The collapse of Thomas Cook has ruined the breaks of hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers. What does it tell us about customer service in the wider travel industry and how the sector can rebuild trust with consumers? We looked at the latest research and reached 4 key conclusions...
Not only are holidaymakers now booking their travel and accommodation online, but the web has also paved the way for new business models, with more people going direct to hotels and airlines rather than booking complete packages from traditional travel agents. In this digital first world, how are UK travel companies doing in terms of online customer experience?
The internet has transformed the way we buy our holidays and flights, with the majority of people now booking all or part of their travel online. Digital channels have also driven up the level of competition in the sector, putting downward pressure on prices as transparency increases. At the same time with so many options to choose from online, customers are more discerning about where they take..
Since the days of coaching inns, providers of accommodation have had to focus on delivering the right customer experience to their guests. Constant competition and travelers sharing their feedback with those they encountered meant that inns could quickly gain a good reputation – or lose it just as swiftly if standards slipped.Today, the customer experience is even more vital...
The move online has transformed how consumers interact with businesses, and opens up completely new markets to companies. However, as you cannot physically see your customer it can make it more difficult to understand them and their motivations, and consequently provide a personalized customer experience. For example, the degree of formality customers expect in written and verbal communications...
The travel industry has been transformed by the rise of digital channels. Consumers now turn to the web first when researching and booking flights and holidays, using the reach of the internet to create tailor made itineraries, rather than visiting a high street travel agent. Sites such asTripAdvisor, along with social media, have also introduced a powerful way of sharing opinions about the s...
Since online reviews became prevalent, championed by the likes of Amazon, their impact has spread widely across multiple industries. This has been driven by three main factors:The growth of ecommerce means that consumers are increasingly buying goods that they’ve not been able to see in person, meaning that they want assurance as to product quality.It gives buyers the opportunity to benchmar...
Like many industries, the internet has radically changed the airline industry. It has altered the role of travel agents and led to an elimination of analogue, paper-based processes as it has moved to a digital-led model. At the same time competition has increased exponentially, with newer airlines with lower cost-bases further disrupting the sector.Avoiding the social media #failConsequently, the ...
With summer approaching (and another bank holiday imminent), getting away from it all is becoming uppermost in many people’s thoughts. And that means turning to the internet, which has radically changed the structure of the travel industry now that the majority of transactions happen online. Whether it is holidaymakers creating their own tailored trip or consumers comparing holiday companies...
Wearable technology is increasingly blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds. Existing augmented reality apps add extra layers of information, such as descriptions, when you point your smartphone at particular buildings or objects. Wearables take this a step further, removing the need to use a phone or tablet as you can automatically receive information or access services through sma...