognize and handle the many challenges that come with booking travel for customers. From dealing with customer complaints to managing complex itineraries, this question will help the interviewer understand what challenges you’ve faced in the past and how you’ve dealt with them.

Think about a time when you faced a challenge while working as a travel consultant. Explain the situation and how you overcame it. Be sure to focus on what you did and not just the outcome. For example, if you had an unhappy customer, explain how you handled the situation by listening to their concerns, providing solutions, and following up with them after the trip. This will show that you have the problem-solving skills necessary for the job.

Example: “I once had a customer who was extremely unhappy with the flight they had booked through me. They had a tight timeline and the flight they had chosen ended up being delayed by several hours. I immediately worked to find them a new flight option that would get them to their destination on time. I was able to find a flight that fit their budget and timeline and I stayed on the phone with them until they had boarded the plane. I followed up with them after the trip to ensure that their experience had been satisfactory. My experience with this customer showed me the importance of being flexible and responsive when customers encounter unexpected problems.”

20. What do you enjoy most about being a travel consultant?

Travel consultants have the unique opportunity to help people plan their dream trips and make lifelong memories. Interviewers want to know that you take joy in what you do and that you’re passionate about the job. They want to know that you are excited about helping customers plan their trips and that you understand the importance of customer service.

Your answer should focus on the customer service aspect of the job, as well as your own passion for travel and exploration. Talk about how you enjoy helping customers plan their trips and seeing them off to make those special memories. You can also talk about how much you love researching different places and learning about new cultures, and how it’s rewarding to be able to share that knowledge with others. Finally, emphasize how important it is to provide excellent customer service, so that customers have a great experience from start to finish.

Example: “I absolutely love being a travel consultant! I take great joy in helping people plan their dream trips and making sure they have the best experience possible. I love the research aspect of the job and learning about different cultures and places. I also enjoy the customer service aspect of the job, making sure that customers have all the information they need and that their experience is stress-free. I’m passionate about travel and helping people make memories that will last a lifetime.”

20 Claims Associate Interview Questions and Answers

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Windstar Celebrates Travel Advisors in May with Giveaways and Bonus

April 30, 2024

In honor of National Travel Advisor Appreciation Day on May 1st, Windstar Cruises is offering exclusive perks and launching new programs that extend beyond May, according to a press release.

The small ship cruise line said it recognizes the crucial role travel advisors play in crafting seamless vacation experiences and is showing gratitude with special incentives.

Throughout May, travel advisors who make a new booking or complete Windstar’s Star Specialist Online Learning Program will be entered to win one of four free cruises for themselves and a guest. Bookings for 2024 made in May will earn five entries each, while bookings for 2025 and beyond will count for two entries each.

Completing the online training program in May 2024 also grants advisors five entries into the giveaway.

Additionally, Windstar is offering a $100 commission bonus for each cabin booked by travel advisors for new-to-Windstar guests during the month of May.

“During Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, we are celebrating the contributions of our advisor partners,” said Dianna Rom, Windstar’s Vice President of Sales. “Advisors have been instrumental in introducing new-to-cruise guests to Windstar, a trend we’ve observed since the industry’s revival in 2021. Their expertise not only enriches the travel experience but also contributes to the satisfaction of our guests.”

To further support travel advisors year-round, Windstar has announced two significant changes. Starting in June 2024, booking commissions will be paid 29 days prior to cruise departure, a shift from the previous post-departure payment schedule.

Moreover, travel advisors who become Windstar Cruises Star Specialists and invest time in learning about the brand will have the chance to earn back the fare of their eligible FAM trip as a future commission payment.

“Travel advisors are vital to our success at Windstar,” explained Janet Bava, Windstar Chief Commercial Officer. “With the upcoming completion of a major upgrade to our reservation system, we’ll be able to fulfill advisors’ requests for earlier commission payments. Our mutual success depends on supporting one another.”

