Fuelled by innovation in AI, sustainability, digital platforms, and consumer experience, Europe’s travel tech ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly! From personalised planning tools and smart booking engines to immersive experiences and integrated payments, startups across the continent are reimagining how we explore the world. The sector continues to attract fresh talent and significant investment, with founders tackling not just leisure travel but also mobility, accommodation, and alternative tourism models.
If you’re looking for a place to connect with the most forward-thinking minds in the industry, the FutureTravel Summit 2025 is just around the corner. Taking place on 30 October at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm in Barcelona, the summit will feature a curated programme of keynotes, panels, and a high-energy pitch competition. It’s a unique opportunity to gain insights into the sector’s momentum and meet the visionaries shaping the future of travel.
On that note, we have curated this list of 10 promising European travel tech startups, all founded from 2022 till today, that everyone should be keeping an eye on. These companies are building practical, scalable solutions that address real traveller needs, whether it’s simplifying bookings, modernising transport, enhancing experiences, or enabling new types of travel businesses. Let’s get right into it!
Arbio is a property management platform based in Berlin, focusing on short-term rentals and vacation apartments. It combines an AI-powered operating system with automation tools to manage pricing, bookings, and accounting. The platform supports direct bookings, distributes listings across OTAs, and provides owners with full transparency via a personalised dashboard.
Arbio currently manages over 700 apartments across 10 cities and helps property owners increase their revenue by optimising occupancy and pricing. The company also offers a flexible trial model and the option to sell or transfer rental portfolios. Founded in 2022, they have raised €25 million.
Arcube is a Passenger Intelligence Platform based in Manchester that helps airlines improve loyalty and generate ancillary revenue after a flight ends. The platform uses AI and data to allow passengers to convert unused miles into personalised ancillaries for future bookings. These offers are sent automatically post-flight and can include benefits like seat selection, baggage upgrades, or lounge access.
By reserving ancillaries for future use, passengers are encouraged to return to the same airline rather than switching to a competitor. The platform is compatible with major PSS and CRM systems and can be set up in under two months. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €1.2 million.
Drimer is a monetisation-focused platform based in Barcelona that allows travel content creators, agencies, and planners to sell fully bookable trips. The platform works as an online travel agency, integrating services like flights, accommodation, car rentals, and activities into a single interface. Drimer’s AI-powered tool lets users generate personalised itineraries in seconds, with options to customise branding and set commission margins.
Drimer handles key operational tasks such as payment processing and 24/7 customer support, allowing creators to focus on building and selling unique travel experiences. The platform is designed for speed, automation, and scalability, making it a practical solution for professionals and small agencies alike. Founded in 2022, they have raised €1 million.
HolaCamp is a Barcelona-based campsite operating company that manages and develops outdoor accommodation sites across Spain and Portugal. The company focuses on enhancing the value of traditionally owner-managed campgrounds through digitalisation, operational support, and investment. Their destinations include beachside, rural, and nature-integrated locations, offering a variety of glamping and camping experiences.
HolaCamp provides services such as site management, online booking, customer support, and marketing, and aims to modernise camping while keeping the natural experience central. With a growing portfolio of destinations and a strong focus on sustainability, the company continues to expand across Southern Europe. Founded in 2023, they have raised €31 million
Based in Paris, Kolet is a digital telecom startup offering eSIM services for travellers in over 190 destinations. With one eSIM for multiple trips, users can stay connected abroad without worrying about roaming fees, hidden charges, or swapping physical SIM cards. The app provides instant access to mobile data, easy installation guides, and the option to reuse leftover data as credit for future trips.
Kolet works with most smartphones and supports features like WhatsApp messaging and customer support via chat. The company targets modern travellers looking for flexibility, simplicity, and cost transparency while abroad. Founded in 2024, they have raised €15 million.
Layla AI is a Berlin-based AI-powered travel planning platform that helps users design and book personalised trips through a conversational interface. Travellers can ask Layla to build custom itineraries, find flights, discover hotels, and explore activities, all through natural language prompts. The platform integrates with providers like Booking.com, Skyscanner, and GetYourGuide to offer real-time recommendations and bookings.
Layla combines AI, short-form video content, and influencer insights to inspire and guide users. It is designed for solo travellers, couples, and families, supporting everything from weekend getaways to multi-city trips. Founded in 2022, they have raised €5 million.
