Page 13 - TBM_February_2024

GUEST COLUMN
TRAVELBIZ MONITOR FEBRUARY, 2024 13
n

Five Travel Trends

to Watch Out for

in 2024

By Naveen Bothra
Head - Airlines Touchpoint Products & User Experience,
Amadeus India

he travel industry is always changing, adding tremendous value to the online
adapting to the latest technological travel planning and booking experience for
advancements, societal shifts, and consumers, as search and advice become
Temerging trends that promise to hyper-personalized and more intuitive.
reshape the way we traverse the globe. As Chatbots and AI-powered virtual assistants
2023 comes to an end, 2024 is all set to bring now cater to customer needs, offering tailored
some big changes. These trends are like puzzle recommendations and facilitating instant
pieces forming a picture of a travel world full bookings. This intelligent technology not only
of new ideas and fun experiences. As we look enhances travel planning but also alleviates the
forward to a new year, we can expect some burden on human resources, allowing for more
exciting developments that will redefine the personalized and specialized customer support.
way we explore the world. Expedia has already launched ChatGPT
plug-in to serve as a virtual travel assistant. It
1. Music Tourism: A Blend of attentively listens to customer requirements
Harmony, Travel, and Entertainment and promptly provides hotel and itinerary
After a prolonged period of pandemic-induced to streamline booking links directly on their suggestions along with booking links.
isolation, when bands and music artists were social media profiles and process payments.
unable to perform for months, there is now These influencers are not just showcasing 5. Business Luxe-Lite: Accessible
a growing desire for connection and shared picturesque destinations; they are also guiding Premium Travel Experiences
experiences which is fueling the rise of music travelers through the complex realm of travel An emerging trend in air travel focuses
tourism. Travelers are increasingly journeying technology. From recommending the best on offering more affordable yet luxurious
to destinations to partake in music events, navigation apps to highlighting the benefits of ‘unbundled’ business class fares. Business
be it concerts or festivals. Music tourism contactless payment solutions, influencers play class passengers today don’t necessarily
boosts the local economy, culture, and tourism a crucial role in demystifying and simplifying adhere to the traditional suit-and-tie attire.
industry, as well as creates unforgettable the use of technology for their audience. Whether they are a Gen Z entrepreneur, a Gen
memories for travelers. The Amadeus Travel Y digital nomad, or a Boomer vice-president,
Trends 2024 Report revealed that music tourism 3. Electric Skyways: A Leap Towards the demographic makeup of business class
significantly influences travel searches and Sustainable Air Travel has diversified. Social media has played a
bookings, especially when popular artists As urban areas grapple with congestion and significant role in fostering a common desire
announce their tour dates. For instance, tour environmental concerns, electric vertical for lifestyle optimization across age groups,
dates by renowned artists like Taylor Swift take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts are particularly among those under 50. The
has already had a substantial impact on travel emerging as a promising sustainable solution aspiration for more luxurious experiences is on
patterns. In the summer of 2023, Coachella for eco-conscious travelers. Companies the rise, and individuals are keen on achieving
festival in California brought about 500K like Volocopter are pioneering electric air them, be it through points, credit, or savings.
attendees and contributed approximately $1.5 taxi networks, aiming to introduce these
billion to local economy. innovations for major global events and expand Conclusion
services across Asia, while providing low- As we navigate the ever-changing landscape
2. Influencers: The New Travel emission travel options within cities, to satellite of travel, these anticipated trends for 2024
Ambassadors airports, and across countries and islands. The are set to transform and enhance the travel
Social media influencers have evolved into transition to electric aviation has the potential experience for all. With travelers eagerly
influential travel ambassadors who wield to emerge as a powerful solution for mitigating anticipate the unfolding of these trends in
considerable sway over travelers’ decisions. the environmental footprint of air travel in the the year ahead, the evolving world of travel is
With large and devoted followings, these future, complementing advancements like poised to deliver innovative, immersive, and
influencers not only inspire and inform sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). tailored experiences, ensuring that the allure
travelers, but also facilitate direct bookings of exploration continues to thrive in this ever-
by offering their followers exclusive deals, 4. Intelligent Concierge: Personalized evolving journey of discovery.
discounts, or access to their travel platforms. Travel Planning at Your Fingertips
Travel influencers are organizing and The integration of Generative AI (Gen AI) into ‘The views expressed in the column are of the
hosting their own group trips, leveraging travel planning is revolutionizing personalized author, and may or may not be endorsed by the
technology-enabled e-commerce platforms assistance for travelers. GenAI is already publication.’

WWW.TRAVELBIZMONITOR.COM