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Over the past years, we all have seen tech bringing big changes to the industry and shaping how we go places. What we know for sure: things are always changing, especially in a fast-paced industry like ours, where everyone seems to be hungry for what’s next.
Yes – we love to talk about the constant tech revolution happening in travel – and we are not alone.
To start the year with insights about the trends that are shaping the future of travel, we went straight to the source: those leading innovative businesses that move the industry forward. They talked about things like personalized experiences, immersive travel, AI and more.
Tech is changing the way we travel – and we are very excited about it! We’re here to share their insights on the trends shaping tomorrow’s travel.
Ready to take a peek into the trends we are excited about in 2024?
“At The Social Hub we embrace distinctive, immersive travel and create stays that genuinely connect with our guests. We’re all about helping guests feel at home in a new place and making connections with the local community. Having locals around in our spaces gives our hotels a special vibe. We’ve noticed that bringing these communities together helps make society better.
For example, I learned a lot last year from our first Better Society Masterclass – an impact-driven learning format to empower the next generation of emerging social transformers; and hope to bring that piece of work to a wider audience in the future.“
Charlie MacGregor
CEO, The Social Hub
“As a company, we at Mews have definitely shifted from the traditional office-based culture to a remote-first company. As part of this, we see many more people traveling and blending business and leisure, but also using hotels for creative offsites. We will see this trend growing across many companies, and those hotels that lean in and listen to what these new guests need will thrive. Guests are no longer just looking for a bedroom, they want coworking and creative spaces (with great coffee!)“
Matthijs Welle
CEO, Mews
“One trend I’m finding interesting is the noticeable shift among affluent travelers, especially those in their 30s, who are increasingly craving authentic and “off the beaten path” experiences.
This demographic, which had previously shied away from adventure trips mainly due to concerns around comfort, is now becoming a target audience for a new wave of active and adventure itineraries. These itineraries are characterised by premium and exclusive offerings, including luxury hotels, exceptional accommodations, deluxe transfers, fine local dining, and carefully curated experiences led by popular hosts and experts. This trend is catering to a previously untapped market segment that is redefining the expectations of luxury in adventure travel.“
Erika de Santi
Co-Founder & Chief of Experience, WeRoad
“I can’t wait for the renaissance of international premium rail travel. A high-speed train service from Barcelona to London is at the top of my wishlist! Currently, this takes around 11-12 hours with three changes, but when it becomes a smoother and speedier journey it will revolutionize this popular business travel route, for myself included!“
Avi Meir
CEO, TravelPerk
“Digital transformation is the most prominent trend brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technology has become indispensable for delivering hyper-personalized services and differentiated experiences. I believe such travel tech has emerged as a driving force that will determine the success or failure of the travel market.“
Jong Yoon Kim
CEO, Yanolja Cloud
“When I first started in the travel industry, it was all about bringing hotel inventory online, in Web 1.0. Since then, so much has changed but one constant remains: no matter how technologically sophisticated travel gets, the aim for the customer is the same: human connection and authentic experiences. GetYourGuide just uncovered that most travelers plan to spend the same or more on experiences next year – despite economic inflation. That’s remarkable, and the focus on experiences will transform the entire travel and entertainment industry at large.“
Josh Montgomery
Head of Strategic Partnerships, GetYourGuide
“No major surprise that the capabilities being developed every day in the field of AI will drive a great paradigm shift at many levels in our lives, and of course within the travel sector. We can already anticipate that website and app user interfaces will deliver a much more conversational experience, complemented by the frontend we are accustomed to today.
Preparing ourselves to be able to serve information at scale in a conversational manner is going to be a major ambition, and adopting the technology and its advantages will be an obligation. I also believe that in the coming years, we will see major progress in terms of augmented and immersive reality.“
David Garcia
CIO, TUI Musement
“Innovation through partnership will shape the future of the travel industry. Travel options are more complex than ever and we at Skyscanner have an important role to play right at the heart of the ecosystem to help both our travellers and our partners. Whether it’s working with Amadeus and airlines on NDC and sustainability, Microsoft and start-ups like Layla with generative AI, Amazon on business intelligence or helping tourism boards promote their destinations, we are collaborating far and wide to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the sector.“
John Mangelaars
CEO, Skyscanner
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