Liverpool-based travel tech company digitaltravel.io has successfully developed a new app for Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent.
After a competitive selection process, Hays Travel commissioned the Liverpool firm to create an app that enables customers to store and access their travel documents, make quick and secure payments to settle balances, and add holiday extras such as airport parking and car rentals. The app also features a travel countdown, games, and a badge-earning system.
During the trial phase, employees from Hays Travel's retail branches and its Sunderland headquarters tested the app, providing the digitaltravel.io team with valuable feedback on their user experience. Following this, a successful customer trial was conducted, allowing the app to be rolled out across Hays Travel’s retail network.
Staff encouraged customers to download the app and share their experiences, leading to its official launch in October.
Peter Whittle, CEO of digitaltravel.io, stated, “The custom app we’ve developed for Hays Travel will enhance the customer experience and strengthen Hays’ brand loyalty and reputation. This all-in-one app focuses on customer engagement and post-booking services, simplifying holiday planning from trip booking to staying connected on the go.”
With 20 years of experience in travel technology, Whittle co-founded digitaltravel.io in 2021. In just three years, the company has built an international client base across the EU, Americas, and APAC regions, achieving a remarkable 98% client retention rate. In August, it was reported that the company’s annual sales had reached £1 million.
Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, expressed her enthusiasm for the app’s launch, saying, “We are thrilled to reach this milestone in our tech transformation program. Our app’s interactive features will enhance the customer experience, whether they are researching their next holiday or managing their bookings, complementing the exceptional service our agents provide in branches.”