CES 2022: Technology Not Expected to Wholly Replace Aspects of Travel, Marriott President Says

LAS VEGAS, January 6, 2022 – Marriott International President Stephanie Linnartz said Wednesday that she expects humans will still play a critical role in travel, despite advances in technology.

Since the world has gone digital, people have begun to travel and plan their trips in different ways, Linnartz said at the Consumer Electronics Show.

“I still believe human beings will be at the core of great travel experience, but [they will be] data driven and tech enabled,” adding technology will supplement – not replace – the human element of travel.

Many people may suspect that travel advisors may have become somewhat antiquated because of this digitalization, but Linnartz said she believes they still have an integral role in the customer experience.

“We absolutely want to work with partners,” she said. “Whether it would be a travel advisor or other travel companies – it is offering something that we could package with a something we’re doing.

Collaborative efforts between these partnering organizations are ultimately what will lead to a superior experience for travelers, Linnartz said. “I think partnerships are at the heart of really some really cool innovative things,” she said. “We are saying ‘come in, bring partners, you guys can come join us in the lab, see how we can partner together.’”