Tourism and event companies are looking to use today’s mobile technology to their advantage. As a large number of people are traveling with mobile devices, a company who uses this technology may find itself getting ahead of its competition. The fast-changing technology not only helps to speed up many processes in tourism and events, it also contributes to getting things done more efficiently. Furthermore, it is used to connect people, share information and knowledge, and spread travel experiences.
AT&T, the largest American telecommunications company, and Sabre, an American-based international travel technology company, recently announced a joint venture in geolocalization and personalization in travel. They plan to use AT&T’s Location Information Services (LIS)-Hybrid software to develop applications to help streamline the travel experience for travelers and travel companies, namely airports and airlines. This software allows the creation of so-called “geo-fences” which can be defined as “visual perimeter[s] within a geographic area” (Karantzavelou, 2014). Whenever a traveler’s mobile device passes into or out of a geo-fence, mobile applications can alert either the traveler or a company to important information based on his or her location. For events, geo-fencing can be very beneficial as it quickens registration processes, connects attendees and facilitates networking and the sharing of information, and can be used to create “added event intelligence” (Aubespin, 2013).
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The example given in the Travel Daily News article is of a traveler passing through an airport. Based on his or her location given by the GPS, cellular, or Wifi signals of his or her device, various services can be personalized. For example, as he approaches a boutique in the terminal, the traveler can receive notifications of sales or special deals valid in said boutique directly on his smartphone. Or a passenger arriving on one flight could receive pop-up information on her iPad on where to find her connecting flight in reference to where she is currently.
Sabre’s research department, Sabre Labs, is looking to combine their data and research on travel with AT&T’s technology to develop applications that can work on all mobile devices in order to better serve travelers. The two companies hope to finish the first part of their project by this summer.
In today’s increasingly connected world, tourism and event companies are looking for ideas to set them apart from the competition. Additionally, customers are coming to expect more from their travel and event experiences than just the cookie-cutter basics. As more and more companies make use of technology to enhance their products and services in order to provide added value to their customers, it is will not be a question of setting yourself apart, but rather of not getting left behind.
This is an interesting endeavor and a logical starting point, however, to maximize the efficiency of such technology in the travel and event industries, AT&T will have to open up its LIS-Hybrid to use by rival American and international telecommunications companies.
Sources:
Aubespin, D. (2013, October 17). 5 benefits of geofencing at events. ReJuvenate. Retrieved from
Karantzavelou, V. (2014, January 20). AT&T and Sabre to test and develop new mobile services for travel industry companies. Travel Daily News. Retrieved from http://www.traveldailynews.com/news/article/58611/at-amp-t-and-sabre-to-test
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http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Telecommuncations_g177-Handsets_With_Applications_p55509.html
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