Why Do You Need Mobile App for Your Travel Business?

Travelers are more mobile-focused than ever. In 2023 alone, travel app downloads hit over 3 billion, according to Phocuswire. Online travel agencies (OTAs) led the way with a 34% increase in downloads, which shows just how much people rely on mobile options to plan and book trips. Total time spent on travel apps rose to 15.7 billion hours in 2023, up from 12.6 billion in 2022. These numbers make one thing clear: today’s travelers want mobile solutions.

If your travel business doesn’t have a mobile app yet, now’s the time to make the move. Here’s how a mobile app can help you meet customer needs, boost direct bookings, and create new ways to grow revenue.

Make Bookings and Purchases Easy

Travel apps can integrate booking systems that allow users to directly book tours, hotels, flights, or experiences through the app. By offering in-app purchases, businesses can generate revenue without relying solely on e-commerce website.

Deliver Personalized Offers and Upselling

A mobile app helps you learn about your customers’ travel preferences and makes it easier to send personalised offers. For instance, after someone books a hotel, your app could suggest nearby tours, car rentals, or other experiences that fit their itinerary. This kind of targeted upselling can lead to more bookings and higher revenue.

Build Loyalty with Points and Rewards

In-app loyalty programs can help increase repeat bookings. Travelers are more likely to book directly if they can collect points and redeem them for future trips. One of the most popular loyalty programs in the tourism industry is Genius Partner Program from Booking.com. Genius members are less likely to cancel their reservations compared to non-members, likely due to the requirement of logging in to access discounts.

Inform with Push Notifications

Push notifications are important strategy in your travel mobile app. They keep the traveler up to date about the booked holidays and inform about special discounts. Effective push notifications can enhance user engagement by delivering timely and relevant information directly to users' devices.

Your travel mobile app may improve users' overall travel experience and keep them informed by strategically using push notifications, which will increase conversion rates and boost client loyalty.

Monetize Data

The user data collected through the app (with proper consent) can provide insights into travel behavior, which is valuable for refining marketing strategies. This data can be used to offer personalised offers and recommendations. For instance, analyzing users' past travel destinations, booking patterns, and search behaviors can help identify trends and interests. This allows you to create targeted promotions that resonate with specific segments of your audience.

By leveraging this data, you can send personalised discounts that align with a user's travel history or wishlist. Additionally, understanding peak travel times and preferred travel styles can enhance the customer experience by providing timely suggestions, such as last-minute deals.

Conclusion

Travelers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices when it comes to holiday booking. The statistics speak for themselves and highlight a clear shift towards mobile solutions in the travel industry.

A mobile app can simplify the booking process, tailor offers to individual preferences, and build loyalty through rewards programs. It allows you to stay in touch with travelers through push notifications and keep them informed about their plans. Plus, with the insights gained from user data, you can continually refine your strategies to meet your clients' needs.