In terms of growth and popularity, the tourism business outperforms most other industries.
People nowadays are more interested than ever before in discovering the world’s hidden secrets. Its growth is evidenced in the fact that the worldwide travel and tourism sector increased at a 3.9% annual pace in 2018.
According to a WTTC poll, it generated $8.8 trillion in sales and created 318 million employment.
Given the data, it is reasonable to believe that certain reasons initiated its expansion. And, while we could go on for hours about how tourism is transforming the world, there is one factor that deserves the most credit. That is to say, technology.
How Technology is Transforming the Tourism Sector
Guidebooks, paper maps, and compasses are no longer necessary. Instead, we have interactive technical equipment and smartphone applications that come with a slew of features.
It is no longer necessary to sit for hours planning the itinerary. Simply install an app and delegate all of the time-consuming duties to it.
Almost every traveller nowadays has a smart gadget with them. As a result, mobile applications help both them and the creators. The latter will profit from the app if it is designed in accordance with market demands.
Many prospective developers have expressed an interest in travel application development. Its Return on Investment (ROI) outperforms that of most other app categories.
What Makes a Travel App Successful?
All you need is the following:
- A fantastic concept
- A well-organized, comprehensive strategy
Examine the market to learn what consumers are seeking for. There will be a long list of pain issues that you may solve with your application.
We have identified six crucial aspects for the growth and success of a travel application for your consideration. Let’s have a look at them:
1. Location-Based Services
When a tourist arrives at their location, they want to check into a hotel or sit in a cafe for a bit. As a result, every travel app must include a geolocation function.
It will assist travellers in tracking their whereabouts and locating feasible options nearby. They can explore the new location without the assistance of a local guide or tour company.
Google Maps SDK for Android and iOS is available to implement this functionality. It is beneficial to have a map in your travel app, as well as navigation and routing choices.
Even if adding this feature may increase the total development cost of your project, ignoring its integration increases the odds of failure.
2. Itinerary Maker
The most difficult task for travellers is managing all aspects of the schedule.
Planning where to travel initially and how to proceed throughout your journey requires serious consideration. Users may avoid this hassle by using travel applications.
These applications merely ask the user where they want to go on their trip. Then they automatically create a vacation plan that meets their needs.
Apps such as TripAdvisor and TripHobo might be of service. Each of these applications provides information about hidden jewels in the nation you are visiting. They allow users to enter the attractions they wish to see and create a plan that works around their timetable.
It is not easy to create an algorithm for all of these functions. You may leave this characteristic alone and add up the others.
However, by including this feature in your app, you may transform it into a really valuable tool for travellers. However, ensure that the itinerary generator is beneficial to the whole target population.
3. Weather Prediction
According to one survey, 51% of leisure travellers in the United States use travel apps to check the weather of the destinations they are intending to visit. It enables them to pack appropriately.
In addition, some people rush to pack without considering the weather. Travel applications must have a real-time weather prediction. These will help people to remain on top of the weather and avert natural disasters.
AccuWeather is a well-known app for its professional forecasting capabilities. People may use this app to check the weather in any location they wish.
Including a weather function in your app ensures that travellers will not use another app to check the weather. It should provide them with a full overview of topics like projected wind speed, cloud patterns, humidity, and so on.
4. Reservation Services
Aside from the schedule, the most crucial consideration for all travellers is where they will stay. Each of them is seeking a destination that is inexpensive, safe, and relaxing.
You must incorporate a booking mechanism into your application for this reason. It should make it easier for consumers to compare costs, categorise locations, create reminders, and receive notifications about hotel deals.
According to a 2018 research, 61% of US travellers utilised their cellphones for booking and payment. And, as we approach 2020, this figure has undoubtedly risen dramatically.
You must ensure that your app simplifies the booking procedure for users. Include a search engine and clever filtering.
You may also collaborate with hotels and airlines to provide travellers with unique deals and discounts. You may also provide users with a referral and joining incentive. The key is, do whatever you can to acquire more users on your side. But be fair.
5. Use of Social Media
The incorporation of social networking buttons is a feature that you cannot overlook. People like sharing and flaunting their social media experiences with their pals.
According to a report, 70% of social media users upload photos and change their status while on vacation.
As a result, giving users the choice to share their experiences on social media instantly increases visibility for your app. As an outcome, it is a win-win situation for everyone.
Then there’s the registration process to think about. Including a social media login option in the app will help consumers register faster. You will also receive access to their social profiles, which you can utilise to tailor discounts to their needs.
6. Ratings and Reviews
We cannot disregard the impact of reviews and ratings when moving about in a highly competitive industry. Modern travellers want to research the destinations they intend to visit.
According to Tnooz, leisure travellers examine six or seven reviews before making a reservation. Meanwhile, business travellers check an average of 5 evaluations before making a final reservation.
As a result, evaluations about various locations must be included in your app. When making a final choice to visit a location, consumers should be able to glance at the ratings and reviews.
There should also be a part where people may share their experiences after visiting a location. It gives them the opportunity to express themselves and interact with other travellers.
Final Thoughts
People no longer wait for their travel agent to book their vacations. We have arrived at a point in history where individuals can easily take care of their whole journey.
We can take advantage of this transition by creating travel applications. A travel mobile app generates more traffic and conversions than mobile websites.
Such considerations necessitate that we concentrate on establishing a specific travel application. Plan each step carefully so that progressing up the virtual spiral is seamless.