roomsXML have just released a new mobile app for travel agents connects them to their customers for longer and gives them a presence in the mobile space.

“Trip in a Pocket”, a new mobile app  from roomsXML, is an easy to use itinerary management tool for travel agents.  It is available for their customers’ (pax) use as a mobile application.

With “Trip in a Pocket”, agents are able to add/update flight details, accommodation vouchers, restaurant information, transfer details,  itineraries, and share these with their traveling customers under their own brand.

Rather than developing their own app, travel agents can utilise the app for a small monthly fee that places no limit on the number of pax they service.

Mark Luckey, MD of roomsXML Asia Pacific comments “Last year we gave social media presentations for travel agents….during our research, we identified that in Australia, we are second only to Singapore in usage of smart phones, more and more travellers depends on their mobile device and that travel agents effectively have zero presence in the mobile space.”

The number of apps in the travel industry has grown exponentially to meet travellers demand. Hotels, airlines and the major B2C companies have all targeted their customers in the mobile domain.  Given that apps cost tens of thousands to create, it’s not surprising that most travel agents have been excluded and are losing business as a result.

How it Works

Travel agents register with Trip in a Pocket, create itineraries for their customers, upload PDF copies of travel documents and then invite their pax to download the app.  It puts an electronic copy of all of the paxs’ important travel documents in their pocket, courtesy of the travel agency.

“A key aspect of our design was that this app had to promote the travel agency, not “Trip in a Pocket”. Every part of communication has to come from the travel agent, not us” says Luckey.

The invite email comes from the travel agent and contains their logo; when the pax fires up the app, it’s branded as the travel agency’s own product.   Every time the pax checks for a hotel voucher, a transfer voucher or flight time, they are reminded of the agent providing the service.

Trip in a Pocket delivers the agency brand to the pax whilst they are away from home; a powerful and focussed connection , the ultimate in targeted advertising.  It opens up new opportunities for agents to provide service to their customers.

Trip in a Pocket is available on a per month service to agents who can invite an unlimited number of pax.  The app (for Android and Apple) is free for the pax to download.