“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag
Looking at this image, ask yourself this : ,,How many people over there are heading in my direction, am I on their list?“
Regardless of what you own, (hotel, motel, inn, resort, etc.) there is a truth that has to be recognized here. Travelling and the very word ,,mobile” (apps) are less than a heartbeat away from each other.
As users are becoming more connected through their mobile phones, its not a surprise that they want mobile travel apps to organize their trips.
Before we move on to the why’s, we’ll paint a picture of how mobile users act and react when they want to travel anywhere.
A lot of studies show that when someone wants to book a room or a hotel , they visit 4-5 sites and decide afterwards.
One of the key elements in their decision is social media and social networks. According to a 2011 poll on Skyscanner.com 52% of Facebook users stated that seeing friends vacation/travel pictures inspired them to book that place.
Another crucial statement is from Friend2Friend, that travelers are 80% more likely to book a trip from a friend liking a page than they are from responding to a traditional advertisement. Traditional ads aren’t cutting it anymore.
So you have a website. It’s a good start but is it enough?
Countless industries are setting a mobile presence out there, and not just because it’s a trend, but also because if you do it, you establish a quick connection to customers all around the world.
Let’s say I want to go on vacation (or a business trip). First I’ll enter your hotel through a tap. A flip of the hand. What do I see? What are you promising? Are you offering me something more than just a roof over my head? How friendly is your app towards me?
Here’s a good tip: Travelers are 83% more likely to make an inquiry on your property listing if you have over 20 photos vs less than 5 photos. Interesting Fact: Only 6% of properties feature over 20 photos.
Another tidbit is that half of the bookings in 2011 were done by tablet users. Also, according to Tripadvisor (2011), 3/4 business travelers (and nearly as much leisure travelers) use smartphones when searching for destination, hotel, etc.
Your mobile travel app should target iPhone and Android. Oh and never forget, is your app free?
And if it isn’t, are you offering some comforts if I use it? Or a discount in your restaurant? The possibilities are there.
Adopting a mobile travel app not only results in increasing your profits substantially but you also extend the representation of your brand, strengthen the relationship with your customers, satisfaction, loyalty and set yourself apart from other travel brands.
And best of all, you’re not just providing a roof over their heads but you’re giving them a memory, one with which they’ll grow old with and smile while telling stories to others about it. Maybe they won’t go everywhere, but why shouldn’t you be on their list?
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