Travel companies that were preparing for heightened competition in 2019 already had a head start when the pandemic struck. They were gearing towards the integration of customer messaging across platforms and devices to feed the extended customer journey.
By chance, these systems were well placed to respond to a crisis.
They were able to provide customers with assurance through both the promotional and booking process as the industry was thrown into disarray. Forward-looking companies had built the capacity to broadcast campaigns in reaction to changing circumstances quickly, efficiently, and at scale.
This is what customers now expect. In a recent survey by travel technology firm Amadeus, more than four in five travellers said technology would increase their confidence to travel in the next 12 months.
When asked which technology would give them the most confidence, 42% suggested a mobile application that provided on-trip notifications and alerts if, for example, there was a localised outbreak or changes in government guidance.
Customer communications no longer begin when a booking is being made on a website or when a visitor arrives at a check-in desk. The consumer has come to expect personalised content alongside relevant, local travel and safety advice delivered to multiple devices from the very first search click.
When people search for travel, they want to know more - much more. If I book now, I want to fully understand the flexibility that comes with my travel. Can I get a refund, how easy is it to cancel if health conditions are too restrictive? What safety protocols are in place to protect me on planes, trains and automobiles and at the destination I plan to travel to?
The only way to deliver this level of dynamic information creation and distribution is to combine big-data, profile analysis and hyper-targeted marketing.
Digital Transformation In The Customer Journey
With the insights these systems bring, you understand what each traveller wants and how you can best serve them. You can turn their customer journey into a positive experience. This is what ‘digital transformation’ means in the travel context.
Having worked with major destination marketing and travel hub teams globally, I have seen how improved marketing technology combines with data-driven creative campaigns to produce a host of benefits.
Internal and external teams synchronise; sales and marketing department goals better align; user experiences are genuinely improved. By creating a seamless and intuitive customer journey, you retain and grow your customer base and future-proof your digital marketing infrastructure.
We know that our desire for connection and adventure will drive gains in travel volumes over time, but this will be a gradual process. Improvements will vary greatly by travel industry sector, audience segment, and geography.
[See Jamie Sergeant on the new Work From Anywhere paradigm here]
[See Vinnie Romano on major changes to What Business Travel Means here]
One thing is for sure. Long term promotional planning remains unlikely for many key travel markets until the end of 2021. It is therefore important to focus on building fast, reactive campaigns that can capitalise on the opportunities as they present themselves.
By embedding these strategies into your business, you will have the power to launch creative promotions that are right for the here and now, but also perfect for the future.
For further insights, see our full Amplify Travel & Tourism ebook here. To speak to Jet, contact her via LinkedIn here or email her at jet@thisiscrowd.com.
