Travel & Technology - Good Bedfellows

Not too long ago, there was apprehension in the travel community that technology would seriously reduce the amount of business travel not only in the country but also worldwide. This myth has now been exploded with the increasing growth in business travel around the globe and it has been proved without a doubt that technology has been one of the facilitators in this growth. Having accepted the fact that technology was no longer a threat to travel, we are now about to witness the next stage in this relationship, - a virtual technology explosion in the sky. Very soon, air travel will take on new dimensions in connectivity and real time entertainment thanks to a host of new applications. One of the biggest irritants of long haul flights was the inability to stay in touch with real time developments for long periods of time and being cut off from all means of communication. For a business traveller these were serious hindrances. Now, thanks to the latest developments and new tech applications business travellers would soon be able to surf the Net, send and receive data and stay connected even on their mobile phone right through the duration of his flight anywhere in the world. Suddenly, from technology being a threat to business travel it is being perceived as a trouble-shooter and a facilitator!! Just one more indication of the evolution of business travel.

Who says travel and technology don't make good bedfellows? Our cover story in this issue puts to rest all doubts…

Sheldon Santwan
EDITOR, feBusiness Traveller
Sheldon can be reached at editor@businesstravellerindia.com