30 September 2009

Industry split over future of mobile commerce

Industry opinion was split over the future of mobile commerce, at a gathering of senior travel executives last weekend.

A debate at the Youtravel VIP trip to Crete showed that while some are confident about the potential of the technology, others remain dubious.

Youtravel sales director Paul Riches believes: ââ¬ÅâœThe current fashion for mobile websites for holiday companies is just that ââ¬' a fashion.

ââ¬ÅâœThe limitations of screen size will always limit the holiday market on mobile devices.ââ¬~

Anthony Martin of Rock insurance agreed.

ââ¬ÅâœWe see our own products being able to be booked with one button in the future, be that from full screen or mobile.

ââ¬ÅâœMany commodities, including lots of holiday extras, are being booked, but not many holidays in their entirety.ââ¬~

But Neil Herbert of Travel Buddy claimed that the mobile device will have an increasing role to play.

ââ¬ÅâœLocation information, based around solid targeted data, banking features, on-phone credit card details, and many other developments will add increasing power to the device and will have a direct impact on how we surf and buy holiday products,ââ¬~ he said.

He said his view was backed up by recent research in Japan, India and Brazil which shows more web browsing is carried out via mobile devices than via PC or laptops.

ââ¬ÅâœThese countries are often viewed as leaders in this field,ââ¬~ he added.

Steve Clarke of TTA said future generations might be using games devices such as PS3s, as well as mobile devices, to look and book.

ââ¬ÅâœThe travel industry needs to be aware of these technological and social changes that may well impact booking patterns and habits,ââ¬~ he said.

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