Digital technology is bring about a major transformation to the travel industry

The next time you visit a local supermarket, just notice the self-checkout stations made available for the customers. But what does that have to do with the travel industry? These self-serve checkouts are the best examples of the online impact on travel industry to create an experience that is solely customer-centric. Thanks to the digital technology that there have been several changes in traveling industry and the entire landscape. Read on to know about few such changes.

Goodbye, travel agent!

There was a time when the travel agent at the high street was the main organizer of your trip who did all the booking procedures of the consumers. However, these high street operators have now been replaced by OTAs or online travel agents. The hefty commission costs have been reduced and hoteliers don’t have to depend on the tour operators who could sell and recommend their hotel rooms. So, digital technology has led to the loyalty shift to the online travel agents.

Welcome the new type of travel specialists

In order to fight the odds of the market and still survive, the agents altered their focus on the various segments and then came specialization. The shift of focus was towards target interest audiences or demographic audiences who could praise the recommendations offered by their personal consultancy based on in-depth and expert knowledge. As consumers are no longer tied to their desktops, they are free to continue with their background research rather than only being dependent on Thomas Cook. Checking reviews of hotels and destinations has also become lot easier.

Commissions and commodities

The hotels and their partners have been disturbed by the structure of commissions and prices by the online travel agents although they have reduced a lot in recent times. Just as you don’t bother whether the gas supply that enters your house is Eon or British Gas, a similar type of commoditised model is approaching the hotel sector as well. Due to this, commission rates will decrease but the hotels will serve their value through other additional service offerings. So, the hotel businesses should learn how to capitalize through benefits and features.

Change in retaining loyal customers

There was a time when hotel brands would do anything to retain their loyal customers or the other big shot players. Consumers were deemed to be point hoarders and build loyalties with companies that never gave back much to you. Present research reveals that the millennials are always looking forward to brand new experiences and hence it is not much likely that they’ll cling on to you for a long time. Nowadays, customers drift from one hotel to another very easily due to the increased options that they have. Read more: Best Tour Experiences of 2020 So, if you’re planning to step into the hotel industry, make sure you have a passion for traveling. Play MeVero referral game and win $1500 by referring your passion mate to the MeVero app and starting a chain of travel freaks.