Berlin Becomes the Global Hub for Travel Technology as ITB Berlin 2025 Spotlights AI-Powered Planning, Biometrics, and Smart Cities

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group recently unveiled a new report at ITB Berlin 2025, highlighting the transformative technologies set to redefine the global travel industry. The report, titled “Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism,” outlines how innovations in artificial intelligence, financial technology, mobility solutions, and sustainability will drive the next phase of tourism evolution.

At the heart of this transformation is the growing digital revolution in tourism, a shift that is expected to enhance traveler experiences, increase efficiency, and expand access to new destinations. From AI-powered trip planning to space tourism and sustainable aviation, the industry is at the cusp of its most significant technological leap since the internet revolutionized travel bookings.

The Digital Evolution of the Travel Experience

The report highlights how technology is impacting every stage of the traveler’s journey, from trip inspiration and booking to transportation, accommodation, and experiences at the destination.

Key technology-driven changes include:

• AI-Powered Travel Assistants: AI-driven tools are reshaping travel planning. For instance, Trip.com’s AI assistant, TripGenie, saw a 200% surge in usage in 2024, demonstrating the growing reliance on virtual assistants for personalized travel recommendations.
• All-in-One ‘Super Apps’: More travelers are seeking seamless digital experiences that integrate flights, accommodations, tours, and payment options into a single, user-friendly platform. Surveys indicate that 97% of travelers would prefer an all-in-one app to manage their trips.
• Sustainable Travel Innovations: Technology is playing a major role in advancing eco-friendly tourism, from Virgin Atlantic’s first transatlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to shore power investments at Port Miami, which are helping to reduce cruise ship emissions.

How Supersonic and Space Travel Will Shape the Next Decade

The report goes beyond current innovations and predicts how tourism will evolve by the end of the decade. Some of the most exciting developments include:

• Supersonic Passenger Flights: After more than two decades since the retirement of Concorde, companies like Boom Technology and United Airlines are preparing to bring back ultra-fast air travel, with the first commercial supersonic flights expected within the next four years.
• Commercial Space Tourism: Advances in quantum computing and AI may soon help optimize global air traffic, improving efficiency and reducing delays. These innovations could also pave the way for deep-sea exploration and commercial space travel, making once-unimaginable adventures a reality.
• Smart Cities and Advanced Air Mobility: The rise of driverless vehicles, urban air mobility, and AI-driven city planning could allow travelers to explore previously inaccessible locations, opening up new frontiers for adventure tourism.

The Impact of These Innovations on the Travel Industry

As the travel industry embraces these advancements, businesses must invest in digital transformation to remain competitive. The report notes that 91% of travel companies plan to increase their technology investments, signaling a major shift toward a tech-driven tourism sector.

Companies such as Hilton, Qatar Airways, and MSC Cruises are already leading the way by integrating AI, sustainability solutions, and future mobility innovations into their services. This shift is expected to have far-reaching implications for both travelers and businesses:

• For travelers: Increased automation, AI-powered services, and sustainable options will make trips more personalized, efficient, and eco-conscious.
• For the tourism industry: Airlines, hotels, and tour operators will need to adapt to the digital landscape, investing in new technologies and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with changing consumer expectations.

The Global Effects of AI and Mobility Innovations on Travel

As AI and mobility innovations reshape tourism, destinations worldwide will need to prepare for the influx of digitally savvy travelers. From cashless payments and biometric check-ins to AI-generated travel itineraries, the future of tourism will be seamless, data-driven, and hyper-personalized.

Some of the global shifts expected to emerge include:

• The rise of AI-managed travel hubs, where airports and hotels operate with minimal human intervention.
• Expansion of green tourism, as more destinations adopt sustainable aviation fuels, electric transport, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
• A shift in destination popularity, as space tourism and new mobility solutions make it easier to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.

The Challenges of Implementing High-Tech Tourism

While these developments promise a futuristic and enhanced travel experience, they also present new challenges. The transition to AI-powered tourism and smart mobility solutions will require:

• Significant financial investment, as businesses upgrade their technology infrastructure.
• Government collaboration on regulations, ensuring AI-driven decision-making and biometric technology are ethically and securely implemented.
• Traveler education, as many tourists may need time to adapt to fully digital travel environments.

With massive investments in AI, sustainability, and mobility, the travel industry is on the verge of a major transformation. However, companies must balance innovation with accessibility and security to ensure a smooth transition into this new era.

What This Means for Future Travelers

For tourists, these technological advancements will change the way trips are planned, booked, and experienced. The rise of AI-powered travel assistants, quantum computing, and supersonic travel will make vacations faster, more personalized, and environmentally responsible.

By embracing these innovations, travelers can expect:

• Seamless booking processes, with AI generating customized itineraries based on personal preferences.
• More sustainable transportation options, reducing carbon footprints without sacrificing comfort.
• Access to remote and emerging destinations, as smart mobility solutions make even the most isolated places more accessible.

Conclusion: A New Era of Tourism is Emerging

The findings from WTTC and Trip.com Group suggest that the travel industry is at a turning point, with cutting-edge technologies set to redefine how people explore the world. As businesses invest in AI, sustainable travel, and future mobility, the sector will become more efficient, eco-friendly, and experience-driven.

While challenges remain, those who adapt to these innovations will be at the forefront of a new era in global travel, ensuring that tourism remains dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.