Cities in Asia Pacific have been plagued for years by traffic, overcrowding and unmonitored tourism data. Asia Pacific is home to 22 of the world’s 29 megacities. Amadeus, a major IT provider for the global travel and tourism industry, developed a plan for smarter urban living. While others push efforts toward building new transport systems, re-planning cities and encouraging energy-efficient structures, Amadeus is working on a number of alternative projects.

Amadeus will collaborate with the public sector and governments to come up with solutions that enable “smart cities” of the future. These solutions include harnessing technology to solve complex problems such as pollution, inadequate energy and resources, and the like.

Amadeus committed US $800 million toward research and development for innovation globally, half linked directly to technologies for its Smart Mobility initiatives. These initiatives include biometrics, traveller identification, Internet of Things, massive data platforms and passenger handling solutions.

The company is working with national tourism boards to help cities attract more inbound travellers and have a better understanding of their preferences using big data.

Amadeus is also working with Hong Kong International Airport to deploy the world’s first battery-powered movable check-in kiosks called iCUSS, with both a self-service and full-service mode. It is also cloud-based and mobile, providing freedom and flexibility in serving passengers.

The company invested a total of US $1.5 billion across airport IT and hotel IT through acquisitions.