Mobile technology is continually changing how we live, communicate and interact in our day-to-day lives. Another area where it is making an indelible mark is in business travel. Staying connected around the clock even when traveling is key to running successful businesses.
Something that mobile technology has made possible. This coupled with numerous apps and other mobile technology advancements that allow for convenient itinerary and work management among other possibilities throughout the journey has made a revolution in how people are traveling for business. In this article, we look at different ways mobile technology is revolutionizing business travel.
Here are Ways That Mobile Technology is Changing the Face of Business Travel
Online bookings and digital interactions
Mobile technology has taken convenience to the next level, and travel companies are stepping up to ensure that they extend the same to their customers. This has seen a growth in mobile booking and reservation apps from different travel companies. Today, business travelers can book flights and make hotel reservations from the comfort of their offices. Moreover, with internet connectivity, they can compare prices and perks to ensure that they get the best deals depending on their travel needs and budget.
Additionally, when traveling for business, the last thing business travelers want is to waste time thinking of what could go wrong. They want hassle-free travels that allow them to focus on their purpose for travel. Digital interactions at different touch points provide all the information about the travel such as flight delays, flight cancellations, gate changes, and more right into their mobile devices. This way, they can plan and manage their travel accordingly.
E-passes, online check-ins, and cashless payments
The pandemic made people cautious of their health, which slowed down travel in general. With the capabilities of virtual conferences, businesses preferred connecting with stakeholders virtually. Thankfully, mobile technology is making travel safe again, which has seen a boost in business travel.
Most airlines have started encouraging travelers to use e-passes by introducing a fee for printing boarding passes. This paperless technology allows travelers to use an app to get their boarding passes, which they can scan at airport entries and when boarding the plane. Likewise, online check-ins allow travelers to check in to a hotel using their mobile phones. All these coupled with cashless payments reduce physical contact with people, making business travel safe and fast.
Work and expenses management
Work doesn’t stop when on business travel. Thanks to mobile technology advancements such as IoT, AI, cloud computing, AR/VR, and 5G connectivity among others, business travelers can continue carrying out their daily tasks while on the go. They can access necessary applications and information, take notes during meetings and create reports and presentations. Moreover, with SIM-only deals, they can connect with colleagues back home and to their destinations without worrying about phone expenses running over. Additionally, travel expenses management apps facilitate easier scanning of travel expenses receipts and uploading them to the traveler’s expense platform directly.
Overcoming language barriers
The language barrier has been a major hindrance for business travelers for a long time. Thankfully, mobile technology is helping eliminate this obstacle. Business travelers can find apps that allow translation or interpretation of information and conversations from one language to another. This allows for more meaningful conversations in business meetings, as well as making it easy to connect with the locals better.
Getting around a new city
Getting around a foreign city can be daunting, and sometimes frustrating, especially being lost or stuck in traffic when rushing to a business meeting. Thanks to mobile technology, this has been made much easier. Business travelers can find apps for renting a car or hailing a taxi. They can also make use of Google Maps on mobile to find their way around new locations. In addition, there are a variety of mobile apps that allow access to real-time information about a city including petrol stations, speed traps, and traffic jams among other useful insights to help travelers get around a location more easily.
Conclusion
Mobile devices are continually changing many aspects of our lives, business travel included. The advancements in mobile technology have made business travel easier and more convenient. Moreover, travel businesses are becoming innovative to match the demand and expectations. Today, mobile technology has enabled online bookings, contactless payments, and check-ins as well as better work and expenses management. In addition, business travelers can get around a city hassle-free and communicate with people in their own language.
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