When they were introduced around 27 years ago, QR codes just seemed like a new technological concept. Now, R codes have become so important in our current world that it is almost impossible to walk a few city blocks without seeing a QR code posted somewhere. QR codes are convenient because you do not have to upload or download any data or interact with any physical objects apart from your phone. While many industries have adopted the use of QR codes, the travel industry is taking advantage of this technology in a few unique ways.
QR Codes as Travel Guides
Visiting a foreign country can be confusing especially if there isn’t enough information about the country online and you do not have access to any material. QR codes are making this easier by providing travel-related information about different destinations.
All travel companies have to do is provide QR codes for the various attractions in different cities and destinations and travellers can scan the codes to access all this information. This can be done by converting video URLs and informational PDF brochures into QR codes that are then placed strategically at different destinations and attractions.
QR Codes for Boarding
Major airports and airlines around the world are starting to use QR codes to make the delivery and verification of boarding passes easier. This helps make the process of obtaining a boarding pass easy, as well as taking passengers and customers to the airline’s sales portal if they need to purchase tickets or obtain a boarding pass.
The use of QR codes at mobile check-in counters is another convenience afforded to us by our phones, as it makes the check-in procedure easier and faster compared to the long queues of the past.
Touch-free Payments
Since the pandemic started, many people are understandably afraid of touching surfaces they are unsure of. QR codes are being used in the travel industry to help with contactless and touch-free payments. By scanning a QR code, travellers can be directed to the payment portal with the right amount and their details (depending on how they use their phone) entered. All travellers have to do is verify the payment.
Using QR codes to facilitate payments has reduced the risk of contamination and the spread of the Coronavirus because it ensures fewer card and cash payments.
Hotel Operations and Management
Hotels are also taking advantage of QR codes to keep their guests happy and safe. As with airlines, hotels can use QR codes to direct guests to their websites’ payment platforms. They can also use QR codes to direct travellers to the attractions in their cities as well as attractions and activities within the hotel or close to it.
QR codes are also being used for payments and to provide menus at food and beverage outlets. Hotels can direct travellers to scan QR codes that lead to their social media pages for higher engagement.
The use of QR codes has grown over the past year or two as people have started to realize the potential this tool holds. The travel industry has fully embraced the use of QR codes as it affords agencies and partners lots of benefits.