Today, many travel agencies are developing their own mobile apps and you might be interested to know why they are doing so. If your agency doesn’t have an app, does that mean you’re missing out on something? If so, is it a big deal or just something to think about later?
Well, we have written this article to help you answer these questions. Let’s look at what makes apps so popular, how they can benefit your business and your clients, and let you decide if it’s worth investing in developing one for your agency.
Benefits of mobile apps
Increased revenue
According to Statista, mobile users generate over 64 percent of all online traffic in the travel and hospitality sector. That is a huge audience to reach if you know how – and the right way is to offer them an app.
Unlike mobile versions of websites, apps are very efficient when it comes to selling services. Every part of the process is seamlessly integrated and the whole transaction can be completed in a matter of minutes, allowing more people to buy on the go without unnecessary delays that can lead to additional doubts.
Apps also include promotional tools such as targeted push notifications and loyalty programmes that can significantly increase your overall revenue and customer lifetime value.
Competitive advantage
Apps are much better than mobile versions of websites. They’re much faster and smoother, offer much more functionality and can store all the necessary data so users don’t have to re-enter it.
While apps are popular, many travel companies still operate without them. This means you can easily outperform your competition by offering your customers unparalleled convenience.
Increase customer engagement
Apps are designed to be as engaging as possible. Their comfortable user interfaces (UIs), stunning visuals, notifications and gamification capabilities make them the perfect tools to keep your customers’ attention.
Simply put, apps give you a whole new channel to engage with your audience. You can offer them great new deals, keep them up to date with the latest company news or inspire them with possible journeys and destinations.
And don’t forget, you can add some app-exclusive benefits to make them even happier to use your app.
Brand recognition
When it comes to branding opportunities, apps offer the advantage of having your brand logo always on your customers’ screens. Your business is just a tap away, acting as a constant showcase for your services. Once your customers get used to it, your app will be the first thing they think of when they need travel-related services.
Personalised customer experience
Mobile apps are designed to be a perfect fit for each user, thanks to unparalleled personalisation capabilities. Apps store all sorts of relevant data and use it to tailor your customers’ experience. For example, if they are travelling with their family, the app will start offering child-friendly accommodation. If they want to go skiing, the app will learn to recommend ski resorts in the future.
But that’s not all. You can offer various feedback options to help your customers customise their experience. You can provide interactive maps so travellers can choose their own routes for sightseeing. All of these features can make a huge difference to overall customer satisfaction and ensure that they come back for more of your services in the future.
Convenient payments
Giving your customers the ability to easily pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay or any other fast payment method is a huge advantage. Manually entering the necessary data during the payment process can be tedious, so making this process easier goes a long way. Your mobile app can also store electronic receipts for your services, giving your customers a sense of security and comfort about their purchases.
Improved customer service
Mobile apps allow you to provide much better customer service. Firstly, it’s much more convenient for users to have an in-app chat rather than opening a website or calling your business.
Secondly, you can have a chatbot or even chatGPT answer various questions from users, ensuring 24/7 availability and quick responses, taking customer satisfaction to a new level.
Finally, notifications ensure that travellers are always in control of their trip, even when they encounter surprise booking changes or flight delays. When your app is the reason they are always informed, customers appreciate it, rely on it more and trust your services.
Data and analytics
Customised apps provide invaluable behavioural and demographic data that you can use to inform your marketing strategies. Apps make it easy to learn which features are most popular, so you can focus your efforts accordingly. Apps also make it easy to gather feedback, from in-app surveys to simple like/dislike systems. These tools give you the data you need to analyse your business and make data-driven decisions for the future.
Bottom line
Mobile devices are the number one companion for every traveller, making it crucial to offer an app to your customers.
From offering superior service and gaining the trust and loyalty of your audience, to obtaining unique data and gaining a significant competitive advantage, apps are an invaluable tool for any travel agency focused on growth.
Creating a bespoke mobile app for your travel agency is a win-win solution for you and your customers. In today’s market there is already a demand for such an app, so it’s only a matter of time before you start developing one. It’s better to start sooner than later.