Artificial intelligence, buy now, pay later programs and driverless vehicles are just three of the sixteen technologies set to shape the future of the travel industry, as revealed in a new report created by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group during ITB Berlin.

The report, entitled “Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism,” identifies sixteen technologies across four major categories: digital tech, financial tech, the future of mobility and breakthrough innovations.

“The Travel & Tourism sector is in the midst of a digital revolution,” said WTTC’s President & CEO, Julia Simpson. “From AI-driven personalisation to advancements in aviation sustainability, innovation is reshaping how we explore the world. As travellers turn to social media, streaming platforms, and cutting-edge tech to inspire and book trips in real time, platforms like Instagram are shifting from selling products to selling experiences. Meanwhile, technology is unlocking new adventures off the beaten track.”

Digital Technology Trends

Talking about trends in digital technology is no longer complete without AI: 94 percent of global business leaders view AI as critical for success in the next five years. Seventy-three percent of travel leaders are adopting generative AI for cost savings and efficiency.

Companies could grow this technology within the travel industry to provide AI-led travel concierges for travelers, optimization tools for those working within the industry, real-time translation services for international travelers and more.

Another one of the digital tech trends includes 5G, 6G and LEO Satellites, which are the kind that Starlink uses to provide service to cruise ships and, more recently, Qatar Airways. Faster, more reliable connection improves travel experiences and supports global business.

Super Apps are another key digital technology: 97 percent of travelers want a super app for travel that can provide recommendations for experiences, booking opportunities for accommodations and provide personalized service and customer care. WTTC’s report expects this category of app to grow in the next decade.

Lastly, immersive technologies that blur reality with virtual experiences will continue growing in the next decade. Technologies including VR, augmented reality and the Metaverse could provide tours in real places, offer try-before-you-buy experiences, increase engagement or develop interest in a destination by experiencing it virtually first.

Financial Technology Trends

Financial technology, called fintech, is also expected to transform the way the travel industry does business.

One such trend is the buy now, pay later programs, which WTTC predicts to double from 380 million users in 2024 to 670 million in 2028. Travelers who don’t have the capital to pay for travel costs upon booking can use these programs to pay in installments.

Central Bank Digital Currencies are another key tech trend. The digital form of a country’s currency, WTTC predicts more countries will be adopting digital currencies to streamline payment systems and that travelers will enjoy cashless payment systems while abroad as part of their digital wallets.

Open Banking is also expected to grow. This trend is the ability to share personal financial data with third-party apps, which could grow to include travel booking platforms and sites. That way, travelers can easily add their banking info to pay for their next trips—and in the next decade or so, utilize AI and their financial information to craft personalized trips based on their budget.

The fourth key fintech trend is digital wallets and travel credentials, the beginnings of which we’re already seeing with the beginning of the EU Digital Wallet. The WTTC predicts that digital wallets and travel documents will become the thing of the future, streamlining entry processes with a simple biometric scan instead of human-to-human contact.

The Future of Mobility

Mobility is the technology of how we get around, and this is expected to change a lot in the next decade or so.

Sustainable fuels are expected to continue to grow and provide decarbonized options for both airlines and cruise ships. In contrast, more electric or hydrogen propulsion vehicles and boats are expected to replace fuel-based ones. High-speed rail networks will, in some destinations, provide key points of connection for travelers.

The second trend is Mobility-as-a-Service, or MaaS, which deserves an explanation. This is the provision of transportation options to travelers through a single platform or app. Examples of MaaS could be more flexible rental car options, shared transport networks and more.

Driverless vehicles will continue growing, with some car companies already developing autonomous vehicles. One day, cities could provide self-driving taxis and public transit, while tour operators could also provide self-driving private bus tours.

Air travel is also expected to transform how we get from one place to the next, especially with supersonic air travel, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), pilotless aircraft and much more, expanding the range and ways in which we could one day travel.

Breakthrough Innovations

The last category is breakthrough innovations: these include smart cities, which may provide some of the trends and future technologies mentioned above, including electric driverless public transport; quantum computing, which could provide better aviation and shipping route planning; nuclear fusion, which would provide clean power and revolutionize the world’s energy grid; and space tourism, which could become an established part of the travel and tourism industry, one day offering more opportunities to visit space to more individuals.