Based in Sabadell, Nomade Nation designs, produces, and sells customised camper vans under the Neo and Neo S models. Their vehicles combine modern interior design, advanced technology, and home-like comfort to support independent travel. The vans are available for direct purchase and are also integrated into rental fleets through a network of partner operators.
The company offers a fully digital configurator, after-sales support, and options for both private buyers and fleet owners. In addition to new models, Nomade Nation also supports second-hand sales and promotes sustainable travel through its blog and customer resources. Founded in 2022, they have raised over €1.5 million.
Based in Denmark, Understory is a platform built for experience-based businesses to manage bookings, events, and day-to-day operations. It is used by tour operators, class instructors, accommodation providers, and other experience hosts to centralise bookings, simplify administration, and promote their offerings online. The platform includes features such as calendar management, performance dashboards, marketing tools, and guest communication, all in one interface.
Understory is designed to support a wide range of niches, from arts and crafts to food tastings and adventure tourism. It provides local customer support and facilitates collaboration among users through community events and partner promotions. Founded in 2023, they have raised €3.8 million.
Based in Milan, Weeborais a digital platform designed for padel fans looking to book travel experiences centred around the sport. Users can browse and reserve holiday packages, tournaments, and training camps in top destinations like Zanzibar, Madrid, and the Maldives. The service combines accommodation, transport, and coaching into curated travel bundles.
Weebora partners with certified instructors and padel academies to deliver high-quality experiences. The company also offers custom trip planning through its Package Design Form and manages all logistics, including bookings and payments. Founded in 2024, Weebora has raised €1.3 million.
Based in Stockholm,Wingbitsprovides a decentralised flight tracking network that offers real-time and historical ADS-B data for the aviation industry. The company collects and distributes high-quality flight data through a global community of contributors and encrypted ADS-B hardware. This data supports applications across sectors such as airports, defence, research, fleet operations, and government agencies.
Wingbits enables users to track flights, analyse trends, and generate insights through its customisable data services. It also incentivises contributors through a blockchain-based model, making data sharing more accessible and scalable. Founded in 2023, they have raised €7.7 million.
Home»EUROPE» Discover Dublin, Ireland, with the New AI Tour Guide: A Digital Revolution in Urban Tourism
Saturday, July 26, 2025
With intelligent technology, the journey and exploration of rocky pathways in the busy city of Dublin has fully emerged into a novel experience. ‘Brendan,’ Dublin’s first AI-powered tour guide, provides tourists with a whole new way of seeing the city’s most famous landmarks. This new venture, developed by CityMe in collaboration with Dublin City Council, combines tech and travel. The project enables tourists to look at today’s high-tech attractions through the eyes of a computer-generated guide.
Introduction to Dublin’s First AI Tour Guide
The creation of Brendan, a virtual tour guide, was part of an initiative to enhance the visitor experience in Dublin. This artificial intelligence (AI) guide, developed by CityMe, an urban tourism company specializing in AI-powered audio guides, is now the newest addition to the city’s tourism offerings. While AI guides are already available in other cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona, Brendan represents a new milestone for Dublin. The app, which can be downloaded on mobile devices, serves as a gateway to more than 540 locations across Dublin. The guide’s role is to provide real-time narration using geolocation technology, delivering stories and historical insights as users stroll through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
The Role of Technology in Dublin Tourism
The app, part of Dublin’s Smart Dublin initiative, allows visitors to explore six distinct neighborhoods within the city, including Stoneybatter/Smithfield, The Liberties, City Centre North/O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, Stephen’s Green/Portobello, and Trinity College/Docklands. Each neighborhood features a dedicated tour introduction, offering options to explore significant locations in greater detail. As the app taps into AI audio technology, the guide provides a warm and locally informed storytelling style about each place, including iconic pubs, eateries, museums, galleries, and historical sites.
One of the most notable features of this AI guide is its use of cutting-edge geolocation capabilities, which allows it to offer relevant commentary based on the user’s exact location. Whether visitors are wandering through Dublin’s medieval streets, observing ancient monuments, or enjoying a lively pub atmosphere, Brendan’s voice will provide them with historical insights that are otherwise inaccessible to the average traveler.
