One of the great technology adoptions in travel is the smartphone. Their portable and connected nature combined with extended functionality beyond communications has made mobile devices the must-have, go-to travel accessory over the last decade. A 2022 survey by passport-photo.online suggested that 71% of American travelers check their smartphones 2-5 times per hour while on vacation. As of June 2024, it is estimated that there are 7.21 billion smartphones in operation worldwide and with US travelers looking at their phones 160 times a day, travel business could be missing opportunities to engage their guests. The huge demand for being connected and technological conveniences provided by mobile devices are driving travel providers to improve their own mobile applications in an effort to elevate their customer’s experiences and increase revenue opportunities.

Princess Hotels & Resorts Mobile Companion

To capitalize on the increasing usage of smartphones during trips, travel providers are revamping their mobile offerings and Princess Hotels & Resorts has recently overhauled their mobile app to offer a more user friendly experience and additional functionality. Users of the app can research the brand’s properties and make reservations at any of their properties located throughout Spain and The Caribbean. The highlight of the Princess’s Mobile Companion is the interactive resort map that travelers can use to navigate the property with detail. Guests can also view real time activities schedules and availability of amenities. The Mobile Companion also offers viewable restaurant menus and in-app reservations for an elevated dining experience.

RIU Refreshes Website and Mobile App

Up and coming hotel brand RIU has revamped their website and mobile app platform to offer better and more dynamic user experiences with both technologies. Using atomic design methodology, RIU’s website elevates the user’s experience with an impactful and easy to navigate design. Sharper and more detailed images are used to invoke emotional responses in site visitors. The website offers a complete travel planning portal and extended resources for research and trip planning. RIU’s mobile app reflects the website’s dynamic experience and guests can manage stays, book travel and receive promotional offers directly in the app. As the majority of travelers prefer booking and researching travel online and mobile app usage continues to ramp up before, during and after trips, RIU’s redesign of its online presence is sure to elevate the user experience.

Delta Concierge Brings AI to its Passengers

Delta will soon be rolling out its new Delta Concierge function within its Fly Delta mobile app. The generative AI technology is set to provide extended functionality and more engagement with users of Delta’s app. Delta Concierge will be optimized to anticipate passenger needs ahead of time as well as offer personalized recommendations based on past preferences. As more travelers rely on their mobile devices during trips, Delta’s new AI technology is aimed to elevate the user’s experience with the app and provide conveniences that simplify travel. Future functionality of Delta Concierge will include the ability to execute certain tasks on the passenger’s behalf and seamless travel solutions with outside partners, such as Uber of aviation rideshare platform Joby.

Innovations Drive Travel Consumer Experiences

Travel volumes have surpassed pre-pandemic levels and mobile device usage during travel is ramping up alongside. Increasing demand for connectivity and conveniences have presented unique opportunities for travel providers to engage their customers and generate more opportunities. Travel brands of all sizes are revamping and improving their mobile app experiences with the aim of elevating guest experiences and increasing revenue. By innovating apps and streamlining processes, travel consumers could potentially make larger and faster purchases while creating those in-demand conveniences that elevate experiences. Creating better experiences for travel consumers through mobile apps will help travel businesses capitalize on the ever increasing use of smartphones, before, during and after the trip.