A new study from Amadeus plots how technology may change the way we travel between now and 2020.
'From Chaos to Collaboration' highlights some of the trends we already know - that travel is becoming more social and we will increasingly rely on friends and family for information and, that the inspiration and planning elements are finally becoming more fun through intelligent search and other applications such as augmented reality.
It also takes a look at some of the pain in travel such as the stress of airport check-in, security and baggage reclaim and suggests potential solutions where checking-in would become the exception because of automated identification management systems.
Amadeus has already been working on technology such as its Altea Baggage Tracking which will alleviate some of the anxiety around baggage loss.
The report shows that it is the 50 and over age group that finds the customs and passport control experience most exasperating with 51% saying it is very or extremely frustrating.
However, frequent business travellers would be willing to provide more personal information if it meant more efficient travel - 60% of those travelling for business say they would be happy to compared to 43% of leisure travellers.
When it comes to different cultures, Chinese travellers, 62%, are twice as likely as those from the US to provide more personal information.
However, the above findings have to balanced by a growing global concern over the misuse of personal data - 81% of the 50 and over age group, 73% of those aged 30 to 49 and 69% of the 16 to 29 age group.
The report also predicts a reinvention of business travel where travellers increasingly demand a home from home experience as well as something to reward them for time spent away from family.
Although this segment faces more pressures on time they are more likely to complain and according to the survey 35% post pictures on the web compared to 17% of leisure travellers, 23% write a review compared with 9% and 21% contact the operator/airline or agent to complain compared to 9%.
Other differences between business and leisure travellers thrown up by the report include:
- 77% of business travellers say technology helps them with their work compared to 50% of leisure
- 59% say it helps manage finances compared to 51% of leisure travellers
- 61% say it helps them get what they want when they want it compared to 49% of leisure travellers
- 74% say it keeps them connected with friends and family compared to 67% of leisure travellers
- 75% say it helps save time compared to 65% of those travelling for leisure.
NB: Image via Shutterstock