Brendan’s Narration: A Blend of History and Hyperbole
As users engage with the app, they are welcomed by Brendan, who greets them with a friendly tone and introduces them to the rich history of Dublin. However, while his narration is designed to be engaging and informative, some users have noted that the AI guide’s delivery lacks the depth and nuance that a human tour guide would provide. The information presented is generally accurate but tends to focus more on general facts than on the intricate details of Dublin’s complex history.
For example, Brendan accurately introduces Dublin Castle as a symbol of British power, mentioning the historical significance of its handover to the Irish Provisional Government in 1922. However, the guide omits important details, such as the unsolved theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907. In contrast, traditional human guides often dive into such fascinating but lesser-known aspects of Dublin’s past, adding depth and intrigue to the experience.
Similarly, when discussing the famous Temple Bar Pub, Brendan provides a thorough description of its transformation from a rough neighborhood to a bustling tourism hotspot. Yet, key historical facts are left out, such as the building’s status as a protected structure or its role in preserving the area from being turned into a bus station.
While the app succeeds in providing a brief overview of each site, the overall tone of Brendan’s narration has been described as repetitive and overly simplistic, with little room for the complexity and contradictions that define Dublin’s history.
The Pros and Cons of AI in Travel
The AI-driven CityMe app has garnered mixed responses from Dublin’s human tour guides, many of whom see it as a tool that complements, rather than competes with, their services. For independent travelers, the app offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional walking tours. It provides a simple way to explore Dublin at one’s own pace without the need to book a tour or interact with a guide. This is particularly appealing for solo travelers or those on a tight schedule who still want to experience the essence of the city.
However, while AI guides like Brendan have their benefits, they lack the human connection that many tourists seek when visiting a new city. Tourists often come to Dublin not just to learn about its history but to engage with local culture and interact with people who can offer personal insights and anecdotes that make a place come alive. Human guides can provide an emotional connection and share their own experiences, which is something that AI, for all its technical prowess, cannot replicate.
Moreover, the AI guide’s inability to provide personalized interactions or adapt its narrative based on the user’s specific interests can sometimes feel impersonal. In contrast, a human guide can tailor their storytelling to suit the audience’s preferences, providing a more fulfilling and engaging experience.
The Future of AI in Travel and Dublin’s Tourism
As Dublin continues to develop its Smart City initiatives, the integration of AI in tourism will likely grow. The CityMe app is a clear step forward in modernizing the city’s tourism infrastructure and offering visitors a new way to engage with its landmarks. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of travel, where AI-powered guides may become the norm rather than the exception.
That said, the app also highlights the limitations of relying on technology to replace human experiences. While Brendan’s knowledge is largely accurate and helpful, it is the human element that ultimately makes travel memorable. As tourists increasingly seek authentic experiences, the role of human guides in creating a connection with visitors will remain indispensable.
For now, the CityMe app provides an enjoyable and informative introduction to Dublin, particularly for those with limited time. It offers a new way to explore the city’s historical and cultural treasures, albeit without the depth and personal touch that a human guide can provide. As AI technology continues to evolve, future iterations may become more sophisticated, but it is unlikely that it will ever replace the emotional and personal connections forged through human interaction.
Conclusion: A Positive Step Forward for Dublin’s Tourism
Summing up, although Brendan the AI guide can never take the place of an experienced human tour guide, it is still an invaluable addition to the tools of those visitors going to Dublin. Whether you’re after a brief introduction to the city or something deeper and more akin to the CityMe app, it is a useful aide for any person in search of a digital partner to lead them through Dublin. However, there is still no substitute for the expertise, passion, and personal connection offered by Dublin’s human tour guides if you really want to make your trip informative and entertaining at the same time.
If you’re anything like us, the thought of traveling can create feelings of unease. A supposedly relaxing time away can throw up all sorts of challenges and stress due to unfamiliar environments, a language you don’t speak a word of, and the fear of missing your plane. Thankfully, enhanced AI underpins the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, meaning these cutting-edge phones have your back. They also feature outstanding battery life and lightning-fast charging, so you won’t miss a thing.
We’ve compiled this how-to guide to make Galaxy AI1 your best friend in your pocket when you’re out and about traveling.
