Berlin, Germany – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with Trip.com Group, has launched a visionary new report titled "Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism" at ITB Berlin, highlighting the groundbreaking technologies set to transform the global travel industry.
This forward-looking report explores 16 disruptive innovations across four core themes:
Digital Technologies
Financial Technologies
Future of Mobility
Breakthrough Innovations
Redefining the Travel Experience
The report reveals that by 2030, Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents could not only automate bookings and travel searches but rival human intelligence in decision-making—ushering in a new era of smart travel experiences.
Quantum computing, once a futuristic concept, may soon revolutionise everything from real-time optimisation of global air traffic to enabling space travel and deep-sea tourism. These once-distant dreams are now closer to reality.
Meanwhile, supersonic flights are poised for a comeback, with Boom Technology and United Airlines preparing to launch ultra-fast passenger services—two decades after the Concorde’s retirement.
And the evolution of smart cities, featuring autonomous vehicles and advanced aerial mobility, promises to reshape global destinations and unlock access to previously unreachable locations, offering an entirely new world of travel for future explorers.
A Word from Industry Leaders
“The Travel & Tourism sector is undergoing a digital revolution. From AI personalisation to sustainable aviation, innovation is transforming how we explore the world,” said Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC.
“Social media and digital platforms have become the new storefronts, selling experiences instead of just products. With technology unlocking adventures off the beaten path, companies that embrace innovation today will lead the industry tomorrow.”
Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director & VP of International Markets at Trip.com Group, echoed this vision:
“Travellers now expect planning and booking to be intuitive, seamless, and personalised. At Trip.com Group, we’re leading the way with AI-powered assistants, Super Apps, and breakthrough tools that enhance every aspect of the travel journey. This report is essential for any business navigating rapid digital change.”
Key Insights from the Report
? AI is Redefining the Industry
94% of industry executives consider AI mission-critical
Usage of AI tools like Trip.com’s TripGenie surged by 200% in 2024, reshaping trip planning and customer interaction
? Super Apps for Seamless Travel
97% of surveyed travellers want a single app that combines flights, hotels, payments, and activities
Super Apps are emerging as the ultimate tool for stress-free, connected travel
? Greener, More Sustainable Travel
Milestones include Virgin Atlantic’s first 100% sustainable fuel transatlantic flight
Port Miami’s expanded shore power infrastructure reflects the shift toward greener cruise tourism
? Space Tourism Becoming Reality
Once science fiction, space travel is now within reach, with growing infrastructure and consumer demand driving its rapid acceleration
Digital Investment: The Next Frontier
The report also stresses the urgent need for:
Investment in digital skills
Regulatory frameworks to guide and govern new tech
Strategic collaboration to unlock the full potential of emerging innovations
With 91% of travel companies planning to boost tech investments, the travel industry stands at the edge of its greatest transformation since the Internet boom.
The report includes exclusive insights from major players such as Hilton, Qatar Airways, MSC Cruises, and Trip.com Group, showcasing how these global leaders are already harnessing cutting-edge technologies.
Conclusion: The Future Starts Now
From AI to space tourism, the travel industry is evolving at breakneck speed. As technology reshapes how people explore the world, businesses that adapt and innovate today will shape the travel experiences of tomorrow.
