As reliant as the world had already become on technology pre-pandemic, from its onset, the COVID-19 crisis forced most people online whether they liked it or not.
The challenge for some senior travellers is the technology that is now required to travel. Technology development in the last two decades has undoubtedly reshaped the travel industry and all stakeholders have designed and implemented information and communication technologies to improve the travel experience, particularly during the pandemic.
But agents are reporting that for senior-to-elderly travellers, it can be extremely challenging to adapt to the technologies now needed for travel purposes. In fact, some of these seniors have voiced the thought that if you are not savvy, the sheer amount of technology and preparation required in order to travel during the pandemic might just persuade you to stay at home.
Senior traveller X said: “In addition to the usual processes of planning an itinerary, sorting out visas, foreign SIM cards and downloading maps —more research is now required on your destination, like looking up potential quarantine restrictions, downloading QR codes and uploading vaccination certificates. If you book a trip far in advance, it is necessary to do all that research again right before you depart and during your journey, because the situation is highly likely to change.”
A travel agent told Travel News that assisting more senior travellers and travellers who are not tech-savvy has become a big part of her service offering. “Travel for some older people is already stressful, but throw Covid into the mix and it becomes really challenging. These travellers need a lot of attention, checking and re-checking the details and making sure they understand exactly what their journey is going to entail. I have begun to assist our senior travellers to download apps, upload vaccination certificates and country entry forms, advising them on what protocols to follow onboard the aircraft and on the ground at their destination.” This consultant also advises her clients to unlock their phones so that they work with foreign SIM cards and offers resources to buy SIM cards when her clients travel abroad. “International roaming can cost a fortune if clients are not aware of the charges, especially when they are using their mobile phones more than they usually would.” She also contacts her elderly travellers to remind them to go for their Covid tests in time so they get the results in time to be able to board. “It is an additional service I am happy to offer to ensure that my older clients travel safely with minimal stress.”
Vanya Lessing, CEO of Sure Holdings, told Travel News that while the Millennials and the Gen Z grew up tech savvy and are the ones driving digitisation, the generations known as Baby Boomers and Gen X have had to fast-track their tech knowledge in order to do business or stay in touch with family and friends online. Said Lessing: “In this pandemic, there is now a much greater need to understand how to use smart technology devices. Digitisation in all spheres of travel is evolving and whilst it's second nature to younger generations, it can be very challenging if you are older and not tech savvy. Travel consultants can assist to a point, but there are things that the traveller has to do on their own during the journey. Visas are issued online on arrival in some countries like Qatar. It's a simple process if you know what to do. Arrivals have to have a local sim card in order to receive a pin number to download the visa. Fortunately at Doha airport there are the Discover Qatar assistants who will help with this process. Before and during a journey, travellers will also have to upload their PCR results.”
Lessing added: “While all of this may sound daunting, I believe all generations will manage the requirements with advice and assistance from their travel consultants. The important thing for them is not to panic. Follow guidelines, ask for help and enjoy the journey!”
Said senior traveller X: “We are forced to utilise technology throughout our journey now. The downside is that we can never get away from our smartphones which rather defeats my idea of a relaxing holiday!”
