Liverpool travel tech specialist digitaltravel.io develops bespoke app for national travel agency chain Hays Travel. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool travel tech venture digitaltravel.io has completed the development of a new app for the UK’s largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel.

Following a competitive process, Hays Travel commissioned the Liverpool-based tech company to create an app that would allow their customers to keep and view their travel documents in one place, settle balances with fast and secure payments.

They can also add holiday extras such as airport parking and car rental, as well as view a countdown to travel, access games, and earn badges.

During the app’s trial phase, Hays Travel colleagues in retail branches and at its Sunderland head office put the new app through its paces, giving the digitaltravel.io team valuable feedback on their experience.

This was followed by a successful customer trial phase that involved the app being rolled out across Hays Tavel’s retail divisions.

Branch colleagues encouraged customers to download and use the app and give feedback on their experience using it. The Hays Travel app was officially launched in October.

Chief executive of digitaltravel.io, Peter Whittle, said: “The bespoke app we have developed for Hays Travel will offer customers an even better experience and further grow Hays’ brand loyalty and reputation.

“From travel planning and trip booking to staying connected on the go, this all-in-one app focuses on customer engagement and post booking services to make holiday planning simple.”

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Having spent 20 years in travel technology, Peter co-founded the business in 2021. Within three years digitaltravel.io now boasts an international customer base across the EU, Americas and APAC regions with a 98% client retention rate. In August LBN revealed annual sales had hit £1m.

Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, added: “We are delighted to reach the launch stage of this important output in our tech transformation programme.

“Whether they are researching their next holiday or managing their booking, our app’s interactive features will further improve our customers’ experience and complement the service our agents provide in branches.”