One cannot deny the pivotal role Technology plays within the Travel sector. ( http://www.quadlabs.com/xchange/online-booking-engine )

Our day-to-day lives are made easier through the use of the internet and technology – whether it be on our mobile devices, at home or in the work place using a desktop or laptop. Constant and continuous developments in technology have now made this achievable on a global scale.

It’s seen by many that technology and social media – has created a global village, connecting everybody to everyone, everywhere. Some might argue that using technology has made us less sociable, inhibiting face to face and physical interaction. However, the concept that globalization and technology allows us to overcome the limitations of physical distance through our finger tips, presents countless opportunities for the travel and tourism industry to flourish.

People travel to distances far and beyond and will continue to travel around the world to experience new things in life and advances in technology are there to influence and inspire this: not prohibit.

Whilst an individual’s travel experience doesn't necessarily start physically until they arrive at the airport departures or even the destination itself, technology has helped to allow this experience to begin from the moment a person has the aspiration to go somewhere, if not creating that aspiration itself. Experience is the key word – and it’s equally as important for companies to provide a positive experience for customers from the moment they decide to exercise these ideas; from idea and plan to the experience itself as well as post-travel sharing and feedback.

In today’s world, travel agendas rarely rely on trusted word-of-mouth recommendations and physical guidebooks; breakthroughs in digitization have given customers independence and choice in a really big way. The main purpose of travel is essentially about connecting – places, people, experiences and memories. One thing that technology does well, is connect things.

Websites, booking platforms, apps and using social media all provide the opportunity to engage and connect with customers on a variety of levels to allow an enhanced travel experience. Now that this information for customers is easily accessible (through various mediums), it inevitably means that it’s important for companies to get smarter and adapt to remain competitive.

In summary, developments in technology have led to big changes in the way that customers use it to enhance their full travel experience. Travel companies must constantly evolve to continue providing their end users development with the best customer experience possible.

What can travel and tourism companies do to keep up?

The answer to that is pretty simple – they must make sure they are utilising the latest technologies available to give customers what they need. A starting point would be to ask the following questions:

• Is my website easy to navigate?

• Can my website be used on a mobile device?

• Does my website use stunning images to inspire travellers?

• Once a customer has booked their trip – how do they stay in contact with us and access their information?

• How can they share their experiences with friends/family?

What next?

With many years’ experience in the Travel Technology sector, we at QuadLabs have seen things change and develop first-hand at an incredible speed. Empowering Travel Agents by providing access to affordable Travel Technology and ensuing revenue generation is the motto of QuadLabs. In case you need any help keeping up with the latest technologies, engaging customers and improving the customer experience for your travellers as a whole, please get in touch with us.

QuadLabs is a leading travel technology provider, giving tour operators and travel agencies methods to adapt to these travel trends and increase their business’s potential to get higher return on investment.