How can I speak to someone in another language with the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Simply enable Galaxy AI Live Translate2, set the language you want, and you can automatically translate phone calls to hotels and information desks in your destination country. You can also hold face-to-face conversations without awkwardly fumbling through a guidebook with Galaxy AI Interpreter3. This real-time, in-person voice translation capability makes the Galaxy S25 one of the best phones for communicating internationally.
How can I translate written text while traveling with the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Activate your camera, long-press the Home button, hit the Translate function, and point the camera lens at whatever you want to translate. Galaxy AI will automatically detect the language and convert it for you. If you need to decipher a street sign or want to verify what a menu item is before you take the plunge, text translation in camera mode takes the uncertainty and stress out of traveling.
How can I improve my event photography with the Samsung Galaxy S25?
(Image credit: Samsung)
Enable Galaxy AI Photo Assist4, which offers real-time suggestions to perfect your snaps by adjusting your composition, optimizing lighting, recommending the best filters, and automatically reducing picture noise and enhancing clarity. Got random photobombers spoiling your shot? Remove them with Object Eraser, a handy feature of Galaxy AI Generative Edit5. And when you’re sitting high up in the rafters, the AI-enhanced high resolution zoom capability massively improves videos filmed at concerts and events, so you can capture the action as if you’re right next to it.
How can I enhance my night photography with the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Night Mode on your S25’s camera can help you say goodbye to blurry night photos when you’re on holiday. This feature utilizes AI to blend up to 30 images into one amazing shot, boosting color and detail and giving you incredible after-dusk photos. Galaxy AI Nightography6 means your pictures and videos will finally look good in low light, solving a long-standing pet peeve of camera phone users.
How can I message people accurately in another language with the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Need to message someone in another language on your travels? Well, you can avoid any unfortunate miscommunications with Writing Assist7. The S25’s AI keyboard helps you tailor your messages to whomever you’re speaking with. Once you’ve typed your message in your language of choice and used Writing Assist to help it sound more professional or relaxed — and eliminate pesky typos — simply tap the Chat Translation button to adapt it to whatever language your recipient speaks.
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How do I plan my holiday with the Samsung Galaxy S25?
(Image credit: Samsung)
By enabling Galaxy AI Note Assist8 on the Samsung Notes app, organising your travel itinerary is a breeze. You can auto-format, summarize, spell check, and translate any notes you take on places to visit, flight times and more. You can even create generative covers to help organize notes with eye-catching thumbnails. Note Assist is known as one of the best ways to help you stay organized for work and day-to-day life — but it really comes into its own when you’re travelling.
One last thing. If you have somehow missed the buzz throughout the internet tech sphere, Samsung has recently launched their latest foldable wonder — the Galaxy Z Fold7. With major hardware upgrades, such as a 200MP camera sensor, an impossibly svelte 4.2mm thin unfolded chassis, and stunning (2184 x 1968) 8” main display, there’s a lot to get excited about. Visit the Samsung website to find out more specs and pre-order details.
1. Samsung account login is required for certain AI features. 2. Samsung account login is required. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Available in 20 languages from launch. 3. Samsung account login is required. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Available in 20 languages from launch. 4. Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed. 5. Samsung account login is required. Requires network connection. 6. Video Results may vary depending on light condition, subject and/or shooting conditions. 7. Samsung account login is required. Requires a network connection. Must meet length requirements to activate feature. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. 8. Samsung account login is required. Requires network connection.
Home»TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS» GCC Travel Tech Revolution: Autonomous Vehicles, AI, and Luxury Pilgrimage Services Set to Transform Middle East Tourism in 2025
Saturday, July 26, 2025
As the Middle East continues to invest heavily in its travel and tourism sectors, technology has become a key enabler of this transformation. By 2025, the region is poised to become a global leader in travel technology, with innovations that are set to revolutionize how people travel, experience destinations, and interact with transportation networks. The Middle East’s embrace of cutting-edge technology is part of a broader vision to position the region as a major player on the world stage for travel, culture, and economic diversification. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s Smart Cities initiative, and Qatar’s push toward tourism diversification are driving investments that will ultimately enhance every aspect of the travel experience.