Bava also mentioned that Windstar is initiating a consumer campaign to highlight the benefits of booking through a travel advisor.

Windstar’s fleet of six boutique sailing and all-suite yachts, accommodating 148-342 guests, is known for port-intensive itineraries that blend popular destinations with smaller, scenic locales. The line recently announced the addition of two new small ships set to join its fleet in December 2025 and December 2026.

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Malaysia Airlines continues its commercial elevation journey

Monday, 29 Apr 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines introduce its newest initiative in the realm of travel experiences, featuring a one-year strategic cruise partnership with industry expert, Apple Vacations, complemented by collaborative efforts with esteemed global cruise lines such as Peace Boat, Princess Cruises, Resorts World, and Uniworld River Cruises.

As part of its continuous effort to make Malaysia a true Asean tourism hub, this partnership between Malaysia Airlines and Apple Vacations marks a significant advancement in travel experiences, merging Malaysia Airlines' commitment to seamless air travel with Apple Vacations' extensive network of esteemed cruise partners. By bridging the airline with prominent cruise companies, this collaboration aims to cater to the diverse preferences of travellers seeking unparalleled experiences both in the air and at sea.

This collaboration allows Malaysia Airlines to promote a seamless travel experience through MHcruise packages, complementing Apple Vacations' flycruise offerings. These packages invite travellers to enjoy the best of both worlds; the convenience of air travel and the allure of cruising at attractive and competitive fares, tailored to meet diverse preferences, from luxurious to budget-friendly options.

MAG chief commercial officer of airlines Dersenish Aresandiran said, “Through our collaboration, we're not only expanding our offerings but also fueling a positive ripple effect throughout Malaysia's tourism industry.

“By curating unparalleled travel experiences, we're not only attracting visitors, but also fostering sustainable economic growth and development.

“Together, we are pioneering new standards, revitalising the travel landscape, and positioning Malaysia as a premier destination for global travellers as well as anchoring Malaysia as a gateway to Asia and Beyond.”

Apple Vacations co-founder and group managing director Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said, “Cruise vacations are rapidly gaining popularity, with both regional favourites like Resorts World Cruise and Royal Caribbean, as well as international options such as Princess Cruise for Alaska tour packages and Peace Boat for global excursions, captivating travellers.

“River cruise packages along the Danube and Rhine rivers, currently offered by Uniworld Cruises, are also seeing a surge in interest.

“Additionally, the emerging trend of fly-cruise packages is appealing to holiday-goers looking for seamless connectivity and convenient booking options.”

By seamlessly blending air travel with exceptional cruise experiences, Malaysia Airlines aims to surpass global travellers' expectations, elevate travel standards, and create extraordinary moments for all its customers as part of its new era of growth forward.

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How Central can help keep business moving across industries

Imagine that you could seamlessly arrange transportation for your customers, guests, and employees—all in one place.

With Central, you can. Central enables businesses to request rides for others, even if the rider doesn’t have the Uber app. With a few clicks on the Central dashboard, a coordinator can request rides and track their status, while riders receive trip information through their Uber app or by text. Leveraging the largest mobility network, Central lets businesses in more than 60 countries enhance their transportation offerings.

Central’s offerings can be easily tailored to businesses’ needs within several industries—whether you’re trying to offer customers a ride home from your retail store opening or you want to help move your employees from point A to point B. Read on to hear how 4 diverse industries have been leveraging Central.

Customer service is key in the automotive industry. Almost half of car buyers think about switching brands after having a negative customer experience with an automotive company.

With Central, dealerships can leverage ridesharing to not only elevate a client’s transportation experience but also increase operational efficiency and optimize costs. Many riders have shared that they prefer ridesharing compared with shuttles or loaner vehicles, which could have long wait times, multiple stops, and limited availability. Dealers can use Central to request rides for customers who need to get home or to their place of work while their car is in the shop, for example. And some repair shops are even using Central for parts delivery to complete timely repairs.

