Gartner predicts video telepresence will replace 2.1 million airline seats per year by 2012, losing the travel industry $3.5 billion annually

The challenge of current world economic conditions is set to drive uptake of video telepresence in the next three years, with the travel industry losing out, according to Gartner Inc.

Gartner analysts predict that high-definition based video meeting solutions will replace 2.1 million airline seats annually, costing the travel and hospitality industry US$3.5 billion per year.

In the meantime, Second Life should not have any impact on travel industry. Amazing, huh?