Holiday-makers of the future won’t have to leave their desks to experience the bliss of a sun-drenched beach or the inspiring majesty of the wonders of the world.
For a new report reveals that tourists will be able to feel, taste and smell their holiday from the comfort of their own home or office by the year 2050.
Drinks will be served by robots, Brits will take their breaks with their great-great grandparents and advances in technology will spell the end of the two-week annual package break.
That’s the vision of a Holiday of the Future report and as well as this futuristic feel, key concepts include:
- Try-before-you-buy becoming a new consumer experience for travellers thanks to a fully immersive, multi-sensory 3D version of the internet. Brits will be able to sample every aspect of their get-away, from the beach to the bar.
- Extreme holiday patterns will become commonplace as the duration of holidays become more fluid. An increase in part-time careers and variable working hours will result in Brits taking anything from three day to three months breaks.
- Advances in technology will see robots in regular use across the travel and service industries.
- Digital wallpaper and flexible, digitally-controlled interiors including movable walls will be added to hotel rooms.
- Global travel will become regulated as a preventive measure to global warming, leading to an increase in UK holidays as the nation aims to keep within their quota.
- Multi-generational holidays will increase as people live longer, have children younger and become a part of super-extended families.
- Niche trips with like-minded people from across the country will replace the traditional beach holiday as the growth of social media will enable special interest groups to not only meet online, but holiday together.
Rohit Talwar, founder and CEO of Fast Future who compiled the research, says: “We explored a range of concepts that could shape the future of UK travel and focused in particular on how technology might be used to transform every part of the experience – from booking through to personalisation of the in-room experience.
“While technology will make it possible to experience the world from our living rooms, we believe this will only increase our desire to go out and experience the world first-hand – using technology to help us make the most appropriate choices.”
Talwar conducted the research for Premier Inns to explore a range of emerging trends, developments and advancements in technology to understand the future of UK travel.
Claire Haigh, of Premier Inn spokeswoman, adds: “Holidays are an important part of our lives and something we all look forward to, so it’s pleasing to see that they will still exist as a form of leisure activity in 2050.
“We are always keen to look forward to see what our guests will want in the future and the idea of being able to try out our holidays before we travel is a fascinating way to ensure we have the best possible breaks.”
