A post-digital trip of a lifetime

Finding your way in the DARQ

Travel companies will use DARQ technologies to achieve a variety of outcomes.

Some will apply AI and Distributed Ledger technologies to strengthen their core business—optimizing schedules, predicting maintenance, creating smart contracts or even ensuring traveler safety. Others will use advanced analytics and digital demographics to develop a better understanding of the next generation of travelers and guests. Still others will apply those insights to shape more relevant and convenient customer experiences. Facial recognition software, wearable technologies, concierge robots and “smart” hotel rooms are already changing the travel game. And then there are the most ambitious companies, which will use DARQ technologies to create virtual experiences that are as good as, if not better than, the real thing.

Where will you go?

When it comes to applying DARQ power, there is no single path for all travel companies to follow. But there is a right path for each. That path is shaped by what each company wants to achieve and the difference it wants to make in the industry.

We believe three opportunities hold particular potential.

• Breaking barriers: Despite efforts to streamline the travel experience, much has not changed. Offerings are difficult to find and purchase. Waits are long. The same information is requested over and over. Companies that can create a more frictionless travel experience stand to win big.
• Taming uncertainty: Companies that can effectively address uncertainty (e.g., customer behaviors, weather geo-political volatility, fuel costs, regulations, etc.), predict change accurately and manage disruption effectively will achieve a competitive advantage. Advances in AI, big data management, 5G and analytics are poised to help travel companies gain an upper hand.
• Creating global marketplaces of one: As people’s lives become more enmeshed with technology, unique opportunities are arising for companies to deliver a new product or service—not just customized for specific customers, but for their needs at a specific point in time. DARQ Technologies make it possible for travel companies to establish these momentary markets.

Travel companies are excited by the post-digital possibilities.

How will you get there?

Forward-thinking companies are preparing for the transformations that lie ahead. They are doing three things now:

• Checking in. To thrive in the post-digital era, travel companies need to survey the technology landscape, identify the new tools and applications that have the potential to change their business, and experiment with proofs of concepts. At the same time, they need to assess the competitive landscape. It’s not too early to engage potential competitors as collaborators in pursuit of better, seamless and more relevant experiences.
• Getting their sea legs. Leading travel companies are identifying the skills and roles they will need in a world characterized by AI, machine learning, distributed ledgers and extended reality. Data scientists will be in high demand. But so will futurists, storytellers and “hypotheticalists” from outside industries or talent pools. In addition to rethinking their talent strategies, leaders are strengthening their culture of experimentation—a key component of competitive agility in the post-digital age.
• Preparing for takeoff. Leading travel companies are doubling down on innovation and learning to scale new ideas and value propositions. They are creating an end-to-end strategy that efficiently and effectively moves innovations from ideation to pilot to minimum viable product to scale.

And we’re off!

New technologies are ushering in a new world of travel. It’s a world where travel barriers are minimized, customer conveniences are optimized, and global marketplaces are formed to deliver passengers and guests a new range of personalized, on-demand experiences.

Winners are setting their course to this new reality today.

Where will you go?