How Mobile will help the travel industry in 2016

Mobile technology has been driving the travel industry and changed the way the agencies are operating for some time now. In the year 2016 this industry is expected to be influenced and directed to a large extent by the ways mobile apps and technology evolves further. With the advent of 3G mobile internet almost 0.7 billion people are accessing internet currently across the globe. People are leaving desktops and making fast travel reservations over androids and tablets. 300 million mobile bookings were recorded in a report alone in United States. Latin American nations, Asian and European countries have shown similar trends too in regards to mobile bookings. People sit back in their couches, browse and do the bookings over mobile rather than using laptops and desktops, which are being accessed still for mainly hotel bookings.

Searching and booking through mobile: As people keep switching their phones in order to enjoy and reap the benefits of fast technology, their modes of browsing and selecting gets changed rapidly. Easy methods of internet booking engine for airlines, tour packages and even airlines have facilitated customers to take better and quick decisions. In the year 2013 travel industry related bookings comprised of 7%, in 2014, it took a big leap to 20% and in 2015 the figure was occupying a chunk of 40% of total bookings. This year 2016 can now see a massive rise. No one can predict the time when the technology may reach its saturation point but most players in the travel technology companies are trying to design and utilize mobile technology to reach out to as many varieties of customers as possible. 63% of the executives engaged in airline industry feel that customers’ engagement improvement has been achieved mainly due to mobile technology. Due to mobile technology touch point engagement of consumers with individuals or organization have increased. For additional information a consumer can contact both via online or offline mode. This has led to the creation of dynamic customer profiles and typesets by the travel companies. This in turn can be used by the travel agencies to develop personalized messages and services and market the same to customers at a later date.

Sharing with a tinge of local flavor is the order of the day: At best price and without compromising home like comfort, travelers are now flocking to options of local home stays and people based home sharing. Airbnb is right now one of the biggest players in the arena of home stays. With location based technologies mobile apps are giving the option to people from where they can not only choose their sharing on the basis of “where” and “what price” but also with “whom”. A trend has been developed with evolution of mobile technology where travelers recognize the essence of sharing and experiencing moments. Through “Shareyourmeal”, “Peer-to-Peer” or “Cookening” locals are getting an opportunity to showcase and give a taste of local flavor to travelers all across the globe. In order to experience lifetime moments, one need not own it.