Offline a better bet than online

A surge in online and mobile travel sales has been witnessed across the globe. While the majority of mobile travel purchases are stealing share from other online methods such as PCs, offline is still predicted to have higher global value than online in 2020.

Mobile and Online Travel Sales Power 2011-2020

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Bookings through Online and Offline Channels 2015/2020

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Source: WTM Global Trends Report 2016 in association with Euromonitor International
 

  • Increased terrorism threats and other socio-political changes in the world keep causing uncertainty across the globe and impact economic growth and stability.
  • Nonetheless, tourism arrivals are extremely resilient with 2016 predicted to be another record year for inbound trips, with 2015 seeing more than 1.2 billion worldwide.
  • Travel product sales were $2.1 trillion in 2015 and are expected to top $2.5 trillion by 2020, boosted by adoption of new technology and diverse business models.
  • Traditional travel agencies are making the most of advanced technologies to sell holidays, combining advice of professionals with the use of the latest in-store technologies innovation.
  • This blending of the physical with the digital can be referred to as the “physical” approach, and goes beyond the online presence or app.
  • With global online value sales for intermediaries set to overtake offline sales, traditional retailers need to evolve so as not to lose out.

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