Central is a valuable tool to meet the logistics industry’s quickly evolving needs, including in trucking and rail transportation. Given the valuable role that logistics companies play in supply chain movement, it’s important for truck and rail workers to be on time. Logistics companies use Central to request rides for those workers to and from their jobs and between shifts.

And truck-rental companies can even offer customers rides to and from pickups.

It’s easy to customize ride options. Request premium rides like Uber Black for executive transport or select UberXL to get a team of employees from the airport to the retreat venue. Because coordinators can edit trips, add stops, and track a ride’s progress from pickup to dropoff, Central is a great solution for executive assistants supporting leaders and their teams.

It doesn’t stop at guests, though. Hotels located in busy metro areas without ample parking, or where transportation options may not be extensive, can book rides for their employees to make sure they can get to and from work on time and easily.

You can create a free account or use your Uber for Business credentials to log in to Central . To coordinate a ride, enter the rider’s phone number, pickup and dropoff locations, and preferred ride option. The rider will receive a text confirmation with their ride details and a link to track their trip; they don’t need the Uber app, but if they have it, they can track their ride straight from there.

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The promise of travel in the age of AI

Every generation has its own “golden age” of travel, often defined by the widespread adoption of new technology—from the jet engine of the 1950s that drastically reduced travel times to the dot-com period of the 1990s that allowed customers to build their dream itineraries online. Today, a new era of digitally enabled travel is upon us. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI (gen AI), and machine learning (ML) are equipping the industry to reimagine what it means to plan, book, and experience travel. This surge of innovation sets the stage for travel companies to rethink how they interact with customers, develop products and services, and manage operations.

Advances in technology have also transformed consumers’ expectations. Since 2013, time spent on digital devices has grown by 70 percent, and this trend only accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as online interactions increasingly replaced in-person contact. 1 Based on data from U.S. Census Bureau and Statista. See State of travel 2023 , Skift Research, July 21, 2023. However, traditional travel is unique in that it is an inherently human-centric experience. The industry, therefore, has an opportunity—perhaps even a duty—to define what travel will look like in the digital age.

Most travel companies aim to provide exceptional service and deliver the perfect trip. But, instead of ease, excitement, and delight, travel operators too often fall short of meeting baseline expectations of timing and quality. In fact, nearly 80 percent of American travelers experienced at least one travel-related problem in the first half of 2023. 2 Lane Gillespie, “Survey: 77% of travelers plagued by travel problems amid booming season; more than half saw higher prices,” Bankrate, July 10, 2023.

In the 2021 report, Rebooting customer experience to bring back the magic of travel , McKinsey and Skift Research found that leisure travelers were eager to get back to the sky, water, and road—so much so, that they were often willing to overlook customer-service issues and inconveniences. Customer satisfaction ratings at the time were high, even in a period of intense disruption when negative sentiment was on the rise. 3 Rebooting customer experience to bring back the magic of travel , a joint report from McKinsey and Skift Research, September 2021.

Today, that window of acceptance may have passed. Customer expectations are rising, and tolerance is wearing thin. Despite this, people still aspire to travel and, according to McKinsey’s ConsumerWise Sentiment Survey, nearly a third of consumers intend to “splurge” on travel expenses in the next three months. 4 McKinsey ConsumerWise Global Sentiment Survey, August 2023, n=4,000. Through both established and new technologies, companies have the opportunity to keep the aspiration to travel alive by closing the persistent gap between the promise and reality of travel.

While larger companies may have more resources to develop in-house capabilities, a robust ecosystem of service providers makes new technologies accessible to companies of all sizes. According to McKinsey Digital estimates, companies that holistically address digital and analytics opportunities throughout their organizations have the potential to see a 15 to 25 percent earnings improvement.

