Online payment next big thing for agents
Travel agents have an enormous opportunity to leverage the business opportunities that will evolve with the development of mobile phone technology, CEO Robert Bailey told the Abacus conference.
“With more than 450 million mobile Internet subscribers in the Asia Pacific region…over the next few years, contactless, mobile and pre-paid products have the greatest payment potential in Asia,†Bailey told delegates.
“Eighty-five percent of travellers take their phones with them when they travel and it is the number one accessory that travellers have with them.
“The growth in Internet usage has increased the opportunities for travel agents to reach a new group of consumers and opened vast business opportunities in the travel industry around online payment.
“The possibilities for mobile bookings and payments are enormous – from payment for value-added services such as food and beverages, pillows, insurance, onboard entertainment etc.
“To this end, Bailey said, “the Abacus WebStart Internet booking engine will help enterprising travel agents leverage on the opportunity presented to create a single medium where consumers go to and can be assured that they will find various options for great-value fares and deals.
“Initiating or expanding an online plan should become one of the key pillars in a company’s business plan.
“Simply by adding an online shopping tool, travel agents can take their websites to a higher level.â€
Bailey said while many agents would embrace and thrive using the new and emerging mobile technology, there would be those who would find it too demanding.
“This may accelerate consolidation in the industry,†he said.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia