Travel agents have an enormous opportunity to leverage the business opportunities that will evolve with the development of mobile phone technology, CEO Robert Bailey told the Abacus conference.
“With more than 450 million mobile Internet subscribers in the Asia Pacific region…over the next few years, contactless, mobile and pre-paid products have the greatest payment potential in Asia,†Bailey told delegates.
“Eighty-five percent of travellers take their phones with them when they travel and it is the number one accessory that travellers have with them.
“The growth in Internet usage has increased the opportunities for travel agents to reach a new group of consumers and opened vast business opportunities in the travel industry around online payment.
“The possibilities for mobile bookings and payments are enormous – from payment for value-added services such as food and beverages, pillows, insurance, onboard entertainment etc.
“To this end, Bailey said, “the Abacus WebStart Internet booking engine will help enterprising travel agents leverage on the opportunity presented to create a single medium where consumers go to and can be assured that they will find various options for great-value fares and deals.
“Initiating or expanding an online plan should become one of the key pillars in a company’s business plan.
“Simply by adding an online shopping tool, travel agents can take their websites to a higher level.â€
Bailey said while many agents would embrace and thrive using the new and emerging mobile technology, there would be those who would find it too demanding.
“This may accelerate consolidation in the industry,†he said.