A new report , The promise of travel in the age of AI , produced by McKinsey and Skift Research offers use cases and success stories that detail how technologies are being used, drawing from interviews with executives at 17 companies across five types of travel business. It explores how companies apply advanced data science to better understand and serve customers, delves into how digital and analytics tools can improve products and services, and examines how new technologies augment workforce capabilities and unlock operational capacity. This article highlights some key findings.

Know your customers like you know your friends

Over the past two decades, the variety and volume of customer data that travel companies can capture has increased dramatically; new tools and technologies such as AI-powered assistants are only accelerating this trend. However, this data is often difficult to process and does not always paint a full picture of the customer. Companies may turn to third-party sources to complete their understanding—combining and distilling commercial, operational, financial, and behavioral inputs. Robust marketing technologies can then help distinguish the “signal” from the “noise” in the data to better predict customer behavior.

Having gained a clear and comprehensive understanding, companies can create customer segments to guide how they interact with and serve different customers. Depending on the data available and the analytics capabilities at hand, segmentation can range from grouping customers into segments based on a single macro characteristic (e.g., business versus leisure) to individual “segments of one,” known as hyper-segmentation.

Hyper-segmentation drills down to a ‘segment of one.’

Drilling down to segments of one can enable hyper-personalization, which is broadly defined as the ability to uniquely tailor touchpoints to an individual customer’s needs, preferences, and behaviors. At its core, hyper-personalization is not only about increasing conversion rates, but about providing the customer with an end-to-end experience adapted to their specific context. Considering the level of personalization that is becoming the norm in many aspects of daily life, companies are adopting an ongoing test-and-learn approach to ensure their offers and actions resonate with customers’ rising expectations.

Hyper-personalization can also help companies rebuild trust if operations have gone wrong. Personalized communication reassures customers that they are at the forefront of the company’s mind and instills confidence that a thoughtful recovery plan is in place. For example, companies may share real-time status updates in moments of disruption and provide tailored solutions, or even proactive compensation, to ensure customers feel individually taken care of.

Design your products to surprise and delight

Recent advances are pushing the boundaries of what technology can accomplish. Nothing illustrates this better than the meteoric rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT which garnered one million users in only five days. 5 Steve Mollman, “ChatGPT gained 1 million users in under a week. Here’s why the AI chatbot is primed to disrupt search as we know it,” Yahoo News, December 9, 2022. While this pace of adoption may feel unsettling, it provides an impetus for companies to reimagine their product design and delivery using AI and digitization.

Historically, capabilities such as language, creativity, and aesthetic judgment—once considered uniquely human—could not be scaled through technology. AI, particularly gen AI, offers a new way to augment and scale these capabilities with the potential for enormous benefits: according to McKinsey research , generative AI has the potential to unlock between $2 trillion and $4 trillion in annual value across industries. 6 The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier , McKinsey, June 14, 2023. In the travel context, gen AI could take the form of a digital assistant that interacts with customers throughout the journey. It can provide personalized trip itineraries during discovery and booking, offer tailored recommendations based on preferences and real-time constraints during the trip, and help resolve unexpected disruptions.

However, AI is only part of the answer. Established digital technology also helps companies deliver on commitments made to customers. Many of these digital assets and tools rely on common systems and capabilities, making them widely attainable—freeing up staff to provide better face-to-face services and build relationships through the human touch. Several such applications can boost guest satisfaction and reduce points of friction in hotels, including guest apps, digital check-ins, digital room keys, and in-room tech. The magnitude of these individual tools is amplified when seamlessly integrated together, making it easier for customers to use digital applications throughout their hotel stay.

Empower your workforce to follow through on promises made

An engaged and productive workforce enables the delivery of experiences and products that satisfy customers. However, the travel industry faces structural labor hurdles and high turnover which makes attracting, training, and retaining top talent challenging. Fortunately, the industry can enhance and scale the capacity of its existing workforce by equipping the frontline with the right tools at the right time. This can free up employees to focus on the things they enjoy most and that make the travel industry tick: quality personal interactions with customers, in essence, the human touch.

