Nov 5, 2019
Technological progress favours the effervescence of tourism software. They have changed the way we travel, and these new developments promise an even more interactive and exciting experience for travellers.
Software accompanies tourism professionals. Tour operators, travel agencies, receptive operators, event organisers, tourist offices and local authorities are all relying on technology for their business development. These are growth drivers for travel tech.
What is the role of tourism software ?
Technology is so important that according to Google Travel, 74% of travellers plan their trip online in advance via travel software.
Who has never allowed themselves to go on holiday just because EasyJet offers tickets for less than €30?
We have the reflex to go on the internet and compare the price of flights, hotels, destinations, etc...
This travel preparation routine was unthinkable a few years ago. Today, travellers play an important role in the experience. They want a hotel that fits their style, right when they need it thanks to travel software like AirBnB.
When planning our trips, we can make all the hotel reservations, plane tickets, etc. online from our living room. Then we can pack our suitcase. We can even find out about leisure activities on site.
Indeed, thanks to the tourism software, companies can offer their customers, from all over the world, the possibility to book directly online! Moreover, these reservations remain on the mailbox, avoiding having to print everything and avoiding the worry of losing them.
It is without doubt the main platform for the modern traveller. The user can do everything on his phone. They can plan an entire trip without ever talking to a human being.
The smartphone has become our guide and helps us to avoid getting lost in the most remote places; it has also become our diary and we just have to enter our daily tasks and appointments and nothing will escape us.
Thanks to the location, it's impossible to pass by a restaurant without having some opinions on it. It even offers us discounts and good deals depending on our route. Finally, it allows us to immortalise all our memories and share our photos and videos on social networks.
Customers have the ability to share their opinions instantly via Facebook, Yelp, TripAdvisor and other travel review sites. Technology has pushed hotels and restaurants to focus on quality customer service. Tourism software is enabling the rise of "connected" mobility!
We all know Siri, Alexa, Google Home, our virtual assistants that meet all our needs.
"What's the weather like?" - "Set a timer" - "Turn on the light..."
Hotels are starting to integrate virtual assistants to differentiate themselves from the competition. Each guest will be able to carry out actions from their room. For example, one can imagine a system of calling the reception directly through the virtual.
In addition, hotels can collect a lot of information about their guests. This information can be used to personalise the guest experience.
The travel and tourism sector is a billion euro industry. These examples show that there is no longer any debate about the benefits that technology can offer travellers.
An efficient commercial policy should include a digital communication strategy, a showcase or merchant website, newsletters, social networking or the use of tourism software.
It is in this context of digital evolution that we see the advent of tourism software such as Klook. This travel agency does not sell plane tickets or hotel rooms, it only sells activities. Klook has achieved the feat of raising 173 million euros to take on the United States and Europe.
The company first developed in Hong Kong by selling discounted tickets to local attractions. The startup then expanded throughout Asia, marketing tours, experiences, transportation and culinary reservations in the region's major cities.
Today, Klook's primary market is Greater China, and its offering is targeted at Asian tourists visiting other parts of Asia. Its customers are independent travellers aged between 20 and 40, who want a flexible trip. They choose their own itineraries and activities.
In the US, Klook will have a tough challenge, with competitors such as Viator, a marketplace for pre-approved tours and activities, a subsidiary of TripAdvisor. It will also have to contend with Airbnb's "Experiences" offering, which allows you to book tours and experiences offered by hosts.
To go further, you can find lots of tips and tricks on our blog: https://www.yoplanning.com/blog
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