Mobile apps that are useful and add value form an integral part of a brand’s mobile strategy, especially in the travel industry.  Why?  Smartphone users make use of their mobile devices whilst on holiday to research various attractions and activities in a specific area and PhoCusWright predict US travellers will spend $76 million on direct domestic hotel bookings through a mobile device this year.

According to this article on Adweek.com there were more than 150 000 applications available in the Apple App Store in March 2010 and eMarketer.com predicts that by 2013 free and paid-for app downloads will have increased to 16.2 million (see graph below).

eMarketer.com also mentioned that travel app users are mostly interested in apps like mapping and trip-planning apps that will help them on the go.  For instance, WorldMate is a popular mobile app that allows users to schedule flights, check flight status, receive weather updates, convert currency and give directions among others.

What can brands learn from the above?  Stay ahead of the curve and come up with an app that will add value for your target audience.  Before launching the app make sure it is easy to use by testing it on a few users.  Think your brand can do with a mobile application but you don’t know where to start? Don’ worry if you’re not that web savvy, just ask us!