Two promising opportunities to improve workforce and operational performance through technology stand out across the travel industry: augmenting frontline capacity and upskilling talent.

In the travel industry today, complex decisions still rely on human expertise and outdated technology such as greenscreen or rudimentary interfaces. This leads to a best-guess approach, the risk of negative outcomes, and a steep learning curve. Travel companies are developing new tools for the frontline to process complex inputs and help guide “day-of” decision making. For example, advanced simulation models such as digital twins allow companies to conduct rapid “what-if” analyses and provide real-time guidance to the frontline.

According to McKinsey research , new technology, including gen AI, is also shortening training times for new hires while rapidly upskilling the existing workforce. For instance, virtual and augmented reality are used to simulate real-life scenarios to prepare frontline employees to hit the ground running, and gen-AI-enabled "teaching assistants” provide personalized coaching based on individual performance. 7 “ The organization of the future: Enabled by gen AI, driven by people ,” McKinsey, September 19, 2023.

Travel is ripe for innovation

Checklist for the age of ai.

Some travel companies are already successfully deploying digital technology, AI, and ML to reshape how they interact with customers, develop and deliver products and services, and manage people and operations. They’ve taken the following actions—are you on track?

General considerations

created a digital wish list—as if the company had infinite time and resources
prioritized wish list based on potential short- and long-term benefits as well as the company’s strategic vision and available resources
assessed the skills and talent necessary to execute against the prioritized wish list
built the right team and identified roadmap to fill remaining gaps
inventoried existing internal customer data
determined which data variables drive customer behavior and predict customer buying decisions
identified relevant third-party data and integrated with internal data to build a complete customer picture
considered using a robust MarTech stack to continuously learn and evolve with customers
defined a dynamic segmentation and personalization approach based on customer personas
adopted test-and-learn mindset to continually implement and refine
mapped the end-to-end customer journey and identified pain points
used analytics to determine which pain points impact customers the most
considered new technology (like AI) to enhance and reimagine the customer journey
brainstormed improvements to current digital offerings that would minimize pain points (such as more timely communication)
built a product roadmap based on timing and importance of features
diagnosed top day-to-day employee pain points
determined if digital tools can resolve top pain points (for example, automate repetitive tasks)
provided workforce with real-time visibility into critical areas of daily operations
used simulation models to plan for multiple future-state scenarios
built decision-making tools (such as digital twins) to choose optimal solutions for complex problems
defined opportunities to improve training (using tools such as simulation training, VR, AR) and provide feedback (using smart-AI tool)

We believe this is a moment of optimism for the industry. Between reclaiming its historical share of GDP, benefiting from the ongoing corporate travel recovery, and catering to consumer demand for unique experiences, the stage is set for travel’s accelerated growth. Looking ahead, travel is forecasted to grow at an average of 5.8 percent a year through 2032—more than double the expected growth rate of the overall economy (at 2.7 percent a year). 8 “Travel & Tourism sector expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade,” World Travel & Tourism Council, April 21, 2023.

This does not mean that travel companies can simply sit back and reap the benefits. Existing and new technologies provide an avenue for companies to capture their share of the industry’s anticipated growth by resetting how they interact with customers, deliver products and services, and empower their workforce. Fortunately, there are a growing number of ways—build, buy, or partner—to help companies get started. The only wrong move is no move.

Susann Almasi is an associate partner in McKinsey’s Carolinas office, Alex Cosmas is a partner in the New York office, Sam Cowan is a consultant in the Minneapolis office, and Ben Ellencweig is a senior partner in the Stamford office.

The authors wish to thank Skift’s Pranavi Agarwal, Seth Borko, and Wouter Geerts as well as McKinsey’s Marisa Ancona, Danielle Bozarth, Vik Krishnan, Nina Lind, Elena Patel, Alessandra Powell, Jules Seeley, and Nirva Vassa, for their contributions to this article.

