The presentation explored ten transformative technological shifts expected to redefine global tourism between 2031 and 2040 — a period that, according to Sanderson, will “fundamentally alter how, why, and who travels, and the very meaning of travel itself.”
“While technology will be the enabler,” Sanderson said, “its true impact lies in solving persistent human problems related to accessibility, meaningfulness, sustainability, and connection in travel.”
Below is a summary of the ten key trends shaping the next era of global tourism, as presented during the TOURISE Summit.
2031 – AI travel assistants
By 2031, AI will autonomously plan, book, and optimise entire trips in real time. These systems will create hyper-personalised experiences based on user preferences, behavioural data, and even biometric mood indicators.
Sanderson explained that this evolution will “alleviate the cognitive overwhelm of infinite choices, with AI acting as a trusted, deeply knowledgeable guide.”
For the industry, this means a shift toward intelligent, data-driven service ecosystems where the guest experience begins long before arrival.
2032 – Biometric travel
Facial recognition and biometric verification will make the face the passport, enabling seamless, document-free movement through airports, hotels, and borders.
“The primary driver,” said Sanderson, “is reducing friction and anxiety, returning travel to a more spontaneous and effortless experience.”
For airlines and hotels, this trend requires major advancements in identity protection and ethical data handling.
2033 – Cryptocurrency in tourism
The rise of blockchain and digital currencies will enable borderless payments, tokenised loyalty programmes, and decentralised transactions for what Sanderson called the “cloud citizen traveller.”
He noted this transformation offers “personal financial sovereignty, freeing travellers from currency exchange issues and bank approvals, and removing invisible financial borders.”
Hospitality companies may need to rethink loyalty structures and revenue management to integrate these digital systems securely.
2034 – Real-time language translation
Augmented reality (AR) glasses and smart earpieces will soon deliver instant translation across major languages, opening the world to monolingual travellers.
Beyond convenience, Sanderson said, this will “foster deeper understanding, cultural appreciation, and authentic human connection, translating entire worlds.”
Such technologies will encourage inclusivity in destination marketing and guest communications.
2035 – Personal carbon allowances
Digital passports will soon track individual carbon budgets, effectively placing limits on air travel. Every journey, Sanderson said, will become “special and sacred.”
He warned that destinations and brands “will need to earn their carbon cost by offering genuinely meaningful and valuable experiences that justify the environmental investment.”
Sustainability, therefore, will move from optional to existential for travel brands.
2036 – Layered realities: VR and AR tourism
Photorealistic virtual and augmented reality will blur the lines between physical and digital travel.
These immersive technologies will democratise access for those unable to travel physically while inspiring others to plan real-world trips.
For the hospitality sector, this opens opportunities to design hybrid experiences that combine physical stays with virtual previews and storytelling.
2037 – Digital twin destinations
Entire cities will soon have virtual replicas — digital twins — allowing travellers to explore destinations remotely before booking.
According to Sanderson, these twins will also enable tourism boards to manage crowd flows and protect quality of life.
Destinations will evolve into “intelligent, responsive environments,” balancing visitor experience with local sustainability.
2038 – Electric passenger drones
Electric passenger drones will transform short-haul transport, enabling aerial sightseeing and access to remote locations.
“This will redefine the possibilities of human exploration,” Sanderson said, “turning the inaccessible into the accessible.”
Tourism authorities will need to collaborate with mobility innovators to integrate these aerial solutions safely and sustainably.
2039 – Supersonic jets
The return of supersonic air travel will make anywhere on the planet reachable within three to four hours.
Sanderson predicted this will reshape luxury tourism and business travel, “making international weekend breaks achievable and regular cross-continental family visits possible.”
This ultra-speed future will also challenge traditional hotel models, creating demand for short-stay luxury experiences.
2040 – Sustainable aviation
By 2040, hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft will replace kerosene-fuelled planes, realising aviation’s long-promised sustainability breakthrough.
“This will resolve tourism’s greatest moral tension,” Sanderson explained, “eliminating the need to choose between exploring the world and protecting it.”
The outcome, he said, will be “a future where travel can be both accessible and responsible.”
The human future of tourism
Sanderson concluded his session at TOURISE with a clear message: the next era of tourism will not be defined by the technology itself, but by how it serves human values.
“The successful players,” he emphasised, “will be those who truly understand the human implications of these technological shifts.”
As global tourism moves toward 2040, The tech watch: 10 technologies reshaping tourism offers a strategic roadmap for leaders seeking to align innovation with purpose — ensuring the industry remains a force for connection, meaning, and sustainability.
Tags: TOURISE Riyadh, Chris Sanderson, The Future Laboratory