How is the travel industry strengthening its online presence for broader customer reach?

The online wave in the travel industry has picked up the pace in the last couple of years. More and more customers are using the online mediums to plan and book holiday packages online. In such a scenario, travel operators need to be smart and invest in online mediums to enhance their business revenues.

In recent times, there has been a progressive transition from offline to an online business model in several industries. Travel and tourism is no exception. While travel operators were only focused on the offline model in the past, now they are increasingly focusing on having a strong presence, online. Not only presence but operators are also providing value-added services through online channels to attract more customers.

Convenience and accessibility are two major factors pushing customers to the offline route. In such a situation, how can you improve your business growth prospects? Let’s ponder on how to leverage the online mediums for business growth.

Dynamic Consumer Behavior

Customers are now keen on planning and booking a holiday for themselves, online. They are using online travel aggregation websites to check out information, look for hotels, book tickets and plan the entire vacations.

In a self-driven ecosystem, staying relevant becomes a challenge for travel companies. To deal with the changing consumer trends, travel companies are focusing on value addition through their online platforms.

Instead of just providing services to book a vacation, many travel operators have started giving an online facility to schedule foreign exchange and initiate the visa process. Also, everyone is keen on launching a travel portal where one can book a complete holiday package without any unnecessary intervention. This suits the modern customers who look for self-driven experiences using online platforms.

The Age of Websites & Mobile Apps

Technology has completely disrupted the way business was being done in the travel industry. The entry of tech companies in the sphere has tilted the way consumers approach travel operators. While this calls for building a feature-rich website, the demand for mobile apps, too, is increasing. Here are some statistics to prove the point:

·        Major travel operators expect more than 80% customer queries from online platforms.

·        Travel operators can expect 3x-4x business revenue growth after building a website

·        35% of total travelers research and book holidays through a website or mobile app

The website serves as a great online platform to inform and attract customers. By mixing the convenience quotient with the possibility of personalized holiday experience, travel operators can win this digital battle. This is how having a website/mobile app can help you win the digital race:

·        Customers look for convenience, affordability and personalized experience.

·        Websites/mobile apps give the power to browse, research and book from anywhere, anytime

·        The backend infrastructure ready to serve customers is there to personalize the experience according to expectations

·        Together, the brick-and-click model is proving to be most beneficial for everyone in the travel industry

Social Media Culture

Social media has also shaken up things in the travel landscape. With the power to influence buying decisions, regulate advt. Spends and target advertisements, operators are becoming more efficient at marketing.

Social media platforms give travel operators the chance to improve the customer experience. By showing relevant posts to them at a time they want, they are making a better case for engaging user interaction.

All in all, the power to promote relevant offers has been beneficial both for travel companies as well as customers who seek such information online.

While online has been a significant game-changer, offline channels still are present and growing, organically. Online platforms have served as a facilitator for offline operations. Travel operators are developing hybrid operational models with the right mix of online and offline aspects. Together, they are helping operators provide more traveler-centric information and experiences.

There is no denying that online platforms are here to stay for the coming years. So, why not join an online platform to boost your revenues and enhance customer experience.  Beep equips you to be better at managing operations, reduce costs and streamline cab bookings by providing the right tools. Discover for yourself and make an informed decision, today.