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6 Steady and Freelance Jobs that Allow You to Travel the World
How Technology is Changing the Travel and Tourism Industry
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COMMENTS

Rebooting customer experience in travel
The COVID-19 pandemic upended life as we know it, and devastated the travel industry globally. As travel volumes are returning in many parts of the world, customer experience is emerging as the challenge of the recovery. ... As travel volumes are starting to return in many parts of the world, stories have begun to surface about problematic ...
Future of tourism: Tech, staff, and customers
As travel resumes and builds momentum, it's becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 "Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels ...
A travel boom is looming. But is the industry ready?
Remember that the customer experience is shaped across the entire end-to-end journey, from booking to travel to the return home. Even seasoned travelers will have to adapt to new protocols, such as digital health certificates and safety measures. ... The various parts of the travel industry have to work together as a whole to usher in a safe ...
Travel Experience: The New Normal in Travel
To help companies respond to these new travel preferences, we have identified critical accelerators to drive market differentiation and improve the travel experience: 1. Creativity to inspire. Driving differentiation with scalable communications and innovative experiences will allow travel brands to meet rising motivations and ignite growth.
How Has Customer Experience Changed in the Tourism Industry? A Look at
Less than one in five planned to make reservations via online travel agencies (OTAs), opting to go directly with brands. Travelers skipped intermediaries for better deals and flexibility with cancellations and refunds. This trend led hotels and airlines to improve their hybrid experience with an increased online presence.
The future of travel and tourism as per 4 sector leaders
In 2020 alone, the travel and tourism industry lost $4.5 trillion in GDP and 62 million jobs - the road to recovery remains long. The World Economic Forum's latest Travel & Tourism Development Index gives expert insights on how the sector will recover and grow.; We asked four business leaders in the sector to reflect on the state of its recovery, lessons learned from the pandemic, and the ...
Revamping the Travel Customer Experience
Why the traveler experience matters. 84%. of consumers having at least one trip this year will "treat themselves" with meaningful experiences. 34%. of American travelers were influenced by TikTok in 2022. 45%. of people would prefer to book an entire trip (flights, hotels, rental car and extras) through one website. 72%.
The Evolution of Customer Experience in the Travel Industry
But Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are quickly catching up on the digital frontier of customer experience. According to a survey by Software Advice, the number of people aged 35 and older who use live chat has seen a recent increase: 32.9% of people aged 35-54 and 22.3% of people aged 55 and older report having used live chat for support at least a ...
What next for travel and tourism? Here's what the experts say
In 2020 alone, the travel and tourism sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs globally. But as the world recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism can bounce back as an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector. Two experts highlight some of the key transformations in the sector going forward during the ...
How To Get Into the Travel Industry (With Tips)
Getting into the travel industry can vary based on the type of career you want to pursue. However, you can follow these basic steps to get started: 1. Decide on a job type. Since the travel industry covers every aspect of travel and tourism, there is a large range of potential careers. Ask yourself what parts of travel interest you.
Excellent Customer Experience in Travel Industry Generate Customer Loyalty
Customer experience is a critical component of the travel and tourism industry. As travel volumes have increased in the post-covid era, so have negative travel experiences. Business travelers who commute frequently have higher expectations. For a very long time, they have voiced their dissatisfaction, even before the leisure travelers complained.
15 Key Technology Trends Emerging in the Travel Industry in 2024
13. Metaverse & Travel. Another of the technology trends travel industry businesses need to be aware of is the growth of the metaverse. This expands upon virtual reality and augmented reality technology, providing a digital environment where social interactions can take place.
Experiential Travel: Creating Memories, Not Checklists
Current Trends in Experiential Travel. Trends in the travel industry are constantly changing, but the core of experiential travel will always be immersive experiences. ... Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about ...
Press Release Travel Study 2023-2024
