The International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its 2017 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) shows passengers expect technology to give them more personal control over their travel experience. Based on 10,675 responses from around the globe, the survey provided insight into what passengers want, which included automation of more airport processes, a single identity token for all travel processes using biometric identification, real-time information sent directly to personal devices and seamless border control.

Going digital-first
Passengers expect more digital travel processes, with 82% travellers wanting to be able to use a digital passport on their smartphones for as many travel activities as possible – from booking flights to passing through the airport. Biometric identification systems emerged victorious, too, as 64% favored it as their preferred travel token.

Taking control
Digital self-service options make passengers happy as they want to be able to do more of the airport processes themselves. Baggage was the top activity that passengers wanted more control over, with 68% of those surveyed wanting to self-tag their bags with electronic bag-tags. In addition to this, 48% of passengers wanted to self-drop their bag. (Here’s what passengers want from airports)

More information
Passengers expect to get up-to-date information on all aspects of their journey with minimum effort, through their preferred channel. The survey found that 85% of passengers want to be able to check the status of their flight, while 50% want to track their bag throughout the trip. They also expect more information to help then plan their passage through the airport, with 51% wanting to know wait times at security and border control. While SMS messaging remains the preferred option, the onset of digital is reversing this trend, with 28% preferring communication through smartphone apps as well.

Other pain points
Like all years, airport security and border control processes emerged as two of the biggest pain points of travel, with intrusiveness of having to remove personal items (60%), inconvenience of having to unpack electronic devices in carry-on bags (52%) and the variation in security screening procedures at different airports (47%) taking to spots.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Pierre Charbonneau, IATA’s Director Passenger and Facilitation, said, “Passengers have never been as empowered as they are today. Smartphone- and tablet-toting, passengers want to use these mobile devices to control their travel experience. They expect easy access to the information they want, exactly when they need it in the travel process. Airlines and airports that make the most use of technological innovations will be giving a better travel experience to their customers.”

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ITB Asia is a much looked forward event amongst the tourism sector for SEA. The trade show not only exhibits far and wide business possibilities for all alike but also amalgamates the required expert opinions and veteran advice for traders and participants. Apart from just the ITB, there has been a wee bit of noise in the exhibiting space on the upcoming events for the coming month. These tourism and travel exhibitions not only expand the horizon for the geography but also provide a lot of support to the upcoming start-up ecosystem. Traders flock them with almost the same zeal. Let’s have a look at them.

World Financial Symposium powered by IATA

IATA brings the finance world together by focusing on achieving sustained financial health. WFS Singapore brings more than 750 finance executives and specialists together to share insights, discuss industry challenges and best practices for the aviation industry and financial management.

When: September 19- September 23

Where: Singapore

Venue: Marina Bay Sands Hotel

World Routes 2016 powered by Routesonline

This event is an unrivalled in its category that brings together route development professionals to discuss and plan route strategy where senior decision makers contribute in the route development community. World Routes shades leading airlines, airports, and tourism authorities where it provides cost-effective and time-saving routes for organisations.

When: September 24- September 27

Where: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

Venue: Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition & Convention Centre

IT & CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific powered by TTG Events, TTG Asia Media

IT & CM Asia has positioned itself as the only global MICE event with the largest focus on the Asia- Pacific suppliers. The platform is designed against a niche MICE segment which delivers both relevant and dynamic environment for the delegates. Co-located with CTW makes it more power packed. CTW revolves around corporate travel management. It attracts planners, influencers and decision makers of corporate travel function by keeping them well-run with the upcoming trends and knowledge.

When: September 27-September 29

Where: Bangkok

Venue: Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World Bangkok

Global Sustainable Tourism Conference powered by United Nation

2017 has been marked as the International year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by United Nations. Korea plays host to the global gala of tourism experts who would share their opinions on leading questions for sustainable tourism development. Participants will network and share their knowledge with the international group of sustainable tourism experts. These participants would be representing various private, public, NGOs and academia to learn what advice could be translated into action.

When: October 5-October 8

Where: Suwon, South Korea

Venue: Novotel Ambassador Hotel, Suwon City

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