- SMS marketing is often forgotten, but perfect for travel businesses where customers demand instant communication.
- Use text messages for notifications before, during and after travel through reminders, confirmations and live updates.
- SMS marketing is also a big thing as text messages are cost effective, personal and are read quicker than an email or online content.
The travel and tourism industry is one of many industries which demand real-time effective communication with their customers. As online marketing channels such as social media and search engines take center stage, traditional channels are slowly being forgotten.
However, sometimes good old text messaging is still the best remedy.
If you're running a travel business, sending SMS messages lets you interact with customers quickly to update them of their travel status and other promotions. This makes it easier for you and them to have a smooth journey.
Mass texting enables fast and cost-effective communication compared to conventional methods such as emails, calls or advertisements. These channels are limited to reach and time. Text messages are read within minutes compared to emails or online content.
Furthermore, choosing the right digital channel reduces tons of paperwork. With a smart SMS gateway, you can organize your database and send messages to customers instantly.
You save time, energy and reduce your carbon footprint in the process by going paperless.
There are many advantages and use cases for businesses that use a mass SMS service as their primary channel of communication.
For travel and tourism businesses, text messages are perfect for two things:
- Notifications
- Marketing
SMS for Notifications and Alerts
SMS is a vital way to send your guest important notifications and alerts.
1. Booking and confirmation
Consumers tend to go online to book tickets. However, this requires an internet connection and the process can be complicated for some.
By using text messages, your customers can book tickets without the need to go online, which is handy for older generations and those who find themselves without WiFi. They will receive SMS receipts upon confirmation of the booking.
This is a great way to stand apart from other competitors and also shorten the booking process.
2. Reminders
Travel companies can remind customers of their flight schedules and also inform them of their check-in points. This is a great way to show that you care about your customers as it offers convenience and can help them from missing their flights.
3. Live travel updates
Your company can send pre-flight information to their customers regarding the temperature, weather, the in-flight meal and also safety tips to help them during their travels. These little personal touches can go a long way with your customers.
4. Instant customer support
In addition to notifications and reminders, you can also execute 2-way communication and answer your customers’ queries instantly. It's perfect for when your customers are already travelling and don't have access to internet. This is something few companies do and it might just give you the edge especially when trying to expand your services.
5. Valuable information
When customers book a ticket for a specific destination, you can send them information regarding great places to visit, the best restaurants and the most affordable hotels in the city.
SMS for Marketing and Promotions
SMS marketing is flourishing worldwide thanks to telecommunication innovations connecting us all. Smart businesses understand the potential of 160 characters in a text message if used appropriately. Tourism and travel agencies have adopted SMS marketing to distinguish themselves from competitors and for some, it is their unique selling proposition.
1. Seasonal marketing
Send limited and exclusive offers to people subscribed to your SMS service through commercials, websites or even posters. Businesses use this to improve sales through tactics such as giving early bird discounts or after flight perks.
2. Off-Season marketing
It is important to keep customers connected. During off-peak periods, you will experience down time but customers may look forward to this time as an opportunity to get cheaper rates.
Most travel destinations are open all year round but there are best times to visit. For instance, travelers travel to the Middle East in the winter as summer months can be too unbearable. Use SMS to offer cheap deals during the summer to boost your sales.
3. Combined Marketing
Many tourism companies offer a complete package that includes the pre-flight and after flight transport, hotel reservation, meals, and tour activities. Travelers find this incredibly useful and convenient, saving them the hassle of doing everything themselves to just have a good time.
It’s been over 26 years since the first SMS was sent. For all these years, consumers have become accustomed to using it for personal communication while businesses have failed to use it to its full potential.
Sure, it isn’t the most visually attractive channel compared to social media and advertisements, but it does the job these channels are meant to at a faster and more effective way. Plus, it’s great for internal communication as well, so you should definitely try it for yourself.
