Steven Ler, president of NATAS
Said president of NATAS Steven Ler, “As we move into the digital economy, it is important for the travel industry to innovate to ensure that it continues to benefit from growth opportunities in the long-term. One of the ways to do so is by collaborating with partners that have the expertise to help our travel agents develop digital competences.”
A three-month acceleration programme jointly introduced by The FinLab, a joint-venture between United Overseas Bank (UOB) and SGInnovate, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), aims to help local travel agencies advance their businesses through a digital transformation programme for businesses.
Through the three-month programme, travel agencies will learn how to identify the areas that hinder growth in their businesses and which can be resolved through technology. They will also be guided on how to apply digital solutions to address their needs, according to a release by The Finlab.
“Despite the shift to using online booking sites among consumers, there is an opportunity for travel agencies to go beyond the usual issuance of e-tickets and vouchers to provide consumers with personalised services. As such, travel agencies need to understand how they can use digital solutions to understand their target audience and to connect with them more effectively,” remarked Felix Tan, managing director of The FinLab.
The four travel agencies selected to participate in the programme are: EU Holidays, Pegasus Travel, Siam Express and Royal Wings.
During the programme, the travel agencies will draw on the expertise, resources and guidance provided by The FinLab and its network. To deepen their digital capabilities, they will also be introduced to solution providers, particularly those in the areas of data analytics and digital marketing, who will help them pilot suitable solutions that address their challenges.
Said president of NATAS Steven Ler, “As we move into the digital economy, it is important for the travel industry to innovate to ensure that it continues to benefit from growth opportunities in the long-term. One of the ways to do so is by collaborating with partners that have the expertise to help our travel agents develop digital competences.”
The digital business transformation programme commenced on June 11, 2018 and will end in August 2018.