I don’t know about you, but I’m attached to my Blackberry device.  OK, I’ll fess up; I have two of them. Mobile technology fascinates me and now that the new iPhone has a sideways keyboard (making the keys larger) I’ll likely give in and get one of those too. (NOTE; I’ve already shared how much I love the Peek -email and texting only device-and how especially useful it is for those folks who want a very simple, easy-to-use, very cost effective device.  See the special 50% off offer for Tripologists only at www.tripology.com/peek)

With this love of everything mobile, I was reading a new report by Eyefortravel Research about mobile technology in travel and thinking about how this affects our customers and wondering if mobile is really going to be a big deal for travel agents. I am sure you are all aware of ‘iPhone fever’ and some of the crazy and seemingly useless applications that you can buy from the app store includes titles like “iBeer” but the report really does make the case that mobile is about more than iPhone.

More so, mobile technology is starting to make quite an impact, not only in the USA, but worldwide. As a travel agent that prides yourself on creating awesome lasting relationships with individual customers well, it’s good to think about mobile along similar lines; it is a completely personal, always on, one-to-one communication tool that most people see as being an essential and irreplaceable part of their lives. You know, it is not all anecdotal either, the stats prove the point. Mobile is here in a big way and it is here to stay. The US market in particular has experienced nothing short of phenomenal growth; a 62% increase in those accessing information & services through their mobile browser in 2008! The Apple app store has already reached the milestone of over a billion downloads since it launched not much more than a year ago!

Travel companies are still making mistakes on mobile and there are clearly obstacles but the report rightly points out that now is the time to start experimenting and engaging. Mobile should be seen as just another weapon in the personalised service arsenal of the best travel agents.

EyeforTravel Research has provided this report free of charge and it is available for all those curious about mobile in travel. So get on over and sign up free to their research community and download a copy: Register Here! I hope you find this information useful.

Happy selling, 

John