International travel is an undeniable part of our lives. Whether it was work-related or leisurely time-off, it growingly became a familiar and frequent experience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought this billion-dollar industry to an unprecedented halt. The world shifted from flying among the clouds to surviving on the cloud. This set the stage for changes unlike any ever known. With over 90% of the world waiting to fully travel again, there is a considerable amount of pressure on the industry to adapt to the new normal of post-COVID travel.

The innovations that the industry will see during the recovery will certainly include digital innovations, not to minimize the average human contact, but to support travellers to carry out tasks remotely in order to avoid crowded places, like queues. So, as borders re-open, here’s how we see a shift in several aspects of the travel process.

Post-COVID Travel Shifts

More time to plan

Planning a trip will possibly be far more detailed now – our search keywords and every move for our next journey will possibly be coded around caution, regulations, health and safety. Impromptu, international trips with little to no planning may be a miss for travellers in the near future. People will be far more cognizant of not only the destinations they choose for their next vacation but will also prefer advanced bookings not just in accommodation but also for local movement.

We may see a reverse trend as travellers bank more on trusted brands and hospitality chains with set standards of sanitation and hygiene instead of local homestays and public transport. Augmented or Virtual Reality could also play a significant role in reassuring the traveller of the surroundings they choose and necessary safety precautions keeping their mind at ease and make informed decisions.

Along with the stay, post-COVID travel will also see high adoption of digital alternatives while on the trip. For example, contactless payment through smartphones, wearables and near-field communication (NFC) enabled cards will see greater demand to avoid the physical exchange of cash and the usual rush at forex booths. Location-based information services that could assist travellers with immediate medical support, quick reference directories, real-time local updates, etc. will also gain base.

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Hello to more e-Gateways

With the reopening of essential domestic air travel, we can efficiently draw a roadmap for future international travel. Self-service kiosks, online check-ins, digital identification modes, etc. have been greatly encouraged for air travel lately. They ensure minimum human touchpoints which helps minimize the risk of infection. Though, sanitising touchscreens after each use may be an effort for service providers.

Travellers will also be encouraged to consider digital options in processing documentation. Solutions such as eVisas and ePassport gates allow essential travel documents to be digitally processed without compromises on security.

The eVisa on Arrival digital solution, used by travellers to Thailand for example, is gaining popularity as it allows one to clear Visa On Arrival formalities at the destination airport, which is often a time-consuming process. Essentially, it enables the traveller to not just get visas remotely, but also reduce the turnaround timelines of the process.

On the other hand, ePassport gates that use facial recognition technology to verify the traveller’s identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport will also help verify health risk beyond just security risk to the destination country. Global initiatives to ensure a smarter digitized traveller journey are also in play. To summarize, self-service will be a huge part of our new normal in post-COVID travel era.

On-the-go safety

Other than the effort of travelling from one place to another, the way one chooses accommodation and the services available for travellers at the destinations are also set to change. Travellers are bound to be cognizant of their belongings and make sure their baggage and other personal items are sanitised as well. Ultraviolet disinfection tunnels may be an option at entry points to ensure safety.

There could also be a rise in IoT-enabled baggage and other travel essentials so that one can track their belongings and be mindful of the objects it comes in contact with. On the other hand, digital hotel room keys that can allow you access without having to wait at crowded receptions are also sure to gain popularity. Bookings on digital avenues that allow individuals to plan travel remotely have over the years become a popular choice, but now, the value of these is far greater and more essential to the traveller today.

So, how do you think post-COVID travel will change for you? Will you continue to travel normally, or will you be thinking thrice before booking that flight? Feel free to share in the comments.

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Authored by Benjamin Boesch, Head – Digital and eCommerce, VFS Global