We focus on the tech shaping the future of travel—from Apple’s groundbreaking new travel tools to investor optimism in sustainable, AI-powered innovation.
At its Worldwide Developers Conference 2025, Apple made it crystal clear: the future of travel will run through your phone—and they want to own that future.
Among the biggest announcements:
Digital U.S. Passport in Apple Wallet:
While not a full replacement for physical passports, this feature will work at TSA checkpoints and for age or ID verification—a major step toward frictionless identification.
Live Translation in FaceTime, Messages & Phone:
Real-time translation across devices—even if one user doesn’t have an iPhone—means travelers can communicate more freely across languages, with AI acting as an always-on interpreter.
Smarter Boarding Passes & Airport Navigation:
Expect real-time flight alerts, tighter Find My bag tracking, and Maps-based wayfinding in airports to streamline the journey from check-in to boarding gate.
Apple isn’t just refining travel tools—it’s redefining the travel experience. Your iPhone will soon act as:
Your passport
Your personal translator
Your boarding pass & bag tracker
And your real-time airport concierge
This signals a deeper shift: travel UX is becoming native to the devices travelers already trust and carry everywhere.
If Apple is making travel smoother from the airport to arrival, STR operators must make sure their guest experience starts as seamlessly.
Make sure check-in instructions, Wi-Fi access, and house manuals are mobile-optimised
Use iMessage or WhatsApp for real-time support
Consider building short, visual welcome guides that sync with iOS/Android or QR-based guest flows
While Apple powers the frontend of travel innovation, venture capital is focused on fixing the backend.
According to Phocuswright’s 2025 research, travel tech funding is down slightly, but quality over quantity is the new mantra. Top firms like Thayer, Antler, and F-Prime are still investing—but only in startups solving real, operational problems.
AI tools that improve dynamic discovery, real-time itinerary updates, or in-journey personalization
Scalable platforms that simplify B2B operations, not just consumer wow-factors
Infrastructure startups that enhance connectivity, inventory management, or guest experience automation
Companies like Hostaway and TravelPerk are securing nine-figure rounds, while Agoda is leveraging Google’s AI to build visually rich travel planners for the Indian market.
“We’re past the hype. It’s about AI that solves problems, not just creates headlines.”
— Investor sentiment, Phocuswright Research 2025
The common thread? Solutions that integrate quietly but powerfully into existing workflows, both for consumers and operators.
Ensure your direct booking site is mobile-first and lightning fast
Offer mobile-based communication and digital check-ins
Test your guest flow as if you’re traveling with just your phone—because your guests likely are
Use AI to automate guest messaging, reviews, or itinerary recommendations
Look for tools that sync with your PMS or channel manager, rather than siloed systems
Explore lightweight AI integrations—like Boostly’s smart booking engines or visual planning guides
Apple’s travel updates and investor activity both point to one thing: the next era of travel innovation will be defined by usefulness, not just flash.
For STR professionals, the message is clear: combine mobile-first hospitality with behind-the-scenes intelligence. Meet your guests where they are—on their phones, in real-time, expecting smooth, responsive experiences.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct.
