Due to the concern for safe travels during this pandemic, travelers are now searching for easy and safe ways to travel. Different countries have been able to manage the pandemic and vaccination differently. It is thus important for travelers to look out for platforms that inform them of places they can go on vacation with a reduced chance of contracting the virus.
The pandemic has brought about some safety measures like contactless check-in, contactless payment, digital health passes, and easy ways to store travelers’ information. A leading data and analytics company called GlobalData mentioned that companies should be looking to re-model travel apps that will effectively service and manage the post-pandemic traveler.
Globally, consumers are moving towards contactless technology for payment for products and services. The use of contactless payment has become a new norm in the tourism industry as well. Tourism companies now target their customers through safe booking using contactless technology. In a survey conducted by GlobalData, 55% of the respondents said they would only pay for products or services using their cards or mobile phones rather than cash. Another 60% plan to either start or continue to use online for transactions during the Covid 19 period.
GlobalData’s company filing analytics database shows that both mobile payments and online travel were in the top five themes mentioned in tourism company filings in 2020. The analytics suggest that travel apps that use contactless technology are the way forward. Developing an end-to-end service that inspires travel confidence, ensures safe travel and overall better management could prove lucrative to the travel industry and beneficial to travelers.
“It now seems likely that some form of digital passport will be required to travel safely post-pandemic. There is a lucrative opportunity and a growing need for a travel app that can encompass all elements of a trip into a one-stop solution, with omnichannel connectivity that covers everything from simplifying travel requirements to transactions. Anything that can help elevate the customer experience and inspire travel confidence should now be a key priority…
From a company perspective, apps provide opportunity to upsell any additional products and can lead to higher return on investment (ROI). With both mobile payments and online travel ranking highly on GlobalData’s filing analytics database (theme mentions in 2020), this shows they are key areas of focus going forward. However, further developments need to be publicized and demonstrate the advantages of seamless app experiences to the end-user.
Other than displaying COVID-19 travel requirements, travel apps also offer overwhelming benefits for destinations. An app devised by a DMO for example could promote the experiences within a destination, while managing capacity at certain attractions/locations. Benefits can also be seen here for airports, whereby tourists can be redirected to different areas of the airport due to heavy footfall, ensuring social distancing measures are adhered to.” Johanna Bonhill-Smith, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData.
