Find Out What the Future Has in Store for Travel Loyalty (and the 3 Things You Can Do to Make the Most of It)

Posted by Peter Hilliard on January 26th, 2018

Find Out What the Future Has in Store for Travel Loyalty (and the 3 Things You Can Do to Make the Most of It)

It’s no secret that the travel industry is a competitive one. With a wide variety of providers vying for the attention of adventure-hungry travellers, you want to make sure your tour or activity is the one that captures it.

But once you have that coveted customer, what can you do to keep them? After all, attracting new customers can be expensive (anywhere from five to 25 times more compared to retaining existing ones).

One tool tour operators have at their disposal: loyalty programs.

We’ve put together this piece to explore what the future of travel loyalty might look like and what you can do to make the most of it:

1.      Create Dynamic, Engaging Online and Mobile Experiences

Mobile phoneIn 2017, about 70 billion purchases will happen online. Although retail and foodservice-related transactions are expected to take the top spots, digital travel spending is also growing at rapid rates. Mobile transactions alone have jumped 10% over the past five years—going from 2% of total sales in 2012 to 12% in 2017.

2.      Take Advantage of Emerging Technologies

Travel TicketsThe technological world around us moves fast and is constantly being transformed by things like:

These types of new technologies have the potential to re-shape the customer purchase and loyalty journeys, which is why we need to be ready to embrace them.

3.      Get Creative!

Instant photosWhether it’s a little treat or a grand gesture, the fact is that people like being rewarded:

  • Make It Shareable: If you’re looking for a promo idea, consider one that encourages travelers to spread the fun. Consider a “Get a Deal, Give a Deal” theme that lets customers save on their tour and pass the discount on to a friend or family member of their choice.
  • Make It Memorable: Do you want more people to see what your activity is really like? A photo, video, or experience of the month contest that encourages past travelers to share their favourite moment might be for you.
  • Make It Impactful: Is sustainability a key component of your company’s business model? For every select number of people who come on your tour (you choose the number that makes the most sense for you), commit to planting a tree in their honour.
  • Make it Delectable: If there’s a local dish you think travelers simply have to try, make a taste test a part of your tour and give them a coupon to use at the restaurant that does it best.

Whatever you technologies, tools, or programs you choose to use, remember to make sure they remain true to the heart of your activity. Staying on top of trends and taking steps to keep travelers coming back will help you maintain your edge and grow your business.

At DataTrax, our automated booking solutions are designed by tour operators for tour operators. Contact us today to learn how our products and services will make it easier to run and grow your business! 

Do you want to discover risk-free how DataTrax’s solutions will benefit your business? Click here to start your free demo! 

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Peter Hilliard

About Peter Hilliard

Peter Hilliard is the Founder, President, and CEO of DataTrax. He began his career as a tour bus operator with a single bus, until he realized that a better solution was needed for automating and tracking ticket sales. Led by Peter’s expertise in the tour industry and ticketing automation technologies, DataTrax has grown over the past 20+ years into an international leader in ticketing solutions.