IoT and Blockchain technology in travel

The technology and methodologies such as design thinking used by SAP, ensure that the most important experiences are well captured for future travellers. This was revealed to TravTalk recently by Pedro Pereira, Digital Transformation Leader at SAP EMEA South.

TT BUREAU

How has IoT (Internet of Things) become a part of the traveller experience?
Technology is really changing the game today. If you see the Internet of Things, it is a great enabler knowing more of the traveller every step of the way. We connect with the traveller from the house, to the taxi, to the airport and all the way when she/he lands at the destination and where she/he would prefer to visit. This information is made possible with this kind of technology. We are able to provide back to the traveller the best experience because we have the relevant data today. We have an opportunity to re-imagine the entire travel industry using the internet of things and artificial intelligence.

How does block chain technology help travel?
This is a breakthrough technology to the travel industry. For example, imagine that you are arriving from London to Dubai and your identification is already processed and authorised digitally in London hence you do not have to pass immigration when you land in Dubai but walk straight ahead to the itinerary you have planned. We can have the digital identity from the travellers all the way from one airport to another which will completely improve the ecosystem of travel. This secured environmental trustworthy platform in block chain was not possible before.

How do travel agents and tour operators benefit from this technology?
They will have all the necessary information about the traveller, such as their preferences, personal information, etc. which will enable them to ensure that they design their services with real time offers which benefits the needs of the traveller. This will change the whole travel ecosystem. This information will enable a better service from the travel agent. For example, the travel agent can recommend the types of services required by the traveller ensuring that the privacy of the traveller is kept secure.

Dubai in digital mode by 2020
Dubai is not new to digitalisation. What we see in Dubai is a process started long time ago and we are just taking it to the next level. Dubai is adopting innovation and technology to enhance the experiences of the citizens first by making them happy and at the same time ensuring the government entities and the service providers around the travel industry more productive and efficient that in a context of all your experiences you can have will make the travel industry from the UAE a model for worldwide benchmark.