How much impactful mobile apps are on transforming the Travel & Tourism Industry

Nowadays, smartphones have great transformation power. It has reshaped various industries functioning, customer acquisition and serving trends. eCommerce and various other domains, travel, and tourism industry are adopting mobility at a faster pace. According to Statista, travel & tourism industry is projected to generate 17.3 billion U.S. dollars in revenue by 2020. 85 percent of respondents said they use mobile devices to book travel activities.

Not just in for planning trips, smartphone helps travellers at various stages, whenever they need during their journey- such as checking  flight information, checking ticket status, finding nearby restaurants, search for top destinations, sharing images, hotel booking  to social media etc.

A survey was carried to identify the use of smartphones. Here are responses from travellers:

• Finding restaurants – 52%

• Search for destinations – 46%

• Reading reviews – 45%

• Booked or researched hotels – 42%

• Booked or searched flights – 34%

• Leaving a review and ratings of a hotel, restaurant, attraction – 23%

• Status updates to social networks – 38%

• Checked flight status – 51%

Mobile technology in the Travel & Tourism industry

The application of mobile technologies have an astounding impact on the tourism and travel industry. Travellers make a complete roadmap of their journey through mobile apps by  choosing various travel destination and tourism spots by surfing the internet through their mobile phones. SMS (Short messaging) services are used to provide information for booking confirmation and even as a ticket which can simply be presented to the airline or the hotel and thus allowing one to enjoy the service. The of new and high-tech mobile apps emergence has again stirred a revolution in mobile technology. This is especially helpful to allow a user to access the internet and book services online. Hence, one can also book any number of  tour packages and other travel related services through the mobile itself.

The relationship between TWO T’s “Travel and Technology” has rubbed their shoulder together to counter challenges faced by travellers and other stakeholders from industry. In this smartphone era, every customer looks for personalized care and on-demand service. To compete with this demand of personalized  care most of the businesses  are now adopting mobile apps to serve and interact with customers in a more exclusive way.

Wearable Technology is intervening in Travel:

• By 2018 there have been 180 Million Wearable internet-connected devices which were merely 9 Million globally by 2013. Products  like Sony SmartWatch, Samsung Galaxy Gear, and Google Glass. Google has also developed Android Wear software specs that are wearable electronics.

• Apple Watches, Android Wearables are expected to take this sector by storm, as Apple products have done for smartphones and tablets.                         

Giving a Seamless Experience with Mobile Technology!

In the current scenario travellers have high expectations when it comes about availing travel services, quick and authenticated pricing, availability information, mobile booking, ratings and reviews, past travel history and preferences, real-time alerts, hassle-free check-ins, are major elements they are looking for. Also, deploying a mobile app first for your business exposure can dramatically increase your customer base. For instance

• Users can access your website from any smartphone and from anywhere around the globe

• Customers can be engaged with you through social media apps at your social channels, they can leave a review.

• Travellers can easily locate your business with help of mobile app.

Having a mobile app gives your business countless opportunities, not just in terms of serving your customers, but also to manage your business in a more controlled way. Here are some benefits of it:

• The track, respond and reply to your emails regarding any information.

• Customers can check their occupancy using online booking system app and website.

• Travellers can take photos of destinations and can post them on Flickr, Facebook, and other sites.

• Take videos and post them on YouTube, Facebook, and other sites.

• Manage your online reputation.

• Check and post on your Facebook Page.

• Do your online banking.

• Answer your live chat system present on your website, using a mobile application.

 

 

Conclusion:

So far we have seen the advantages of having mobile apps for travel & tourism industry and also mobility impacts any business. The success of this business can’t be imagined without mobile apps. As per current scenario, security is the major concern of every business as for a  smooth and secure payment solution. It increases the reliability of the mobile app and reliability regarding its usability, thus increasing chances to have a long-term partnership with those customers. It is a smart way for extracting high ROI (Return of Investment).