Wearable technology will be the real technology game-changer in 2015, Thomson predicts.
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Thomson predicts wearable technology will be ‘game-changer’ in 2015
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Wearable technology will be the real technology game-changer in 2015, Thomson predicts.
The Tui Travel operator will trial the latest innovation both in the UK and overseas early next year.
Wearable technology will explode onto the travel scene with the launch of the iWatch in early 2015, through dedicated apps designed to enhance the holiday experience, according to Thomson.
Wearable boarding passes will allow travellers to board their flight with a flick of a wrist at the airport, in resort they will be able to access local information, get the latest weather reports and book excursions.
Holiday reps will be able to access information, make bookings and communicate with their resort office and the UK, all from their wrists.
Virtual Reality technology will bring the high street agency experience to life, allowing customers to have a personalised, inspiring and highly immersive experience in stores.
Virtual Reality technology and high quality interactive displays will allow customers to feel the holiday experience and tailor choices down to the finest of detail – an initiative already being trailed by rival Thomas Cook.
Small Bluetooth transmitters called iBeacons that push out information to nearby iPhone users, will also be widely used by travel companies, Thomson predicts.
Holidaymakers can receive information and guidance at key points in their journey, alerting them to gate numbers, retail offers, queues and delays in the airport, as well as hotel and resort information once on holiday.
Mobile technology will become ‘the norm’ as a way to search and book a holiday this year, with 28% of all of Thomson and First Choice’s online bookings made between January and October 2014 on smart phones and tablets.
Rich and highly tailored content can now be accessed through all devices, making it a quick and easy way to book.
Looking forward to the peak booking period, Thomson and First Choice revealed that the peak time for holiday searches on Christmas Day is at around 8.30pm, with 110,000 people going online to search for holidays.
Jeremy Ellis, marketing and digital director, said: “2015 promises to be an exciting year for travel. The explosion of mobile technology has not only changed the way people book, it is shaping our customers’ holiday experience from start to finish.”
