Amadeus says traveler needs are ripe for innovation

Amadeus Ventures is focusing on the traveler experience in the hope that innovation can improve the journey for passengers, guests and others.

The venture arm of the distribution giant says it is still working on the six core themes laid out just over a year ago but that it is starting with the “needs of the traveler.”

Marion Mesnage, head of research and innovation at Amadeus, highlighted three areas where the company believes innovation can “shape the experience.”

The concept of empowered travelers is about accepting today’s consumers are digital and expect the same “simplicity, speed and transparency” offered by companies such as Amazon and Uber in their travel lives.

End-to-end travel is centered on making in-destination services such as transfers, restaurants and activities as easy to access as hotels and flights are currently.

Finally, low-stress travel is about addressing some of the “pain and anxiety” in travel currently and better anticipating services travelers might need.

One project the company has been developing is a Digital Traveler ID to recognize travelers and use technology such as biometrics to remove the need to share personal information at every stage of a trip.

Mesnage says the Digital ID platform, which is connected to a traveler’s passport, puts travelers in control of their information, who they share it with and at what stage.

She adds that some airline customers have agreed to pilot the technology and that it also enables travel companies to personalize services to travelers who are happy to share their information.

The company is continuing its work with startups such as its work with Volantio, which specializes in revenue optimization, to enable airlines to buy tickets back from travelers.

Mesnage, who spoke to PhocusWire at the Amadeus T3CH event in Madrid last week, says the company is also looking at how it might distribute urban mobility services.

The company will also soon announce a further two investments, including a startup that helps travel companies exchange and monetize data more easily. The company currently has 11 investments, including Avuxi, Betterez and BookingPal.

* This reporter's attendance at the event was supported by Amadeus.