Satisfaction across airlines, lodging, car rentals, and online travel agencies climbs again, returning to prepandemic levels, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI ®) Travel Study 2023-2024. The airline industry stands out, hitting an all-time customer satisfaction high of 77 after a second straight 1% year-over year ...
Top 9 Travel Trends & Innovations in 2024
Based on the Travel Innovation Map, the Tree Map below illustrates the impact of the Top 9 Travel Industry Trends in 2024. Startups and scaleups are enabling contactless travel using technologies like biometrics, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communication (NFC). This is due to increasing health and hygiene concerns post ...
Gain Experience with Travel & Tourism Internships
By actively participating in internships, you can learn industry-specific skills, build a professional network, and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of the travel and tourism ...
The future of the travel industry: Make it better, not just safer
This desire to build memories, to connect with people, and to see new places drove 1.4 billion of us to travel internationally in 2019. 1 Creating safer travel experiences is now paramount to protect this privilege. Now is clearly a moment of crisis for the travel industry. Available seat miles on US airlines were down 71 percent in April 2020 ...
Cultural Shifts: The Rising Demand for Personalized and Private Travel
In an era where luxury travel is no longer defined by mere opulence but by the depth and authenticity of experiences, the industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards personalization, privacy ...
Global tourism industry
Globally, travel and tourism's direct contribution to gross domectic product (GDP) was approximately 7.7 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. This was a, not insignificant, 7.6 percent share of the ...
13 Popular Travel Industry Careers (Plus Salaries)
A travel industry career is a profession that can allow you to travel or facilitate the travel of others. It can also involve roles that provide fun experiences for travelers once they arrive at their destination, including lodging and local excursions.
Travel Industry: One of the Largest Service Industries
For businesses in the travel industry, as well as their customers, technology plays a vital role. It can increase business operations' efficiency and improve the customer experience. Companies operating within the travel industry must keep up-to-date with emerging travel technology trends to avoid falling behind competitors.
20 Travel Consultant Interview Questions and Answers
If you don't have a lot of experience in the travel industry, focus on other skills and experiences that are transferable to the role such as customer service, problem solving, and attention to detail. Example: "I have three years of experience working as a travel consultant for XYZ Travel Agency. During this time, I gained extensive ...
Innovations in Travel: How AI Technologies are Shaping Future Tourism
Envisioning an All-in-One Platform for travel, industry leaders like Glenn Fogel of Booking Holdings highlight the potential of AI to consolidate the entire travel experience into a single ...
Windstar Celebrates Travel Advisors in May with Giveaways and Bonus
The small ship cruise line said it recognizes the crucial role travel advisors play in crafting seamless vacation experiences and is showing gratitude with special incentives. Throughout May, travel advisors who make a new booking or complete Windstar's Star Specialist Online Learning Program will be entered to win one of four free cruises ...
How the travel industry is changing using artificial intelligence
AI is everywhere and while many people and industries are worried about their future because of artificial intelligence, some sects of the global workforce are looking forward to integrating with ...
The impact of AI on the travel industry
The travel industry is facing new disruptions from AI. ... Nowhere is that promise needed more than in travel, where the experience should be a segment of one. That's what makes it magical. To be clear, AI is already being applied in the travel sector in spades—specifically, in the operation of schedule assets and the optimized allocation ...
Malaysia Airlines continues its commercial elevation journey
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines introduce its newest initiative in the realm of travel experiences, featuring a one-year strategic cruise partnership with industry expert, Apple Vacations ...
Uber for Business
Modernizing the car dealership experience. Customer service is key in the automotive industry. Almost half of car buyers think about switching brands after having a negative customer experience with an automotive company.. With Central, dealerships can leverage ridesharing to not only elevate a client's transportation experience but also increase operational efficiency and optimize costs.
Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards Of April 2024
Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of ...
The promise of AI in the travel industry
See State of travel 2023, Skift Research, July 21, 2023. However, traditional travel is unique in that it is an inherently human-centric experience. The industry, therefore, has an opportunity—perhaps even a duty—to define what travel will look like in the digital age.