Over the years, we have seen so many technologies that have led to lifestyle changes. Airplanes and Rapid rails have changed how we travel and the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the way we experience hospitality in various parts of the world. Have you checked into a hotel by scanning a QR code at the reception? Or use an RFID-based smart card to enter your hotel room or dim the light of your room using your voice? I mean talk about technology seeping into everything we do nowadays.
The travel and tourism sector has been one of the biggest benefactors of advancement in technology over the past few years. People are traveling more often and exploring locations across the continents. IoT technologies such as BLE, RFID, RFID sensors, proximity sensors, wearables, and the development of smart rooms in hotels, smart cities, etc. have contributed significantly towards travel and tourism.
Of many such technologies, quick response codes, popularly known as QR Codes have played a significant role in streamlining travel and tourism for people and business owners. You can find a QR Code on a travel ticket (Plane tickets, bus tickets, metro cards), on a concert ticket, at the hotel reception, in museums, bus stops, railway platforms, airports, in restaurants, on a wine bottle, etc., and for what? For services. You can make digital payments and gather information by scanning the QR Codes and you can also get directions.
QR Codes in Travel and Tourism
QR Codes aren’t new as it was invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara in Japan. QR Codes are two-dimensional barcode images that contain black patterns, and dots on a white surface, making a square/matrix shape barcode. Colored and customized QR Codes are also available now.
These matrix barcodes are the preferred choice now for sharing various types of information as they can be written with images, URLs, text, numerical, PDF, Google Forms, etc. QR Codes can also be quickly scanned using your smartphone camera, without ever needing a third-party app (which was the case in the 2010s) and the large data storing capacity of QR Codes leads to customization and advertisement and promotional applications.
In recent years, Quick Response (QR) codes have streamlined the travel and tourism sector in terms of access to information on the go. These matrix barcodes have revolutionized the industry by streamlining processes, enhancing customer experience, as well as providing valuable insights to business owners.
Let me point out the impact of QR codes on various aspects of the travel and tourism sector, including ticketing, information dissemination, contactless payments, and marketing strategies.
How QR Codes are Helpful in Travel and Tourism
Although QR Code is some 30 years old technology, it has found a new relevance with this new generation. Earlier you needed a third party app to scan a QR Code, or an optical barcode scanner which was even worse. But now (ever since Apple Inc. integrated the QR scanning ability in their iPhone camera in 2017), you can just take out your smartphone and scan a QR code hassle free. In a country like India, QR Codes have become an intrinsic part of our travel and tourism sector. Let’s see how.
QR Codes in Ticketing
From airlines to museums, QR codes are now commonly used as electronic tickets. It has simplified the ticketing process, making it more convenient for travelers as they can easily access their tickets on their smartphones, eliminating the need to carry physical tickets.
The codes can be scanned at entry points, allowing for quick and hassle-free validation. It creates an efficient system that reduces waiting times and enhances overall customer satisfaction. Seamless movement is the key here.
Information Dissemination
QR codes are also an effective means of disseminating information to travelers as it happens that many don’t know where to eat, what street is popular for street foods, and which street to take for a particular hotel amongst other things.
So, tourist attractions, hotels, and transportation services often utilize QR codes to provide additional details about their services. For example, a QR code placed near a historical monument can provide visitors with historical facts and audio guides, enriching their experience.
QR codes can be used to share maps, directions, popular attractions, and useful travel tips, making it easier for tourists to navigate unfamiliar destinations.
Contactless Payments
In the era of digital payments, QR codes have become an integral part of contactless transactions in the travel and tourism sector. Travelers can simply scan QR codes and quickly and securely make payments for services such as accommodation, dining, and transportation.
For example, a QR Code kiosk is very common in various European hotels where tourists can scan the QR Code for distinct information and make payments for services.
Leveraging QR Codes for digital payments eliminates the need for cash or physical credit cards, offering a convenient and hygienic payment option, especially during a global health crisis like we had two years ago. Dynamic QR codes also enable businesses to track customer spending patterns and offer personalized recommendations.
Dynamic QR Codes and Travel and Tourism: Marketing Strategies
QR codes have become an essential tool for marketing campaigns in the travel and tourism sector. While static QR Codes can be used for disseminating information and advertisements, a more robust and successful option is Dynamic QR Codes.
Businesses can engage potential customers and drive traffic to their websites or social media platforms as well as measure the response of consumers by integrating dynamic QR codes into advertisements, brochures, or posters.
These codes can lead users to exclusive offers, discounts, or loyalty programs, encouraging customer engagement and repeat visits. Besides, QR codes can also be utilized for data collection, allowing businesses to gain valuable insights into customer preferences and behavior which leads to more value creation and growth.
To summarize, QR codes have undoubtedly transformed the travel and tourism sector, enhancing efficiency, convenience, and customer experience. You can buy tickets and gather/disseminate information, do contactless payments, and plan marketing strategies with these codes, which have become an integral part of the industry.
As more people opt for QR Codes and with rising smartphone penetration in developing countries, QR Codes will play an even more significant role in shaping the future of travel and tourism, improving services, and further personalizing the overall travel experience.
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