A customer’s journey with your business doesn’t end at buying the ticket. It begins there and goes on to them enjoying the experience; it goes on to them associating the experience with your business.
Why is this important you ask?
With a shift in trends, the focus on travel and the desire to explore unexplored lands is the ‘new in thing’. From a business point of view, customer experience is crucial in ensuring retention and positive word of mouth advertising. Whether it’s addressing pre-trip inquiries, resolving issues during the journey, or providing personalized recommendations, responsive customer support teams play a vital role in enhancing the overall travel experience.
A recent report by OneClick tells us that 38.2% of consumers who have a bad customer service experience choose to leave the business. Additionally, 19.7% choose to switch brands, while the remaining 42% decide against future business with the same company.
Having established that retention is a key component that drives profit for businesses, it is important for businesses to ensure that customers are able to breeze through planning and living the journey.
From booking flights to navigating destinations, the travel industry relies heavily on robust customer support systems to ensure smooth experiences for every globetrotter. Let’s delve into why customer experience and support in travel is not just important but indispensable.
1 . Building Trust and Confidence
In an industry where uncertainty can often overshadow excitement, reliable customer support serves as a pillar of trust for travelers. Whether it’s answering pre-trip inquiries or providing assistance during unforeseen circumstances, responsive support teams instill confidence and peace of mind to customers. To achieve this, travel businesses should prioritize transparency, reliability, and responsiveness in their interactions with customers.
For example, airlines can build trust among its users by implementing a robust review system, like Insights, where customers can rate their experiences, fostering transparency and accountability. Additionally, investing in proactive support such as notifying the customers about delays due to weather or change in itinerary can help them prepare themselves and avoid the element of shock.
“77% of customers have a more favorable view of brands that ask for and accept customer feedback”
Microsoft
2. Handling Emergencies and Unexpected Situations
Travel is not without its share of surprises, from flight delays and cancellations to lost luggage and medical emergencies. In such challenging times, prompt and compassionate customer support becomes a lifeline for travelers, offering assistance, guidance, and reassurance when they need it most. How travel businesses handle these emergencies can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.
An ideal scenario of handling such situations will be airlines investing in proactive measures such as weather monitoring and flexible rebooking policies to minimize the impact of disruptions on travelers.
“68% of customers have a more favorable view of brands that offer or contact them with proactive customer service notifications.”
Microsoft
3. Personalizing the Travel Experience
In today’s hyper-connected world, travelers seek personalized experiences that resonate with their unique preferences and interests. Customer support in travel plays a pivotal role in curating tailored experiences, whether it’s recommending services, arranging special accommodations, or providing insider tips from local experts.
According to a study by Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations.
Travel businesses can leverage data analytics and AI-driven technologies to personalize the travel experience for their customers. For instance, airlines can use loyalty programs to collect data on traveler preferences and behavior, allowing the airlines to offer personalized recommendations and perks to its members.
4. Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Exceptional customer support goes beyond resolving issues; it leaves a lasting impression on travelers, turning ordinary trips into unforgettable experiences. By delivering proactive, empathetic, and personalized support, travel brands can not only satisfy customers but also earn their loyalty and advocacy, paving the way for repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
For example, in a scenario where a traveler’s flight was canceled, the travel agency’s support team provides proactive and personalized assistance, upgrading the seat and salvaging the vacation. The exceptional service will not only secure the traveler’s loyalty but also generate positive word-of-mouth, attracting new customers.
“96% of respondents say customer service is important in their choice of loyalty to a brand.”
Microsoft
Conclusion:
It goes without saying that a happy customer is your biggest asset. In the travel industry, where experiences are paramount, an exceptional customer experience is the key to unlocking their satisfaction and loyalty. Each conversation with your customer support team counts. Each conversation is a potential to build a repeat customer and an advocate for your brand. Is your support team equipped with the right tools to tackle their expectations and queries?
