From personalised booking experiences to sustainable innovations, technology is reshaping how we explore the world. Travellers today expect convenience, efficiency, and customisation at every touchpoint, while providers strive to stay ahead of the curve by embracing the latest trends. Here are the travel tech ideas that are transforming the industry right now.

1. SabreMosaic™ for airlines

SabreMosaic™ is revolutionising the travel industry by enabling airlines to offer highly personalised travel options. This platform leverages advanced AI and data analytics to help airlines create tailored bundles, such as flight upgrades, hotel accommodations, and event tickets. By understanding customer preferences, SabreMosaic ensures that travellers receive curated offers that enhance their journey while boosting airline ancillary revenue.

Already used by: Oman Air, Air Serbia, and American Airlines.

Read more: Sabre to empower travel agencies

2. Smartvisit for destinations

Smartvisit transforms how travellers explore destinations. This platform offers a range of tools, such as mobile apps, ticketing solutions, and experience recommendations. Travellers can discover local attractions, book experiences, and manage itineraries seamlessly. Smartvisit particularly benefits hospitality providers who want to enhance guest engagement by integrating local experiences into their services.

Already used by: Via FIFA World Cup™ Dubai Pass, Universal Studios Hollywood, Department for Economy & Tourism Dubai, CityPass South Africa. 

3. Accessible travel apps for travellers

Accessible travel apps play a critical role in driving inclusive travel trends. Examples include:

• AccessNow: A crowdsourced app that maps accessible locations globally, including restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
• WheelMate: Provides information on accessible bathrooms and parking spaces.
• iAccess Life: Allows users to rate and review locations based on accessibility features.

These tools empower travellers with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy travel experiences without barriers. In regions like the UAE, where inclusivity is a growing focus, these apps can be game-changers.

4. Immersive virtual tourism for operators and travellers

Platforms like Journee are reshaping how travellers plan trips by offering immersive virtual experiences. Using advanced VR technology, travellers can “try before they buy,” virtually exploring hotels, destinations, or activities. Imagine walking through the Louvre or experiencing a beach resort from the comfort of your home before booking. This not only reduces booking anxiety but also helps travel providers showcase their offerings in a dynamic, engaging way, ultimately driving conversions.

5. WegoPro for travel agents

WegoPro is designed for travel agents, helping them automate time-consuming tasks like itinerary creation, price comparisons, and booking management. With intuitive tools, agents can focus more on delivering personalised services to their clients while scaling operations. By saving time and increasing operational efficiency, WegoPro enables travel agents to handle more clients, boosting productivity and profitability.

Read more: Unlocking efficiency: How WegoPro empowers travel agents

6. Biometric authentication for airports

Airports worldwide are adopting travel technologies like CLEAR. These systems use biometric data, such as facial recognition, to streamline check-ins, security screenings, and boarding processes. Biometric technology reduces wait times and enhances security, significantly improving the airport experience for travellers, and is already in use in many major worldwide airports. 

7. IoT for hotels

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is becoming a cornerstone of modern hospitality. Hotels like Marriott and Hilton are leading the way with “smart rooms” that allow guests to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment through their smartphones or voice assistants. IoT applications also extend to energy management systems, security enhancements, and real-time maintenance alerts. IoT enhances guest comfort and operational efficiency, creating memorable experiences while optimising costs for providers.

8. Sustainable travel technologies for the industry

Sustainability is quickly becoming a priority for travellers, and investing in green technologies positions providers as responsible leaders in the industry. Standout innovative solutions affecting the Middle East right now include: 

• EaseMyTrip.ae – A recent partnership with BNZ Green means users can calculate their flight’s carbon footprint in real time and purchase carbon credits directly through the platform. Travellers also receive verified certificates for their contributions on the blockchain.
• SITA Smart Path: Focused on end-to-end passenger journeys, this technology enables a seamless experience from check-in to boarding without the need for physical documents.

9. Profitroom for hotels

Direct bookings allow hotels to foster stronger relationships with their guests while avoiding high commission fees associated with third-party platforms. Profitroom specialises in direct booking solutions for luxury hotels. It offers tools like booking engines, marketing automation, and loyalty programs, helping hotels drive direct reservations. By cutting out intermediaries, hotels can maximise their revenue while maintaining control over the guest experience.

10. AI-powered travel assistants for travel agents and travellers

AI assistants simplify the decision-making process, making travel planning more efficient and enjoyable for users. Examples like Expedia’s Virtual Travel Agent and Booking.com (who are using ChatGPT) use AI to enhance the booking process. These virtual assistants provide tailored travel recommendations, answer queries in real-time, and assist with changes to bookings. The hyper-personalised trip suggestions and booking help both agents and travellers to enhance the overall travel experience and streamline processes.

Also read: How travel operators can leverage AI for customer journey excellence

11. Fetcherr for airlines

Fetcherr uses an AI-powered generative pricing engine to transform how airlines set ticket prices. Traditionally airlines use complex manual processes which rely on outdated data. With Fetcherr’s technology pricing is more dynamic, benefitting travellers by making tickets available at prices that better match market conditions.

Airlines are able to save time, reduce operational costs, and increase profitability by optimising their pricing strategies without overhauling existing systems – allowing them to operate smarter and faster in an ever-changing market. 

Already used by: West Jet, Virgin Atlantic, and Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc

These travel technologies represent the cutting edge of innovation in travel. Keep this list bookmarked as we continue to update it with the latest technology advancements for the travel industry.