Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India
Every generation has experienced a “golden age” of travel, driven by transformative technological breakthroughs. Technology has always played a pivotal role from the jet engine revolution of the 1950s that shortened travel times to the rise of the internet in the 1990s that allowed travellers to curate their own itineraries.
Today, we stand on the brink of another paradigm shift, driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI (GenAI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and green technologies. This moment offers industry leaders a critical opportunity to rethink how we engage with travellers, innovate products and services, and build sustainable operational models. As technology evolves from a supportive function to a central force driving transformation, the travel industry must seize this opportunity to lead purposefully. By offering enriching experiences that provide a much-needed break from technology; while also championing sustainability, the industry can create a lasting impact.
What once seemed burdensome—long queues, paperwork, and unpredictable itineraries—has now given way to seamless, hyper-personalized travel experiences. Innovations such as biometric check-ins, AI-driven chatbots, and dynamic itinerary planning are transforming travel into an intuitive and efficient process.
India’s DigiYatra initiative is a prime example of this shift, using facial recognition technology to streamline airport access for millions of travellers. Similarly, platforms like Hopper and Kayak, among others, use AI to predict optimal booking windows and create personalized travel plans. Meanwhile, tools like Google Lens help travellers break down language barriers, enabling them to interact more deeply with the cultures they encounter.
These technological strides are not just about convenience; they reflect a deeper commitment to building meaningful human connections. By responsibly leveraging AI, travel companies can enhance trust, ensuring that innovation aligns with traveller-centric values.
As data privacy and security become increasingly critical, blockchain technology emerges as a game-changer in fostering transparency and accountability. From decentralized ticketing systems that eliminate intermediaries to secure digital passports for identity verification, blockchain is redefining trust in the travel sector.
Startups like Zamna are pioneering blockchain-based biometric systems that dramatically reduce wait times. Airlines are also exploring blockchain for revamping loyalty programs, offering passengers a more seamless experience in redeeming rewards. Beyond efficiency, blockchain helps drive sustainability by optimizing resources, such as tokenizing unused airline seats for more efficient booking.
Blockchain, therefore, represents not just cutting-edge technology but a clear signal that the industry is committed to integrity and innovation in a trust-driven ecosystem.
Airports are also evolving into smart ecosystems that integrate technology with human-centric design. Innovations like facial recognition that may have started at Heathrow and Changi, as well as IoT-enabled passenger flow optimization, are enhancing both operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction.
Once aboard, with the rising frequency of travel and a greater variety of options, passengers will become more discerning in choosing airlines. Airlines will need to differentiate themselves based on the quality of experiences and services, especially in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems, which will play a crucial role. Passengers will expect IFEC systems to provide experiences like those on their personal smart devices. To stay ahead, suppliers must continually innovate and stay abreast of emerging technologies.
The technological transformation of airports reflects a broader imperative: reimagining mobility as sustainable, safe, scalable, and inclusive. Collaboration among governments, technology providers, and industry peers will be essential to shaping a mobility landscape that prioritizes innovation while preserving human connections.
Within this context, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector plays a critical role in driving collaboration and economic growth. AI-driven matchmaking platforms, as seen at the G20 Summit in India, are enhancing participant engagement, while AR and VR are transforming the event experience.
As India establishes itself as a global MICE hub with world-class infrastructure like the India International Convention and Expo Centre, industry leaders have a unique opportunity to balance growth with sustainability. By incorporating eco-conscious practices into event planning, the MICE sector can create economic value while preserving cultural and environmental integrity.
The travel industry must also lead the charge in mitigating its environmental impact while continuing to foster growth. AI and data analytics enable airlines to optimize flight routes and reduce emissions, while green technologies are paving the way for carbon-neutral aircraft. In India, initiatives like Delhi Airport’s 100% green energy use and Meghalaya’s promotion of its living root bridges demonstrate how sustainability can coexist with development.
For leaders in the industry, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to align innovation with environmental responsibility, ensuring that growth is sustainable and inclusive. By embracing technological advancements with a strategic, human-centric approach, the travel industry can set new standards of excellence and purpose, ensuring that every journey leaves a positive and lasting impact on the world.
