During the MarketHub 2024 conference organized by HBX Group in Istanbul, Paula Felstead, Chief Technology and Operations Officer of HBX Group, provided valuable insights into two pivotal aspects of travel technology: augmented reality (AR) and cybersecurity. In an interview with TravelDailyNews International, Felstead emphasized the importance of these technologies in shaping the future of the travel and hospitality industry.
Felstead began by discussing augmented reality, highlighting its growing relevance in enhancing the travel experience. “Augmented reality has been around for a long time, but recent advancements by companies like Google, Apple, and Airbnb, along with the introduction of consumer-friendly devices like Ray-Ban Meta glasses, are making AR more accessible to travelers,” she noted. She stressed that the travel industry must adapt to these advancements, as travelers are starting to expect AR capabilities during their journeys. Examples include Airbnb’s “try before you buy” feature, which allows users to explore properties in a 3D environment, and the potential for AR to help travelers navigate and discover hotel facilities and services more efficiently.
On the topic of cybersecurity, Felstead underscored the need for the travel industry to address growing cyber threats collectively. She explained, “We are seeing an increase in cybersecurity challenges, and we must solve them together as an industry. The interconnected nature of travel means that the weakest link can affect everyone.” Felstead called for collaboration among tourism authorities, travel associations, and industry players to enhance cybersecurity measures, ensure software is up to date, and provide comprehensive training for employees to become more cyber-aware. She highlighted that simple, cost-effective measures like email filters, antivirus software, and regular updates could significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In conclusion, Felstead’s insights at MarketHub 2024 serve as a crucial reminder for the travel industry to embrace augmented reality and strengthen cybersecurity to meet the evolving expectations of travelers and safeguard their data.
The article Augmented Reality and Cybersecurity the new realities in travel at MarketHub 2024 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
