Insights into the future of tourism - powered by technology

Since the coronavirus outbreak, almost every industry has witnessed a sharp decline in revenue, impacting millions of people. The hospitality and tourism sector were the first few industries to have been deeply affected during the pandemic. The tourism industry roughly accounts for 10 per cent of the world’s GDP that could potentially affect 50 million jobs according to a report circulated by The World Travel and Tourism Council. In the GCC region alone, the tourism industry has predicted to foresee a decline of $14 to $17 billion, taking at least 3-4 years for the complete revival of the market. 

 

With global organisations working towards the successful implementation of the vaccination, there is some hope for the steady revival of the economy. It is times like these that present a testament and challenge the experts and specialists to introduce strategies that will at least salvage the situation. This article will broadly explore the future of the tourism industry that is supported by the latest technology innovations that we can potentially expect in the coming year. 

 

Return of staycations 

 

Although it is unclear when international travel could be normalised, regional travel authorities and hotels are stressing on staycations. The different Emirates of UAE, especially Dubai, that has always been a place of luxury and is known for its cosmopolitan approach is encouraging its residents to travel responsibly and enjoy short staycations. Residents of UAE have always displayed an interest in booking short getaways or staycations that has only increased in the last two months. The percentage of booking into Abu Dhabi hotels has steadily increased from 20 per cent to 43 per cent and a similar graph is seen in Dubai; from 19 per cent to 36 per cent. In line with this, the coming year is certainly going to see a rise in staycations, especially with the current travel restrictions. Additionally, hotels are taking this as an advantage and marketing exciting offers to its residents. 

 

Rise in travel air bubbles 

 

Travel air bubble has become quite a buzzword in the tourism industry. This year many countries have entered in travel air bubbles to bring back their residents and nationals. Hence, there is no reason why this setup may not continue. Many countries are already in discussion to enforce such partnerships in 2021. For instance, Thailand is in talks with China to establish quarantine-free air travel for its residents. Similarly, Singapore and Hong Kong have commenced this setup since November 22, 2020. Furthermore, with UAE and other Middle Eastern countries like Bahrain normalising their relations with Israel, it wouldn’t be a surprise for these countries to also enter into a travel air bubble or a similar arrangement. Even if people are challenged by this global pandemic, the tourism industry seems to show significant improvement by keeping travel alive in our hearts.  

 

Technological advancements 

 

Like every industry, the tourism sector is also looking for technological advancements that will allow passengers to travel safely and responsibly. One of the many innovations many hotels, airlines and lounges are incorporating is contactless devices. To reduce points of shared touches and interactions, tourism providers are looking to install alternatives to source tickets, travel documents in the check-in counters. Many travel organisations are looking to use biometrics with options that include touchless entry, voiceless commands and gestures. Another innovation many hotels are advancing towards is the usage of mobile applications. Through these applications, guests will be able to check-in/check-out, unlock doors, call for room service, manage their remote controls and other services the hotel offers. In the near future, hotels can look towards enhancing these features while ensuring safety and responsible leisure. 

 

Cleaning technologies 

 

With this pandemic, many people have become quite obsessed with hygiene. In fact, some are seen sanitizing their hands every time they touch a common surface like a vending machine, lift buttons, doorknobs, counters and many more. To address these concerns, it will be interesting to see how the hospitality and tourism industry could develop enhancements that will support contactless technologies. While many hotel chains are yet to bring about these new changes, the Marriott Hotel chain has already created the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council that focuses on advancing the standards of global hospitality and incorporates these practices that minimise the risk for visitors and guests. Another aspect that is getting growing attention is the usage of digital tools to improve sterilization in airports. In places like Hong Kong, passengers and airport executives are encouraged to wear full-body disinfectant suits. Many airports are also utilising electrostatic sprayers and cleaning robots that have artificial intelligence integrated. 

 

Although we are facing many challenges in this industry, it is only times like these that allow us to improvise, innovate and create futuristic elements. These unprecedented times bring about opportunities that redefine the industry because after all, what classifies this industry is the curation of authentic experiences. With many experts predicting the recovery of the industry in 2021, we should perhaps look at bringing in newer aspects that will only add significance to the growth of the tourism sector. 

 

Considering how the industry is undergoing numerous changes, we at Capital College have introduced Master in Project Management and Master in Tourism Management in exclusive partnership with Europe’s most international business school - Rome Business School. We strongly believe the region lacks programs that focus on the management side of the tourism and hospitality industry. Through such programs, we aim to bridge the gap between aspiring students and regional hospitality and tourism organisations with both a theory-based and practical study approach. 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Dr Sanjay Batheja is the Co-Founder and Director of Capital Education. He ventured into the education industry in 1998 with a vision to offer affordable, flexible and quality assured education to the UAE students. In line with this vision, Dr Batheja has successfully developed structured programs in the field of tourism, hospitality, design, business and management and has guided students to win awards and ignite their entrepreneurial journey.