An East Yorkshire travel agent has designed a Bluetooth marketing system for Worldchoice members.
Steve Riley, director of Ashley Adams in Driffield, has designed the Worldblue software, which allows agents to send details of special offers or discounts to mobile phones within a 100–yard radius of their shop. Consumers can choose whether to accept the messages,which are free to receive.
Adams has been trialling the system in his agency since November. “I wanted to find a way to attract new business and I have had a positive response from mobile phone users, some of whom I can now call clients. On one weekend I sent out 960 messages and 68% accepted.“
Adams, who is also working on a rail ticket reservation tool, has tried a variety of messages, offering holiday competitions, discounts and special offers.
“This has been designed by an agent for an agent. It’s all about sending the right message to the right person at the right time.”
Worldchoice is now promoting the service centrally and Riley is hoping it will be approved by Triton board members.
Worldchoice director Bill Pickering said: “The technology can be seen as an additional marketing strand, particularly for those agencies in busy high streets where the footfall will be greater. Ideas for Bluetooth marketing include alerting people to a cruise evening, or details of the latest exchange rates.”
Worldblue costs £40 a year including any upgrades and access to exclusive offers from tour operators.