Trying to keep up with changes in the travel market is a daunting task. Technology has completely transformed the travel industry and both consumers and businesses have had to adjust to this ever-changing landscape.
“There’s an app for that” about sums it up – all of the major travel providers (airlines, hotels, etc.) have apps that provide information on their products and services, as well as reviews. In addition, there are a myriad of apps that assist consumers while they travel – and some can even save their lives. An article published in the The New York Times, “The App as Health Aid” shows many different options available to assist travelers, such as apps to assist travelers with chronic ailments like diabetes or high blood pressure.
International SOS, our parent company and the world’s leading international healthcare, medical assistance, and security services company; has an app that provides health and security information pertinent to the traveler’s itinerary, noting, for instance, if there is an outbreak of a particular disease in the area. We, on the other hand, offer a mobile concierge app which is a fully white?labeled mobile application that allows users to access concierge services and 1,500+ VIP privileges, deals and offers to consumers via their mobile device.
It’s clear that technology will continue to shape the future of this industry in a major way. Travelers increasingly expect more information to be readily available. Social and mobile access to this information is becoming more and more important. Thanks to our economic state and the availability of information, consumers are researching their travel options, prior to purchasing; therefore, understanding, influencing, differentiating and delighting a customer during all stages of the travel experience will be the key to survival in 2012 and beyond.
For brands, mobile and social media offer an easy way to keep consumers engaged well before and long after each travel event, which in turn, helps brands stay front of mind with consumers. Understanding the ever-changing world of travel will be vital for any brand looking to grow and prosper today and in the future.
EyeforTravel recently published the article, “The Top 5 Trends for 2012” in preparation for the Travel Distribution Summit Asia 2012, which discusses these major trends as well as insight into the unpleasant challenge of measuring return on investment in the social and mobile arena. I highly recommend any travel services provider to take a look – and in the meantime, check out this eye-opening infographic on the topic:
