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goods while browsing through digital landscapes. Meanwhile, space tourism is no longer science fiction. “Tax-free commerce in space could mean 3D-printed souvenirs in orbit and luxury goods customised for zero gravity,” said Rad. “The future isn’t about predicting it – it’s about creating it” Travellers are loyal to experiences that cater to them personally. Rad shared the example of retail spaces that adapt based on real- time data – smart environments that change lighting or scent based on the traveller’s mood. Integrating well-being services, such as health tracking or relaxation zones, meanwhile, will appeal to wellness-focused consumers. The future of travel may be tech-augmented, but it is profoundly human. “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: fear – fear of being replaced by AI, of our products becoming obsolete, of travel itself being disrupted by geopolitical tensions,” said Rad. “Will Gen Z reject our goods in favour of metaverse collectibles? Will travellers abandon physical journeys for VR experiences? I’ve had these fears too. As a futurist, there’s always that looming question: Am I next? Will AI replace me, too? But here’s what we must remember: The future of travel is profoundly human. Technology will augment, enhance, and elevate what we do, but it will not replace the fundamental human need for connection, discovery, and experience. Yes, we will face challenges – shifting consumer habits, geopolitical instability, digital distractions – but at the end of the day, humans will always seek authentic experiences, whether that’s in a bustling airport lounge or aboard a cruise ship floating between continents.” Indeed, the role of travel – and by extension, travel retail – is to meet these deep, human needs. The purpose isn’t just to keep up with the latest tech, but to use it in ways that serve humanity’s unchanging desires: to explore, to connect, to thrive. Radical Next guides organisations and individuals to thrive in times of radical and accelerating change. “I’m here to empower everyone to become their own futurist,” Rad explained. “The future isn’t about predicting it – it’s about creating it.” Her advice was to adopt these futurist archetypes: • The Adaptive Navigator: embrace change, stay flexible. • The Creative Catalyst: push boundaries, disrupt the norm. • The Discerning Strategist: cut through the noise with critical thinking. • The Mindful Monk: focus on deep work and balance. • The Story Architect: inspire action with visionary storytelling. • The Pattern Breaker: innovate by rewriting the rules. • The Mind Shifter: adapt quickly to complex situations. • The Future-Focused Guide: lead with foresight and resilience. • The Resilience Engineer: build strength in adaptability. • The Collaboration Alchemist: spark collective intelligence. “I’m excited to be at the forefront of change and dive into conversations with boundary-pushing innovators,” Rad added. “Let’s talk space tourism retail – how about 3D-printed souvenirs in space? Or tax-free commerce in orbit? But beyond space, I’m eager to explore how we evolve travel retail on Earth. Whether it’s creating personalised wellness hubs in airports or rethinking adaptive retail for nomadic retirees, the possibilities are endless.” Sam Rad, anthropologist, futurist, best-selling author and CEO of meta-media studio Radical Next: “The future of travel is profoundly human. Technology will augment, enhance, and elevate what we do, but it will not replace the fundamental human need for connection, discovery, and experience.” Tuesday 1 Oc tobe r 2024 8 T F W A D A I L Y