New research reveals that 55 per cent of business travellers expect many destinations to be completely cashless – with no cash payments being accepted at all – within the next decade, while 51 per cent said that they predicted all payments would have to be made via mobile payments such as Apple or Android pay by 2027.
The research of business travellers also found the expectations of UK business travellers when it comes to transport and accommodation, with nearly three quarters expecting driverless shuttle services between the airport and hotel and 82 per cent expecting that they’ll be regularly using their smartphones as hotel keys within the next decade..
Furthermore, 81 per cent said that they predicted virtual, reception-free hotel check-in, and 79 per cent predicted that VR previews of hotels would be commonplace by 2027. Expectations when it came to transport were no less ambitious, as 68 per cent predicted supersonic planes would be in regular operation within the next decade, and 63 per cent predicting car sharing apps to replace car rental companies altogether. As life becomes increasingly like science fiction, 63 per cent of business travellers predicted that they would soon be using in-ear translators, while half predicted their passports would be replaced by implanted microchips. Finally, a third said that the development of reliable video conferencing and telepresence meant that they were now taking fewer business trips abroad.
Carrying out its research in partnership with Vitreous World, the DCC Forum is the industry body that helps business travellers understand the choices available to them when they pay by credit or debit card abroad at a till or an ATM, in a world of fluctuating exchange rates. The survey found that recent movements in the value of the pound on world markets had meant that 1 in 5 are now taking fewer business trips abroad, although 57 per cent did say that it had not had any impact on their business travel plans.
Jennifer Conneely, board member of the DCC Forum, comments: “As the pace of technological progress accelerates, particularly in areas of payments and transport, business trips abroad will begin to feel much more like science fiction. Most of these will address the key pain points for business travellers, and help to make trips abroad a more efficient and enjoyable experience. However, as an increasing number of destinations become virtually cashless, understanding the different options for debit and credit card payments will be more important than ever to avoid any potential frustration or confusion.”