Business travellers, growing in number and increasingly connected, need solutions that will ease, optimise and enhance their travel experience. With this market in mind, a whole host of new technology companies are throwing themselves into the race for innovation. Close-up on five innovations which could revolutionise tomorrow’s business travel experience.

The business travel market is thriving. According to a 2018 study by consultants EPSA, the business travel sector was worth €28.9 billion in France in 2018. In 2019, that figure will climb 3.3% to €29.9 billion.

Business travel in 2019:

• €29.9 billion in France
  • up 3.3%
• A growth market in Europe in 2019, up 4.3%
  • versus 3.8% the year before

Travellers want innovations

In a high-tech era where digital reigns supreme, innovation is one of the keys to standing out and succeeding in the market. Especially as business travellers are increasingly calling for products and services to make their trips and their lives easier. According to a CWT survey in early 2019, 71% of them embrace global innovation. The same survey also showed that 81% of travellers see their smartphone as vital to their trips, compared to 52% who prefer their computer.

Below is a selection of five innovations set to revolutionise the business travel experience.

1. TripActions: digital delivering faster bookings and potential savings

TripActions lost no time in establishing itself as a market leader and achieving unicorn status (a startup valued at over $1 billion). Its idea? A platform and app, boosted by artificial intelligence, and designed to function like a local travel agent that lets users quickly book their travel with their fingertips. The startup’s goal is to reduce the average time spent booking travel and hotel from sixty to six minutes, while offering staff the chance to limit their outgoings via a rewards programme. AI provides users with a highly personalised experience but there are also chat, telephone and email support teams on hand 24-7 to help with any problems that may arise, such as finding an alternative route.

2. Hyperloop: supersonic trains coming soon?

The next issue after organising and booking a trip is traveling time. Travel can be very time-consuming, particularly for intercontinental trips. In 2013, entrepreneur Elon Musk, the man behind Tesla and SpaceX, launched a new project: the Hyperloop subsonic train capable of reaching speeds of close to 1,200 km per hour. This hyper-high-speed train takes the form of pressurised capsules travelling through low-pressure tubes free of air resistance and friction. Several companies have taken on the project since its launch, including Hyperloop Transportation Technologies which is planning to run passenger trials next year.

3. Flying, self-driving taxis with Bell Nexus

Once business travellers have reached their destination in record time aboard a supersonic train, they can then get around in a flying taxi! Presented at CES 2019, the Bell Nexus is a prototype vehicle halfway between helicopter and drone. It is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system comprising a turbo-generator with electric engines in each of the six rotors. Self-driving and with room for five passengers, the Bell Nexus should be able to travel at 240 km an hour and offers a 240-km range. The first commercial flights are scheduled for the second half of 2020.

4. Smart, connected suitcases

Baggage is another important hassle for many business travellers. Inspired by other innovative connected objects, startups ForwardX and Rover Speed have both developed smart suitcases fitted with mini-cameras that can follow their owners and adjust their speed to keep up. If the baggage falls over, its owner is automatically sent a notification user via a mobile app. One of the cases has a USB port while the other one features a phone-charging socket. Ideal for a smooth passage through the airport.

5. Blockchain that short-circuits booking platforms

Blockchain technologies are another tool driving innovation in travel. Startup BTU Protocol has developed a solution based on the Ethereum protocol enabling guests to make online hotel bookings directly, cutting out intermediaries and commission payments to centralised platforms. This enables hotels to optimise their margins and guests have access to the best price as well as rewards in the form of BTU tokens for each booking. The tokens can be sold for bitcoins or exchanged for Amazon gift tokens.

We are already getting a glimpse of tomorrow’s business travel – and it’s looking easier, quicker and far more independent.