RANKING 29 potential mobile applications, business travellers in the UAE accord the highest importance to on-the-go access to airport services such as locating lost luggage, receiving vouchers on delays, itinerary management as well the ability to make changes to a hotel booking, revealed a study conducted by Amadeus, a leading technology partner to the global travel and tourism industry.
Titled “Adding value in-destination for the end traveller”, the research aims to better understand the expectations, usage potential and opportunities for mobile content and services when travelling for business. The report is an outcome of interviews with over 1,600 business travellers from various countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with more than 200 individuals interviewed in each market. The complete findings of the research are expected to be released shortly.
The preliminary findings further reveal that while airport and hotel booking services are on the Saudi traveller’s priority list, mobile services related to emergency situations, including receiving notifications for emergencies, scored the highest in terms of business potential.
Antoine Medawar, vice president, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus, said: “Over the years, the profile of the business traveller has changed considerably, owing to the increasing dependence on technology for planning and booking trips. The findings are testimony to the immense potential for growth and innovation in mobile technology in the region.”
The study also finds that the ability to search and book remains a key priority for mobile users in both regions, while payment through mobile applications has gained significant importance, particularly for services such as flights and hotels. Subsequently, more than 40 per cent of business travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia cited credit and debit cards as the preferred means of payment for services.
The study aptly complements last year’s launch of Amadeus Mobile Traveller, the first GDS-powered and fully integrated mobile application designed to support pre-trip, in-trip and post-trip functionalities providing travellers with access to real time travel information including flight, car rental and hotel bookings.
Medawar added: “The launch of Amadeus Mobile Traveller at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) last year was the outcome of a thorough analysis of the needs of our customers, the travellers, and the market. Amadeus’ investment in this study reinforces our commitment to better understanding travellers’ needs and providing them with the best-in-class technology to enhance their travel experience.”
Amadeus continues to innovate as a key technology partner for the travel industry. With regional headquarters in Dubai, Amadeus is currently present in the Mena region through 17 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations (ACOs) servicing 21 countries.