Jorge Coromina

A bold look at tourism in the year 2070

UK airline easyJet has commissioned a new report offering predictions on how travel and tourism could change over the next 50 years. The technological and scientific predictions suggest some differences that passengers could see in 2070.

Technological advances are expected, including predictions such as heartbeat biometric passports and 3D printed food in hotels.

The report entitled "easyJet 2070: The Future Travel Report" was commissioned by the airline and authored by a group of leading academics and futurists, including Professor Birgitte Andersen, Birkbeck, University of London and CEO of the Big Innovation Centre; Dr Melissa Sterry, design scientist and complex systems theorist; and renowned futurists Shivvy Jervis and Dr Patrick Dixon.

The report is also authored by Professor Graham Braithwaite, Director of Transport Systems at Cranfield University, and Nikhil Sachdeva, Director of Aerospace, Defence and Sustainable Aviation at consultancy Roland Berger.

According to the report, technological advances are expected to revolutionise the airport journey and the air travel experience.

Cardiac and biometric passports

Today's passports will be replaced by new ones that will use heartbeat signatures and biometric passenger data, which will be recorded in a global system in the same way that fingerprint scanning technology works today.

Ergonomic and biometric airline seats with sensors would also become the norm by 2070, made of smart materials that will mould to body shape, height, weight and temperature, providing a more comfortable and personalised flying experience.

For in-flight entertainment via optoelectronic devices, options will be transmitted directly to the passenger's eyes, replacing the need for in-flight screens and downloading content before flying.

Airport shuttle buses will cease to be shuttles, at least apparently, and the journey to the airport will be faster and more convenient than ever: 85% of passengers will arrive by air taxi from their homes to the terminal.

How will accommodation change?

According to the report, significant developments are expected in accommodation, such as 3D printed food in hotel buffets. Tourists will be able to print the food they want throughout the day and, in the process, reduce food waste.

All hotel rooms will be smart. Beds will already be prepared with the exact desired firmness, room temperature and favourite music according to the preferences selected by guests before booking a holiday.

A personal holographic concierge will accompany tourists to provide up-to-date destination information and assistance throughout their stay.

And no more suitcases. 3D printed and recyclable holiday clothing, ready on arrival at the hotel, will eliminate the need for suitcases, as travellers will be able to print the clothes they need in their hotel rooms, tailored to their perfect size and style, and recycle the materials for the next guest to enjoy.

How will experiences and destinations change?

According to the report's predictions, travellers will be offered innovations in destination experiences and activities. Tomorrow's tourists will be able to travel back in time wearing haptic suits that allow them to immerse themselves in a living historical environment, marvelling at ancient world wonders such as the Colossus of Rhodes, or cheering in the crowd at the original Olympic Games of ancient Greece.

Previews of Bionic and Meta, before going on holiday, will allow tourists to experience the sites before they book. Aquatic adventures aboard submarines for tourists to delve into the depths of the sea, discovering marine life in underwater parks, will be among the offerings.

And the tower of Babel will no longer be an obstacle for the tourist of the future. They will be able to take on holiday in-ear devices that translate the local language in real time and even speak the local lingo.

Author: Jorge Coromina