An app that allows you to plan your trip, that has on demand your flight information, car rental booking, hotel information all on hand, in one place.
That’s what travel commerce company Travelport South Africa in conjunction with XL Travel will be bringing to customers. The app, called XLGO, is available for free download on android and apple cellphone platforms that will allow travelers to have all their travel information at their fingertips.
Announced at a media briefing at The Venue in Melrose Arch yesterday, the creators of the app said the process to get the app up and running took almost 6 months of design and testing of the app.
XLGO will work in conjunction with the XL Travel’s group of travel agencies. The individual agents will then be able to work directly with their clients, through the app. They will be able to upload all the data and information for the travels of their client onto the app. This will allow the traveller to be able to access all the relevant information, on the app. It will also feature a messaging tool, Travelport Engage, which will deliver relevant and personalised trip updates and other travel related information enabling operators to communicate with travellers on the move.
According to XL Travel’s Product and Marketing manager Aadil Esack, the app is data and battery life friendly.
“The idea here is not to spam people. The user will be able to register for the first time when they start using the app. Thereafter, the information on the app will be updated as and when it is necessary,” Esack said.
He added that while the app was ready for use and available in app stores already, the team would at a period of six weeks make an updated version of the app available in stores.
“The purpose of these updates will be to ensure that we add new functionalities to ensure that that app works better,” Esack said.
A screenshot of the app. Photo: ProvidedSpeaking at the launch, Marco Ciocchetti, CEO of the XL Travel group emphasized the importance of the travel industry joining the world of mobile devices in making travelling more practical and accessible for travelers.
“The provision of sophisticated mobile services in travel is no longer an option, it has become a necessity. Business and leisure travelers no longer just want mobile technology to transform their travel experience, it is an expectation. With this in mind, the launch of the XLGO app is the first step in our new mobile strategy , with additional mobile features and functionality to be regularly rolled out,” Ciocchetti said.
Robyn Christie, general manager at Travelport South Africa said the group was delighted to be part of this move.
“ We are delighted to launch Trip Assist with the XL Travel Group, a prominent and influential player in the South African travel industry, serving over 160 travel agencies across the region. In an increasingly smartphone-led communications world, we are committed to improving customers’ travel experiences with sophisticated mobile solutions that exploits the expertise and experience of Travelport Digital,” Christie said.