Putting in place a mobile strategy is no longer a nice-to-have, it is the essential weapon in a fast-paced and competitive sector. EyeforTravel.com identifies some emerging themes.
One thing is certain: the mobile channel is here to stay. The research – from a number of different sources – backs this up. IDC predicts that by 2015 smartphone sales will reach 982 million, and according to Morgan Stanley, by 2014, mobile web users will surpass “traditional” desktop Internet users. Travel firms, it seems are taking this seriously, too; a recent Airline IT Trends survey finds that 9 out of 10 airlines are planning to sell tickets via mobile by 2015.
Unsurprisingly, emerging trends and opportunities in mobile will be a central theme at EyeforTravel’s fast-approaching Travel Distribution Summit, North America which takes place in Las Vegas from September 13–14. So what are the emerging trends and opportunities? EyeforTravel.com goes in search of answers and identifies five central themes for mobile.
SMARTPHONE ARE HERE TO STAY; NOT JUST FOR THE LAST MINUTE!
For online hotel booking firm, HotelTonight, the single biggest trend to emerge in 2012 will be the continued penetration of smartphones and the resulting shift of everyday activities from PC-based websites to the device in the customers’ pocket. “We believe the smartphone will become the new laptop and the resulting opportunities and challenges for businesses will be extreme,” said Jared Simon, Chief Operating Officer of HotelTonight.com. So which platforms is HotelTonight focusing its energy: on iOS and Android, of course although Simon says “we are always ready to move on a dime to take advantage of trends in this fast-paced mobile environment.”
Source: www.breakingtravelnews.com
