The Top 3 Trends Tour Operators Can Expect in 2017

Posted by Peter Hilliard on March 31st, 2017

The Top 3 Trends Tour Operators Can Expect in 2017

The travel industry is constantly evolving, as technological advances and buying patterns influence the way travellers book and enjoy tour experiences. With the dust having settled on 2016, now’s the time to look forward and see what the New Year has in store.

We’ve identified the three top trends tour operators can expect throughout 2017:

1. Make the Most of In-the-Moment Tour Bookings

The traveller of 2017 is an in-the-moment explorer – relying on their technology to plan their journeys.

According to Google, there are four distinct phases (or moments) travellers go through as they prepare for and enjoy their trips:

  • Make the Most of In-the-Moment Tour BookingsI Want to Get Away: This is when a person starts thinking about their trip. They imagine themselves in their ideal destination, whether that’s relaxing on a beach or experiencing historic streets.
  • Time to Make a Plan: At this point, a traveller becomes more serious. They examine logistics to plan when, where, and how they want to go on their upcoming trip.
  • Let’s Book it: Now a traveller is ready to act on their research and bring their wallet into the equation.
  • Can’t Wait to Explore: The traveller has arrived and is ready to explore. Make sure your tour is exactly the activity they’ve been looking for!

The key is to be there for travellers at each point in the decision-making process, ensuring their experience with your tour is seamless.

How can tour operators capitalize on the opportunities these moments bring? Read our blog to find out!

2. Be Prepared to Handle Mobile Research and Booking

2. Be Prepared to Handle Mobile Research and BookingWith in-the-moment decision making comes the rise of mobile. Over 60% of all travellers will now do their research on mobile, and more than 50% will go on to make bookings using their handheld devices.

Taking the necessary steps to prepare your tour for a mobile-first age will help capture the attention of travellers and make it easy for them to book a spot on your tour.

3. Appeal to the Millennial Traveller

Millennials are rapidly changing the face of travel. They already make up over 20% of the world’s travellers and spend more than $200 billion on travel each year.

As a tour operator, you can attract millennial travellers by:

  • Creating frictionless digital experiences.
  • Speaking with a genuine, authentic voice.
  • Providing ways to personalize the tour experience.
  • Encouraging on-the-go decision making.

Do you want to learn more about appealing to millennial travellers? Click here to read our blog!

Future-Forward Success Starts with the Right Tour Operator Software

At DataTrax, our tour operator software is designed to put you in control of your day-to-day operations:

  • Tour Operator SoftwareCustomize your administrative portal to adjust payment types, products, prices, locations, agents, categories, and more.
  • Accept secure payments from anywhere, at any time, and in a wide range of currencies (including local tenders).
  • Access real-time analytics – sales reports included – to take effective action influenced by on-the-ground realities.
  • Grow your distribution network by easily partnering with vendors like hotels and online travel agents (OTAs).

Staying on top of emerging trends will help your tour maintain a competitive edge, captivate a greater number of travellers, and generate more sales.

At DataTrax, our automated booking solutions are designed by tour operators for tour operators. Contact us today to learn how our products and services will make it easier to run and grow your business! 

Do you want to discover risk-free how DataTrax’s solutions will benefit your business? Click here to start your free demo! 

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Peter Hilliard

About Peter Hilliard

Peter Hilliard is the Founder, President, and CEO of DataTrax. He began his career as a tour bus operator with a single bus, until he realized that a better solution was needed for automating and tracking ticket sales. Led by Peter’s expertise in the tour industry and ticketing automation technologies, DataTrax has grown over the past 20+ years into an international leader in ticketing solutions.