How using and investing in technology could help future-proof your business

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism’s webinar entitled Crisis Management, Technology, the Future Trends and In Between, which went live on video conference platform Zoom on 30 March, focused on how the travel industry can implement new technology or upgrade existing platforms to elevate the customer experience.

Kicking off proceedings was tourism-resilience advisor Eran Ketter, who said travel companies must invest in their digital presence during the Covid-19 crisis.

“During self-isolation, people are spending longer online. Facebook and Instagram are seeing huge increase[s] in traffic,” he said. “Tourism businesses are also experiencing growth in organic [traffic].

“Now people are stuck at home… we [the travel industry] must expect an increase in digital engagement. Covid-19 is an opportunity to step back and upgrade online services.”

Ketter suggested travel brands should make use of social media channels to convert online visitors into clients.

“I would recommend looking at short video sharing service TikTok to connect with audiences. It is now the only app with more downloads than Zoom,” he explained.

He added: “Podcasts can also be an effective marketing tool, especially if you work with influencers, while YouTube remains a great way to promote your brand.”

While older clients might not be as likely to use platforms such as TikTok, they can help appeal to younger generations. And it’s this younger demographic that’s more likely to start travelling first once the pandemic is over, according to Iata, said Ketter.

“Iata is predicting that in the fourth quarter of 2020, aviation will only be disrupted 20% compared to the same period in 2019, which is quite positive. They expect the first clients to board flights will be millennials and generation Z, before baby boomers.”