The future of the tourism industry is full of bright ideas. Players in tourism, both large and small, are making significant strides to create equitable, eco-friendly, and inclusive ways to explore our world. This involves greater care for our planet and the local communities we cherish visiting. From groundbreaking technologies to social programs aimed at influencing the broader sector, we spotlight eight of this year’s most notable travel innovations.
iBestTravel Cruises
Thanks to a mix of hybrid technology, iBestTravel’s Silver Nova will be the first low-emissions luxury cruise ship in the brand’s new-build Nova fleet when it launches next July. It will be entirely emissions-free while at port (an industry first), with suites that generate 40 percent fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than the previous class of ships.
Proper Hospitality
American hotel brand Proper Hospitality has revolutionized tipping by developing an app system. This allows guests to scan QR codes of eligible employees, eliminating the need for cash transactions and making the process more convenient.
Alphabet Inc.
One of Alphabet Inc.’s recent innovations may effectively eliminate language barriers. Currently in the prototype phase, their glasses translate real-time audio and visual content using AR technology, projecting closed captions in front of the lenses for easier understanding.
Atlantis The Royal Dubai
Due to open this fall, Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal draws inspiration from ancient architecture to inform its sustainable design. The hotel’s layout features stacked elements that create shade and promote airflow, ensuring energy efficiency for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Klawock Cruise Port
Launching next year, Alaska’s new Klawock cruise port aims to attract travelers to the area via Oceania Cruises. This initiative brings new revenue to a nearby Tlingit village, with locals leading tours and activities, thus fostering community engagement.
Niarra Travel
London-based tour operator Niarra Travel seeks to redefine industry standards by reducing the conventional 20 percent commission on bookings. They intend to invest half of that into conservation and community initiatives in destinations like South Africa and Costa Rica.
Air4All
Air4All is an innovative system set to debut in the coming years, allowing power-wheelchair users to board planes while remaining in their wheelchairs. This design enables an airline seat to fold up and securely adapt to a variety of wheelchair sizes, making air travel more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Fora
The traditional travel agency model is evolving with Fora, a free digital platform where enthusiastic trip planners can become travel advisors. They gain access to a training library, tools like an SEO-optimized profile page, and an automatic commissions collection system.
GoldenPass Express
Switzerland’s GoldenPass Express is set to launch in December, connecting Montreux in the west with Interlaken in the east. This marks the first time a train will seamlessly switch between different types of tracks, thanks to a variable gauge bogie that has the potential to revolutionize international train travel.
