Mobile messaging has seen a remarkable growth, and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. Apart from the widespread use of traditional SMS or text messaging, Internet-based mobile chat apps have become the default means of communication for billions around the world.
Use of mobile messaging rising among travellers. (Image credit: Dragon images/iStock)
Phocuswright in its new report, Chat, Shop, Buy: Messaging as the New Traveler Medium, analyses the use of text and messaging apps among U.S. travellers, and the impact they will have on travel planning, booking and experiencing.
The report revealed there has been a significant increase in the use of mobile messaging among travellers. Younger travellers – millennials aged 18-34, but also 35-44 year olds – are driving the use of mobile messaging.
Apart from mobile messaging services and platforms that enable travellers to share their trip experiences, numerous entrants have emerged within the growing field of trip planning via mobile devices and a chat-based user experience.
In addition, mobile messaging represents an obvious opportunity for travel brands to offer on-demand traveler support. In the hospitality segment, a slew of startups have stepped in to facilitate guest relations via instant messaging.
“Travellers’ use of mobile messaging has risen dramatically, and the impact on travel – from shop and book to experience and share – will only grow,” said Phocuswright’s vice president, research, Douglas Quinby.
“Nearly half of U.S. travellers used text messaging and more than three in 10 used chat apps to share their travel experiences in 2015, up significantly from previous years.”
• Find out more on the impact of text and messaging apps on travel planning, and learn how travel brands can leverage this powerful trend throughout the travel life cycle with Phocuswright’s Chat, Shop, Buy: Messaging as the New Traveler Medium
• Feature image (messaging apps) credit: HStocks/iStock