Category
Company/Initiative
Technology/Development
Details
Autonomous Vehicles
WeRide (China)
Robotaxi Services
Expansion of autonomous vehicle services into the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with commercial operations expected by late 2025.
Pony.ai (China)
Robotaxi Services
Trials of autonomous taxis in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, targeting full commercial deployment by 2025-2026.
Baidu (China)
Autonomous Vehicles
Partnership with UAE-based Autogo to deploy robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, set for trials by the end of 2025.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Humain (Saudi Arabia)
AI Infrastructure
Aiming to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in AI, developing AI services and infrastructure for various industries, including travel.
Airline Technology
Riyadh Air (Saudi Arabia)
Digital and Sustainable Air Travel
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, focusing on digital technology and sustainability, with plans to connect over 100 destinations by 2030.
Travel Platform
Viavii (Jordan)
Experiential Travel Platform
AI and machine learning-powered platform connecting travelers with local hosts for personalized experiences across the Middle East.
Travel Metasearch
Wego (Singapore/UAE)
Metasearch Engine
Integration with over 5,000 hotels, providing a comprehensive platform for booking flights and accommodations, continually innovating in travel tech.
Pilgrimage Technology
Umrahme (Saudi Arabia)
Digital Pilgrimage Platform
A platform for managing Umrah pilgrimage, including accommodation booking, visa processing, and travel tips, aimed at streamlining the pilgrimage experience.
Sustainable Travel
Red Sea Project (Saudi Arabia)
Eco-friendly Resorts & Infrastructure
Developing luxury resorts powered by renewable energy and promoting eco-friendly travel practices, focusing on sustainable tourism.
1. AI-Powered Travel Services: Personalizing Every Step of the Journey
Artificial intelligence (AI) has already become an integral part of the travel sector worldwide, and the Middle East is no exception. By 2025, AI-driven solutions will play an even larger role in reshaping the way travelers plan, book, and experience their trips. In the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, several companies are integrating AI-powered tools into travel booking platforms, customer service, and real-time assistance.
One of the most notable developments in AI travel technology is the use of personalized travel recommendations. Companies like Wego (a travel metasearch engine) and Viavii (an experiential travel platform) are leveraging AI and machine learning to offer travelers tailored itineraries based on their preferences, travel history, and current trends. This level of personalization provides a much more refined travel experience, helping travelers to discover new destinations, find hidden gems, and make more informed decisions about their trips.
Airlines are also incorporating AI technology to enhance the passenger experience. For instance, Emirates Airlines has rolled out an AI-based chatbot to assist customers with bookings, check-in, and flight status updates. This is particularly useful during peak travel periods, reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency.
Furthermore, AI-driven systems are now being used for real-time updates on flight status, baggage handling, and even predicting delays or changes to itineraries. As AI becomes more integrated into the region’s travel infrastructure, travelers will benefit from smoother, more personalized journeys, allowing them to focus on enjoying their trips rather than navigating the complexities of travel logistics.
2. Smart Airports: Enhancing Efficiency and Passenger Comfort
The concept of smart airports is quickly gaining traction across the Middle East, and by 2025, most major airports in the region will incorporate digital solutions to create a seamless, efficient experience for passengers. In the UAE, the Dubai International Airport (DXB) has long been a pioneer in the use of technology to streamline the passenger journey. DXB is working to enhance its use of biometric facial recognition technology, AI-powered security systems, and real-time baggage tracking.
One of the key developments expected by 2025 is the widespread implementation of biometric systems that allow travelers to use their facial features or fingerprints to check in, pass through security, and board flights. This eliminates the need for boarding passes and reduces waiting times, making airports more efficient and accessible. Abu Dhabi International Airport is also implementing similar technologies to enhance passenger convenience and speed up the check-in process.
Additionally, airports in Saudi Arabia, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, are investing in digital solutions to improve passenger flow. From self-check-in kiosks to automated baggage drop-off points, these innovations are designed to reduce congestion and create a frictionless airport experience for travelers. AI-powered systems are also being used to predict potential bottlenecks at security checkpoints, allowing staff to redirect passengers to less busy areas.
Moreover, smart airports are incorporating digital signage and interactive kiosks to provide passengers with real-time information on flight status, gate changes, and other relevant updates. These systems ensure that travelers are well-informed at every stage of their journey, further enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.
