If you are looking for a way to increase your bookings and revenue in 2023, you should consider offering mobile-only rates and promotions. Why? Because mobile users are the fastest growing booking segment in the travel industry, and they are looking for exclusive offers and discounts for their devices.
According to
Statista, the number of smartphone users in the world is expected to reach 6.92 billion by 2023, meaning that
86.11% of the world's population will have a smartphone. This is a huge increase from 2016, when only 3.668 billion users (49.40% of the world's population) had a smartphone.
But it's not just about the number of users, it's also about their behavior. According to
Booking.com, more than half of all bookings are made on a mobile device. And the
Expedia Traveler Insights Report Q1 2023 reveals that "Comparing 2022 and 2019 data from our sites,
the share of traveler bookings on mobile devices - phone and tablet - increased by 15%, led by strong growth in the share of mobile bookings." This shows that mobile users are not only browsing, but also booking their travel on their smartphones.
So how can you take advantage of the mobile trend and attract more guests?
One efficient way is to offer a mobile-exclusive rate, i.e. a special price or discount that is only available to customers who book through a mobile device. You can do this on your own Website or on some OTA's, depending on your distribution strategy.
By offering a mobile exclusive rate, you can:
- Stand out from the competition and increase your visibility on mobile platforms. Mobile rates can improve your mobile ranking on OTAs, which is different from your desktop ranking. And if you appear first with a special promotion, you have a better chance of converting more customers than another property.
- Appeal to price-sensitive and impulsive buyers who are looking for the best deals. Mobile users are more likely to book last-minute or short-term stays, and are more sensitive to discounts and incentives. By offering a mobile exclusive rate, you can capture their attention and motivate them to book with you.
- Build loyalty and repeat business with mobile customers. Mobile users are more likely to use apps and loyalty programs than computer users, and are more likely to return to the same establishment or brand if they have a positive experience. By offering a mobile-exclusive rate, you can reward them for choosing you and encourage them to return.
According to Booking.com, properties that offer a mobile rate experience have:
- 3% more clicks
- 24% more booking attempts
- 22% more bookings from mobile customers
These numbers show that offering a mobile-only rate can have a significant impact on your performance and revenue.
How to increase your mobile bookings with exclusive rates?
A recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global mobile travel booking market is expected to increase by 12.2% during the period 2021 to 2029. To tap into this growing market and increase your revenue, you need to offer mobile-only pricing that will attract and convert your mobile visitors.
Mobile-only pricing is special discounts or promotions that are only available to users who access your website, or online channels, from a mobile device. And so, given their "convenience," mobile-only rates can help you to:
- Increase your direct bookings and reduce your dependence on third-party intermediaries
- Stand out from the competition and increase your visibility on mobile platforms
- Encourage impulse and last minute bookings
- Reward loyal customers and encourage repeat bookings
- Increase your occupancy and revenues
Want to try offering mobile-only pricing with e-GDS?
Through the e-GDS platform you can create mobile-only prices for your direct bookings using
e-GDS Booking Engine, or for your online distribution channels using
e-GDS Channel Manager. Your mobile-only prices will be automatically displayed to your mobile visitors on the selected channels. And you can monitor and adjust your mobile rates at any time from your e-GDS platform.
Don't miss this opportunity to increase your bookings with mobile-only rates.
Contact us today and let us help you grow your business with e-GDS solutions!