Impact of technology on travel and tourism - statistics & facts
Technology, just like travelers, is always on the move. From the creation of global distribution systems (GDSs) to the launching of the World Wide Web in the 1990s, the travel and tourism sector has come a long way since the mid-century. Less than 20 years ago, mobile travel apps revolutionized the industry yet again, making smartphones an integral part of the travel experience. Nowadays, the implementations of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism market hint that a whole new chapter for the online travel market is about to begin.
While the next evolution of the travel and tourism market promised by artificial intelligence is still in its early phase, it is already clear that topics like personalization and automation will take center stage in the coming years. Travelers can already use services like AI chatbots and AI agents, which are only the start of what is to come. Travel industry professionals are already preparing themselves, as with these new and developing technologies, travel as we know it is about to radically change once again.
How big is the global distribution system market?
GDSs are online networks that connect suppliers like airlines, hotels, or car rental services to travel booking companies. Having access to the suppliers’ inventory, like the number of rooms available to book at a hotel, GDSs provide such information to travel agents and online travel agencies, allowing customers to book multiple travel services at once. In 2024, the global distribution system market was estimated at almost 12 billion U.S. dollars, with Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport being the leading industry players. That year, Amadeus’ revenue alone accounted for over half of the global GDS market, reaching an all-time high.What are the most popular travel technologies?
While generative AI is perhaps the most talked-about topic, it is just one of the many technological innovations that are transforming how customers experience travel. A 2024 survey explored awareness and usage of advanced technologies among digital travelers in the United States, namely consumers who use technology for trip planning. Based on the study, virtual reality and augmented reality ranked as the most popular technologies after generative AI, used by almost 30 percent of respondents. In contrast, less than 20 percent of travelers surveyed said they used web3 wallet.How do technology preferences differ among travelers?
Different technologies appeal to different travelers, with factors like trip purpose or nationality playing a significant role in shaping consumer preferences. For instance, nearly half of global business travelers surveyed in 2024 said that smart room controls for mobile and tablet devices were their preferred technology that would improve a hotel stay, whereas less than 30 percent of leisure travelers said the same. Meanwhile, in a 2024 global survey, almost 80 percent and over 60 percent of travelers in China and the United Arab Emirates, respectively, said they used AI for travel planning. Comparatively, less than 25 percent of respondents in France and Germany said the same.While the next evolution of the travel and tourism market promised by artificial intelligence is still in its early phase, it is already clear that topics like personalization and automation will take center stage in the coming years. Travelers can already use services like AI chatbots and AI agents, which are only the start of what is to come. Travel industry professionals are already preparing themselves, as with these new and developing technologies, travel as we know it is about to radically change once again.
