Technology has always been a key enabler in the business world, and this is especially true for business travel. Companies that invest in travel-friendly technology increase productivity, compliance and overall profitability, says Bonnie Smith, GM of FCM. “Tech tools and software have proven to be a game changer for travellers and companies looking to reduce travel costs. And with the South African economy facing a triple whammy of higher inflation, energy prices and interest rates in 2023, there is no better time to upgrade your travel booking with the help of a Travel Management Company (TMC) and explore new technologies in the travel industry,” she says. In this exclusive interview, we dive into what’s on the horizon for travel tech that will help businesses cut costs and, most notably for their employees, ease the current travel pain points. Nomad Africa: How will Contactless Travel and Biometric Recognition Positively affect the Travel Industry? Bottlenecks and delays at check-in are a pandemic hangover travellers continue to encounter. However, biometric identifiers, like fingerprints or iris scans, already used at some airports, could make this a thing of the past for good. They allow travellers to move through the airport without presenting paper documents. The US Transportation Security Administration is also testing technology that matches facial images with ID photos, which is a big step towards contactless travel. And if the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has its way, the days of having to fumble through your carry-on to find your passport or health…
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