Three emerging technologies in business travel management
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Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other smart technologies are changing the way business travel is researched, booked and experienced. As technology-driven services mature and are gradually integrated into personal assistance services, the user experience is becoming more and more enhanced.
A recent study by Booking.com Business found that the majority of professionals (75%) agree that technology makes it easier to plan and book accommodation and business travel compared to traditional travel agents.
Although there is still some way to go in terms of improving the speed, ease and personalization of all aspects of the user experience, some revolutionary solutions are emerging that are coming to transform the world of business travel, such as:
The latest in personal assistants: nearly a third (29%) of global travelers say they are comfortable with having a computer plan their next trip using historical data from their previous trips, and half (50%) don't have a preference between a real person or a computer, as long as they get answers to their questions.
Chat platforms and AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly advanced, and the more they learn, the more they can handle. These systems are able to gather information about the likes and dislikes of business travelers, and give personalized recommendations.
AI-powered robots can already handle simple face-to-face interactions and transactions with customers. At Geneva airport, for example, there are self-service terminals to do check in and issue boarding passes. In this way, airport staff can handle more complex procedures or interactions.
In the hotel sector, concierge services are becoming increasingly automated, so that some tasks are already being done by robots. At the M Social Hotel, in Singapore, they use a robot called AURA (Automated Room-Service Associate) for room service and to make other deliveries to hotel guests. AURA is designed to navigate the corridors, clear obstacles, use the elevator properly and even alert guests when they arrive at their room. These butler robots can help business travelers make efficient use of their time while receiving deliveries, special requests and personal touches right at their door.
Mobile technology, the open door to new experiences: Thanks to advances in mobile technology, business travel is becoming increasingly easy and bookable on the go. Nearly every aspect of searching, booking and making changes to flights and hotels can be done directly from a mobile device. In addition, mobile devices are becoming the gateway to enhanced and personalized experiences for travelers, helping them discover and explore the destinations they are going to, according to their personal and professional tastes and preferences.