Trip planner apps, hotel reservation apps, flight booking apps, and travel review apps are just some of the ways that TravelTech startups have become an influential part of the tourism industry. These apps and websites are a good indicator of how technology has been transforming the global travel marketplace, including travel journal apps as well. Newer developments allow travellers to quickly and efficiently plan affordable, all-inclusive vacations—without having to worry about every tiny detail.
TravelTech in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, specifically, TravelTech is growing to encompass more locations, while providing its users with convenient and easy to plan vacations. The development of TravelTech startups in the region has been possible thanks to increased prosperity and an ecosystem evolving inclusive of, advisors, venture capitalists, accelerator programmes and tech incubators.
In countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, many tech startups have been growing to meet the needs of the rapidly developing travel market. Travelling today is ten times easier than it was twenty years ago, partly because of the availability of different apps and startups, we now have the world at our fingertips! Here are just a few examples of some of the TravelTech startups that are completely transforming the way that people travel in Southeast Asia.
Atta
Have you ever booked a flight or hotel, then checked a few days later to find that the price had dropped significantly? This may have left you at a loss of a few hundred dollars that you could have spent on other parts of your vacation. The TravelTech startup Atta is aiming to prevent this from happening.
An AI-backed TravelTech startup from Singapore, it is steadily growing to appeal to more users in Southeast Asia. Atta’s app offers some of the cheapest accommodation and ticket prices around the world. Their AI prediction technology predicts if and when prices will drop in the future, and notifies customers of the best times to make their travel arrangements. This allows users to plan affordable trips, with the confidence that they won’t experience any buyer’s regret because of unknown price fluctuations.
Traveloka
Traveloka, one of Indonesia’s “unicorn startups”, is an app used for travel, but also for people who are looking for adventures close to home. Whether trying to find a hair salon, planning a great getaway, or looking for a fun weekend activity, Traveloka can help. The difference between it and other companies is that while it helps international travellers, it also places a great emphasis on the needs of Southeast Asians. Other companies treat Asia as a destination for Westerners, but Travelooka appeals to both the nationals and the tourists.
With flight reservations, the ability to find accommodation, restaurants, book rental cars, and even navigate local transportation, Traveloka makes travel much more efficient and is perfect for DIY vacation planning without breaking the bank.
Klook
Klook is another TravelTech startup that prides itself on offering customers a “simple way to discover activities, attractions, and things to do wherever you travel.” Klook’s unique model aims to provide customers with handpicked experiences based on its expert reviews, from low prices (due to worldwide partnerships), and seamless and safe booking accomplished through a simple visit to their website. Klook does its best to connect tourists to their destinations in a way that ensures exposure to all the local treasures, while providing users with enough information to travel with ease.
Many customers have enjoyed Klook’s services because of the way it allows them to create more authentic travel experiences without the fear of contributing to over-tourism. This is possible because Klook benefits both travellers and tourist-heavy countries by connecting potential visitors to the operators who can benefit from their visit, while also helping tourists create meaningful cultural experiences.
What’s next for TravelTech?
Within the last few months, the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in disruption in the travel industry throughout the world, and especially in Asia. People have had to reconsider travel plans, with cancelled flights and cruises, and even talks about cancelling certain international events to keep people safe. At the moment, Southeast Asia’s TravelTech startups are likely to take a hit. However, as fears are alleviated, they will still be able to offer travellers a glimpse into the allure of exploring Asia.
Regardless of the setbacks, the future of TravelTech startups in Southeast Asia has the potential to grow into a transformative industry. In the last year, Indonesia has put a lot of money into travel technology while also creating many viable opportunities to build and support the startup community. With events like Travel Tech Asia taking place this year, the latest technologies and trends amongst leading travel brands will continue to open new possibilities and conveniences for worldwide travellers.