One of the most exciting developments in Middle Eastern travel technology is the rise of autonomous vehicles. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are leading the way in integrating self-driving cars and buses into their transportation networks, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and provide passengers with a new level of convenience.
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with WeRide, a Chinese autonomous vehicle company, to introduce robotaxi services in the city. The autonomous taxis are expected to provide a safer and more convenient mode of transport, particularly during peak hours when traffic congestion is a significant issue. The service, which is set to launch in 2025, will provide a seamless travel experience for visitors and residents alike, with passengers able to book rides using their smartphones.
Similarly, Pony.ai, another autonomous vehicle company, has also expanded its operations to the Middle East, with trials set to begin in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. These vehicles will offer on-demand transport, allowing passengers to travel to their destinations without the need for human drivers. By 2025, autonomous vehicles are expected to play a central role in reshaping urban mobility in the region.
In addition to autonomous taxis, Saudi Arabia is investing in flying taxis or urban air mobility (UAM) solutions, with the goal of launching air taxis by 2026. These vehicles, powered by electric propulsion systems, will offer passengers a fast and environmentally friendly way to navigate congested urban areas.
4. Blockchain Technology for Secure Travel Transactions
Blockchain technology is making its mark on the Middle East travel industry in 2025. As one of the most secure and transparent technologies available, blockchain offers a solution to many of the challenges faced by travelers, including fraud prevention, secure payments, and identity verification.
Blockchain technology is being utilized to streamline the booking process, with travel platforms leveraging its secure ledger system to ensure that transactions are processed safely and efficiently. Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed travel initiatives, including those related to digital visas, are utilizing blockchain to provide secure, tamper-proof systems for booking accommodations, flights, and car rentals.
Furthermore, blockchain can enhance travel security by allowing travelers to store their personal information in digital wallets. This eliminates the need for physical passports or paper records and allows travelers to prove their identity securely through blockchain-based certificates.
As blockchain technology becomes more widely adopted, it is expected to significantly reduce the risks of fraud and streamline payment systems, further enhancing the security and efficiency of travel transactions.
Sustainability is at the forefront of travel technology developments in the Middle East. With growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, the region is increasingly focused on sustainable tourism solutions that minimize the carbon footprint of the travel industry.
By 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to become a common mode of transportation for tourists and residents alike. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are implementing EV infrastructure to ensure that tourists can travel sustainably throughout their visits. The development of charging stations for electric cars in cities and key tourist attractions will encourage travelers to opt for greener transportation options.
The Middle East is also focusing on sustainable aviation, with several airlines, including Emirates Airlines, exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions. Additionally, airports in the region are implementing eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient terminals, solar power systems, and waste-reduction initiatives, to promote sustainability across the travel sector.
6. Digital Health Passports and Smart Services for Pilgrims
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health passports have become a critical component of travel in the Middle East. These digital health certificates allow travelers to store and share their vaccination records, test results, and other health-related documents in a secure, easily accessible format. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has implemented digital health passports for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah for Hajj and Umrah.
The use of digital health passports ensures that pilgrims and tourists comply with health and safety protocols, making travel safer and more efficient. In addition, smart services such as virtual reality (VR) tours of religious sites and AI-powered pilgrim assistance systems are improving the overall pilgrimage experience.
7. The Rise of Digital Travel Agencies and Booking Platforms
The traditional travel agency model is evolving in the Middle East, with digital platforms offering travelers personalized, AI-powered services. Companies like Wego and Viavii are providing travelers with customized itineraries, real-time booking options, and seamless payment solutions. These platforms use machine learning algorithms to understand individual preferences and suggest personalized travel experiences based on historical data and user input.
The shift toward digital booking platforms is expected to continue, as more travelers prefer the convenience of managing their trips through mobile apps and online services. These platforms also provide access to comprehensive information about destinations, accommodations, and activities, helping travelers make informed decisions.
8. Tourism Data and Analytics
Tourism data and analytics are becoming increasingly important for both travelers and service providers in the Middle East. Governments and tourism boards are using data analytics to predict tourist trends, identify emerging markets, and optimize travel infrastructure. By leveraging big data, the region is improving its ability to forecast tourism demand, enhance service delivery, and reduce overcrowding at popular tourist destinations.
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