Wesley Lynch, CEO of Realmdigital speaks on the topic of mobility broadening the channel in travel (operators and agencies), and how a ‘travel companion’ such as an app can increase opportunity in tourism.
As the travel industry builds up to Indaba on the 11th and 14th May, tourism-dependent Africa should give mobile apps their serious consideration, as apps can help them capitalise on commercial opportunities more swiftly and build more lasting relationships.
Travel has been slow in adopting mobile, considering the pioneering role the industry played in online commerce. So far, the travel apps that have made an impact include mobile check-in, trip advisories and various other content driven services. The time is now ripe to extend mobile services into the travel environment.
Sure Travel, the SA retail travel group with 107 agency outlets, launched their mobile apps a couple of months ago which has seen positive results already. A number of booking enquiries have been made via their app, showing that the market is ready for the adoption of mobile.
Travel agencies and operators can have significant benefits from utilising mobile that are not necessarily commercial in nature. Corporate travel buyers can use travel apps to access the company repository of travel related information, from travel arrangement to booking references and travel insurance.
While travellers are unlikely to research their next holiday on their mobile phone, ‘post-booking’ services such as booking a car rental, renting a mobile phone or buying travel insurance is better suited to mobile devices. Travel companies need to start getting excited about the new class of so-called “travel companion” apps.
There are major opportunities within their grasp. And where an app does not lend itself to monetisation, it can nevertheless be essential for maintain their relationship with the traveller. Sure Travel’s enquiries, for instance, increased as a result of offering a mobile app, which leads itself to more opportunities.
About Realmdigital
Realmdigital is a top South African e-business strategy and technology partner, specialising in Internet and mobile platforms. The company has proven local and international success in building leading online businesses including Avusa (incorporating Exclusive Books), Naspers, Die Burger, Media 24, Ford and Mix Telematics (Matrix Vehicle Tracking). Founded in 1999 by CEO Wesley Lynch, the company lists industry-leading clients across all industries, with a strong install base in retail and travel. Realmdigital’s e-business engagements are grounded in a strong solution portfolio that integrates with best-in-class technologies, including payment and booking/reservation engines, SEO techniques, CMS, CRM and Intranet platforms. In addition we offer an established lead development capability and an advanced partner management and project methodology. Together, these elements make up a comprehensive e-business enablement portfolio comprising a full spectrum of work streams – digital strategy, creative and technological.
Imagine then Build!
