As ICE marks ten years in travel technology, we take a look at how the industry has evolved into a tech-driven ecosystem, completely different from the one that entered this millennium.
The travel industry has been an ever-evolving mechanism over the last century. Transport innovations like the introduction of airplanes and the electrification of the railways opened the floodgates of travel and tourism.
However, it is with the technological advancements of the last decade, that true evolution took place. With technology changing the way people move around, world travel has become seamless. The average traveller is spoilt for choice in terms of travel information available online. This has given rise to challenges and opportunities, creating a new wave of entrepreneurial innovation.
An era of technology disruption has challenged the traditional travel set-up with digital ecosystems and connected technologies.
Consumers have become more aware, time-conscious, and demanding. Industry executives have understood that transformation to digital business entails operational models that connect with customers at every touch point and channel along their journeys.
Connectivity of data across the full breadth of the travel journey has emerged as the go-to strategy. This has witnessed the emergence of a more connected, more data-empowered, more digitally transformed travel industry. Travel companies have moved from a product-centric model to a consumer-centric model, where the ‘customer is the king’.
Update at October 8th 2020
It's interesting to look back at this article, written at a time when travel was still very much a core part of the entertainment and leisure industries.
Today of course, in our post-Coronavirus world, most of us have been unable to book a holiday this year and those who have are still unsure as to whether or not it will actually be fulfilled - and if so, when.
Technology is still very much a huge part of the industry and our experienced teams here on theICEway, from ICE, CRIBB Cyber Security and eTestware, continue to work closely with our travel clients to augment their efforts in the hope that the current circumstances will change - which they will.
When that happens, travel companies will need to be ready to deal with what is sure to be a huge influx of bookings, so it is imperative that they have the right systems and processes in place - and that is exactly where we fit in.
Technology will continue to revolutionise travel, as indeed it will continue to open up new possibilities for other verticals, so now is the time to ensure you are doing all you can to stay at least one step ahead.
By taking your first step along theICEway, we'll do our utmost to help you do just that.
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