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‘Book holidays by mobile phone in five years time’
Holidaymakers and business travellers could receive travel tickets, booking and destination information, and after care customer service direct to their mobile phones within two years.
And by 2010, mobile technology could be sophisticated enough for customers to browse and book holidays direct using their handsets, it has been predicted.
The forecast came from Steve Procter, CEO of Mobycards, an exhibitor at next month’s Travel Technology Show.
He said: “Mobile technology is a very powerful marketing and customer relationship management tool that can be used to great effect by travel suppliers in conjunction with traditional or online booking systems.
“Mobiles can be used to deliver travel tickets conveniently and securely and to deliver booking and destination information as a value added service. Travel suppliers can also use mobile technology as a revenue generator by charging to send city guides, for example, direct to a customer’s mobile.
“And they can be used as a channel for after care, particularly for airlines, which could text passengers with real time flight information, keeping them up-to-date and happy.
“Given that 95% of adults in the UK have a mobile phone and nearly all of us take them with us when we travel, I would urge more companies to consider using this technology to enhance their customer service offering and differentiate themselves from the competition”
Travel Technology Show event director Neil Simpson added: “Mobile is just one of many exciting technologies that are forcing the travel industry forward at such an incredible pace. At the Travel Technology Show, visitors will be able to see next generation products and services from over 100 travel technology suppliers – an opportunity that is not replicated anywhere else in Europe.”
Organised by Centaur Exhibitions, show takes place on January 31–February 1 at London’s Olympia 2.
Report by Phil Davies
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