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Is technology the secret to determining the victors of the UK’s coronation travel surge?

  • Charles III's Coronation
  • Buckingham Palace

Visit Britain, has reported a 10% increase in flight bookings from the American market throughout May, and a recent study by Trip.com revealed a 70% year-on-year increase in flight bookings to the UK during Coronation week.

Industry specialists in travel technology discuss how travel providers and intermediaries employ cutting-edge technology to ensure they capitalize on the unique tourism boost from Charles III’s Coronation this weekend in London.

Although many Britons plan to use the coronation as an opportunity for a holiday, a recent GuestReady study revealed that the average cost of renting a London vacation property during the King’s Coronation weekend has risen by 67% from £485 in 2022 to £810 this year. These prices are consistent with the widely reported hotel room rate increases of around 60% year-on-year for the same weekend.

Meanwhile, the UK’s tourism board, Visit Britain, has reported a 10% increase in flight bookings from the American market throughout May, and a recent study by Trip.com revealed a 70% year-on-year increase in flight bookings to the UK during Coronation week.

So, which travel companies will emerge as the true winners this weekend? It appears that those utilizing the best technology will triumph.

A significant number of visitors will come from neighboring European countries. Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips, which owns France’s leading OTA, Misterfly, among other B2B travel technology firms, remarks: “We’ve observed a 61% increase in hotel bookings for London in the first 15 days of May compared to the same period in 2022 due to King Charles’ Coronation. This high demand offers French travel agents a unique chance to demonstrate their expertise in personalized services, fostering loyalty for a memorable trip. The appropriate technology plays a crucial role in streamlining the booking process and managing last-minute changes or extra requests.”

Simon Goddard, COO at travel booking technology provider Vibe, whose clients include leading online travel agencies, emphasizes the importance of online sales and marketing in tapping into this tourist influx. He suggests travel agents “create immersive itineraries that include more than just flights and hotels – attractions such as historical tours, fine dining, and innovative cultural events. Committing to the best technology and continuous innovation is crucial to stay ahead.”

Hoteliers who strategize well for the Coronation can not only profit from the event’s immediate impact but also establish lasting relationships with guests for future stays, according to Rikin Wu, CEO & Founder of global hotel bedbank DidaTravel. To attract guests initially, he recommends hoteliers leverage the latest booking technology, like dynamic pricing and personalized promotions, which can yield significant returns during peak periods.

Alex Barros, CMO & CIO of hotel revenue management platform BEONx, concurs that strategic pricing is crucial, as hotels risk losing revenue if prices are too low or deterring potential guests if prices are too high. He advises adjusting pricing in real-time based on demand to strike the right balance and maximize revenue.

Not only travel suppliers such as hotels or airlines, but also intermediaries like travel agents or tour operators will rely on technology to navigate the weeklong festivities. Spencer Hanlon, Head of Travel at B2B payment specialist Nium, notes that modern payment solutions can help manage the strains of peak periods, allowing businesses to handle increased working capital requirements without complications.

Katie Crowe from travel insurance provider battleface highlights the opportunity for the travel insurance sector to benefit from the booking surge by reminding travelers of the need for insurance during short breaks. She encourages travel sellers to use the latest technology to offer tailored insurance products instead of off-putting, high-cost, one-size-fits-all policies.

In conclusion, Carlos Cendra from the travel intelligence platform Mabrian highlights that their data analysis shows the Charles III coronation will positively impact not just the UK’s inbound tourism but also outbound travel, as Britons take advantage of the extended weekend. For instance, between May 1st and 8th, flight searches from the UK to Spain have risen by 20% compared to the previous year and exceeded the volume recorded during the same period in 2019. Additionally, air connectivity to certain Spanish destinations, such as Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona, has increased during that week. In times of heightened tourism activity like this, data intelligence plays a crucial role for all stakeholders in the travel ecosystem, enabling them to not only anticipate but also influence demand by developing targeted, relevant marketing campaigns.

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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