The COVID-19 changed the way we see the world and travel. Luckily, the travel industry is finally bouncing back. People from all over the world are keen to be back on the road and in the air again. What is more, we know that traveling contributes to happiness. Still, most people prefer buying airline tickets and making reservations for hotels and other services online. It’s convenient – easier, faster, and safer. Also, leisure travel recovers faster than business travel, as businesses realize that almost everything can be done remotely. Zoom meetings have become common in all industries, and people are more productive than ever. However, there is still a demand for essential business trips. With all these changes, modern technologies, and constant innovations in the travel industry, many wonder what the future of travel will look like? One thing is sure – personalized travel meets demand. Let’s see how.
Travel companies are changing their focus
Travel companies are using the opportunity to change their focus and rethink their digital assets. They opt to target and attract customers through online channels. They can provide unique, exceptional, and personalized travel experiences by combining different services according to customer’s preferences. Their primary focus is an advanced digital marketing and data collection.
Travel companies are already aware that people now have different needs, problems, and priorities than before. They inform their customers about current travel regulations and opt to make their products and communications more meaningful than ever. Engaging with existing customers with personalized content and messaging is very important.
Travelers need more choice and control
Travel companies are empowering customers to build unique itineraries based on their needs and preferences. They are encouraged to use innovative digital tools which enable them to modify their plans quickly and easily. Travel companies understand that factors that promote customer loyalty have changed. For example, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the ability to change or cancel reservations matters more than brand choice or price. Introducing solutions and policies that provide more choice and control over travel experience help in building the trust and confidence necessary to get travelers back on their feet.
In the aftermath of a pandemic, passengers need more flexibility than ever before.
New travel mindset
Today’s passengers have a new travel mindset – they expect total flexibility with their booking, high cleanliness standards, and privacy. They are also interested in visiting lesser-known destinations and willing to travel to their dream destinations during the offseason when it’s less crowded. Also, there is increasing demand for domestic travel and road trips. People are also passionate about traveling to destinations where they can have a positive impact on local communities. They are happy to help boost tourism revenue and the local economy. Furthermore, more and more travelers are carbon-conscious, so they opt to book airlines with a carbon-neutral commitment.
Remote destinations are still popular.
AI is crucial for the future of travel
AI and machine learning are crucial for the future of travel as a way to understand travelers’ purchase patterns and user behavior. Advanced systems that predict what the traveler needs are very valuable even before they realize it for themselves. AI can offer the best destination and accommodation suggestions, the most affordable and convenient flights, and additional services for personalized travel. This helps companies to differentiate their brand in a highly competitive market and stand out from the rest.
Airline companies already use advanced AI solutions to improve the user experience. They can offer alternative airport routes or different travel dates when a traveler searches for a flight. They can use the data to send future reminders, useful updates and advice before traveling, price alerts, and special discounts to each particular traveler.
A strong personalization strategy relies on the information a travel company can gather from:
- Their website
- Consumer survey
- User reviews
- Social media activity
- Loyalty program data
- Chatbot data
- Call center data
- Mobile apps
- Data from outside sources, such as Facebook News Feed
- Search behavior
AI is crucial for collecting data and offering personalized travel experiences.
Moving to your dream destination
In addition to travel experiences, the pandemic also changed the way we work. The majority of people are still working remotely, and they will continue to for many years to come. This brought many new opportunities, such as the chance to relocate to your favorite destination in the world.
For example, many people have decided to move to a developed nation such as Canada. For many, Toronto has been a dream destination for a long time. So, starting a new life in Toronto is increasingly common these days. This city is a good choice if you consider changing your environment permanently. It’s a diverse metropolis with excellent quality of life, democracy, safety, overall security, low crime rates, delicious food, and beautiful nature. What more could you wish for? However, before moving to your dream destination, make sure you consider all aspects of life carefully and see if they match with your vision of the future. If they do and you already got to know the city well by traveling there a few times, the only thing left for you to do is to organize a smooth transition with enough time at your disposal. Once you settle down in Toronto, it will be a good base for your future trips to other parts of Canada and the world.
Final thoughts
It’s clear that travel helps the mind, and it’s also clear that today’s travelers expect and demand personalized travel experiences with tailored messaging and services. People, data, and technology are crucial for successful personalization and greater authenticity. The best form of personalization balances technology with the human touch. Although technology enhances the travel experience, it can’t replace the connection made by human interaction. All in all, travel companies and travelers should not be afraid of changes, but instead, they should embrace them and ride those waves of change the best they can.
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Author bio:
Maria Thompson is a freelance writer and a passionate traveler. She recently moved to Toronto, where she plans to spend a few years enjoying nature and outdoor activities. Her dream is to live on all different continents and share her experiences in blogs and videos.
Chillwall AI are creators of a SuperHuman AI Concierge helping visitors to discover new travel experiences without searching.
