Zoftify predicts a rise in retail travel agencies offering concierge apps for travellers

The travel industry is always in motion, and travel agencies are trying to find new ways to keep up. One general trend is concierge apps, which make planning and going on trips easier and more personal for travellers.

As people want more convenience and customisation, these apps are becoming a must-have for agencies that want to give great service and stand out from the rest. Amsterdam-based travel app developers like Zoftify predict a rise in these apps - and offer a few good reasons why.

Travellers want connection

These days, travellers want to feel connected and social no matter what, even when they're in a new place they've never been before. Concierge apps make this possible by letting travelers easily talk to their travel advisors. With just a few taps, they can ask for suggestions, make reservations, or get help whenever they need it. 

This kind of service not only makes the trip better but also helps travellers trust and like the agency more.

By offering a helpful and caring service through the app, travel agencies can be different from online booking sites and show that they're important partners for any trip.

Technology made accessible

Concierge apps are becoming a more popular choice for retail travel agencies because cutting-edge technology is getting better, more accessible, and easier to use. With so many people using smartphones and lots of travel focused tools available, agencies have many new ways to help their customers. 

It's now easy to link booking systems, destination information, and travel management tools into concierge apps. This makes things simpler for the agency and gives travelers a one-stop shop for everything they need.

Plus, travel technology is getting more and more advanced. Now, concierge apps can have features that were unimaginable just a few years ago. From AR experiences that bring places to life to AI that personalises trip plans, these new ideas are changing how people plan travel and setting higher standards for great service.

AI powered support

Artificial intelligence is a game-changer for travel, and it's making customer support superior when used in concierge apps. By using AI chatbots and virtual assistants, travel agencies can help travelers 24/7, answering questions and solving problems quickly.

These AI tools can do many things, like give information about destinations, update flight details, make reservations, and fix travel issues.

By handling common questions and tasks automatically, AI powered concierge apps let travel advisors focus on more complex and personalized requests, making sure travelers have a smooth and easy experience.

Personalisation matters

Personalization is no longer just a bonus in the travel market — it's a priority. Travelers not just expect, but want trips that are tailored to what they like to do and how they like to travel.

According to McKinsey research, 71% of consumers want personalised interactions - and 76% feel frustrated when they don't receive them. These days, concierge apps are becoming a powerful tool for retail travel agencies to offer this kind of customisation, setting them apart from basic online booking websites.

With the help of traveler profiles and data driven insights, these apps can create custom itineraries, recommend unique locations, or provide insider tips to ensure an excellent match with every traveler's taste.

By suggesting off-the-beaten-path experiences, organising private tours, or arranging special access and backstage passes, any travel agency can create memorable, highly customized journeys with concierge apps. 

Personalisation goes beyond just planning the trip, too. During the trip itself, concierge apps can adapt to changes, giving real-time updates, new arrangements, and on-the-ground support. This ensures that every part of the trip is smoothly customised to what each traveler needs.

Sustainability matters too

Our world is becoming more sensitive to environmental issues, so travelers and travel businesses have to act accordingly. Concierge apps are doing their part - they are using less paper and going completely digital, helping to reduce the huge impact that traveling has on the planet’s environment.

Retail travel agencies can cut down on how much paper they use by putting all the travel documents, itineraries, and destination info right in the concierge app. And this not only helps to become more eco-friendly — it also makes planning trips easier for travellers.

These concierge apps can also support sustainable travel by recommending eco-friendly accommodations, mobility, and activities. It’s hard to break old habits for travellers, but travel agencies have a better chance of doing it by raising awareness and providing easily accessible sustainable options.

This way, concierge apps help travelers to make choices that are great for the environment, and stay on top of trends by matching the growing demand for responsible tourism.