Timing is right for mobile travel bookings
Mobile travel bookings are expected to triple by 2013, so the time is ripe for travel marketers to target them with highly relevant offers, says Alex Rahaman, CEO of StrikeAd.
“Our statistics at StrikeAd agree. We're seeing a significant increase in the number of people accessing WiFi from their mobile devices. And as the number of travelers packing their mobile devices is expected to grow, the time is ripe for travel marketers to target them more effectively,” said Alex Rahaman.
According to Google, the number of mobile users researching travel via their mobile device in the US alone is expected to grow by 51% in 2012. Another study out this month by travel research firm PhoCusWright found that mobile travel bookings are expected to triple by 2013.
“With the increased availability of wireless, travelers who may have been concerned about using their mobiles on holiday for fear of incurring high data download charges can now use their mobiles to learn more about where to go and book extra services when on holiday,” Rahaman said.
The surge in mobile device use is opening up a serious opportunity for travel marketers to target consumers. ”For the first time, marketers can hit travelers with ads which are directly relevant to them and to their location, at a very granular level,” Rahaman said.
He points out that advertisers on mobile devices can target the right person at the right time, calling this the “holy grail” for advertisers and mobile advertising.
“Companies need to eliminate a lengthy sign-in process, enabling the consumer to set up an automatic log-in on their mobile device. The mobile channel then becomes a key channel for re-marketing to existing customers – ease of log-in develops loyalty and repeat bookings from a travel operator’s customer base,” he said.
By David Wilkening
David
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