Trade ‘positive’ to mobile technology
The travel industry is “hugely positive†towards using mobile technology but has some way to go before it is prepared for it, according to new research from online travel watchers EyeforTravel.
Presenting the research carried out in the last few weeks at World Travel Market, head of research Amy Scarth said: “There is an overwhelming response right now from the industry that they will be using the mobile phone in some capacity as part of their online strategy.
“However, we are still very much in the trial and error stage and 71% have not adapted their product for the mobile space as yet. I think there is going to be another massive shift in this direction next year but no one quite knows how that will take place yet.â€
She said different travel companies viewed the opportunities of the mobile phone differently, some seeing it as an ecommerce platform, others as a marketing tool and others as a customer service tool to be used pre and post trip.
She added: “About 30% of people said they will be starting to invest money in this technology at the start of next year but there really does need to be a mindset change from both the industry and consumers.
“The industry needs to work out how to use this platform and what works best on it and the consumer needs to understand what added value to the purchase can be got from using their mobiles to book travel.â€
By Dinah Hatch
Dinah
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 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season