It’s a question we at KarryOn ask ourselves everyday – what do travel agents really want? What information do they need? What can help them sell more?
The team over at Sabre must have been on the same wave length, because they just completed a survey to answer the exact same questions.
And the overall answer is – more mobility.
The study on over 100 of agents across the region found 90 percent of consultants say technology is ‘very important’ to the success of their business.
But more importantly, technology that offers them flexibility to work anywhere was labelled the most critical factor.
According to Sabre, travel agents want work mobility.
According to data, almost two thirds of the respondents said they need to access their computer files and data at least once a day.
But only a third said they have a cloud based solution that allows them to meet this need.
The main reason cited for this lack of access was shortage of knowledge on how to go about setting up a ‘cloud based’ solution.
Sabre Pacific MD, Jeremy van de Klundert said the way agents work is changing based on the evolving needs to travellers.
“We are always looking at how our customers will want to work in the future, and the ability to access content anywhere on any device in a virtualised, cloud environment is the next big thing our customers will need to stay ahead of their competitors.”
Jeremy van de Klundert, Sabre Pacific MD
Over the last few months, travel technology companies have released new solutions to meet the growing demand for mobility.
This includes Sabre’s new HTML5 version of Sabre Online.
Now available for travel agents to access on any HTML5 mobile device, they can use the app to approve ticketing ahead of deadline in a single click, and instantly message their travel management companies.
Amadeus also recently revolutionised its booking platform by moving it online.
Consultants can now access all GDS information on the road via the new Amadeus Selling Platform Connect.