Hays Travel has cemented its role as a leader in travel innovation by investing in My Kind of Cruise, a unique booking app. This decisive move underscores its commitment to adapting technology for the evolving travel landscape.
The application, since its inception in 2022, has captured a diverse user base, predominantly among the youth, indicating a positive shift towards modernising cruise bookings. This strategic investment by Hays Travel marks a significant milestone in its effort to integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional travel models.
Investment in Innovation
Hays Travel Group has made a strategic investment in pioneering cruise booking technology. My Kind of Cruise, a novel app, stands at the forefront of transforming cruise bookings, catering to modern users who increasingly rely on technology for their travel arrangements. The app currently serves over 303,000 users, highlighting its significant uptake since its launch in 2022.
More than half of the app’s users consist of Millennials and Gen Z, indicating a shift in how younger travellers engage with cruise travel. With a remarkable repeat booking rate of 46%, the platform demonstrates its resonance with customers, affirming the effectiveness of its user-friendly approach and innovative design.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Two prominent figures from Hays Travel, Jonathon Woodall-Johnston as Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director Ken Campling, are set to join the board of My Kind of Cruise. This move signifies a commitment to supporting the app’s growth and the strategic vision presented by CEO Sefton Monk.
Dame Irene Hays remarked on their decision to invest, stating, “When we first met, we were so impressed by Sefton and his innovative approach – making the decision to invest in his growing business was the obvious next step.” Such endorsements highlight the synergy between traditional travel expertise and modern technological solutions.
App Development and Market Positioning
The vision behind My Kind of Cruise is to fill a gap in the market for an accessible and efficient cruise booking platform. Sefton Monk identified the opportunity during the pandemic, when digital adaptability became essential.
Seeing the gap as an opportunity, Monk initiated the app development in 2020, resulting in a groundbreaking launch two years later. His love for technology and cruising drove the project forward, addressing the needs of a digital-savvy generation.
The app’s focus is on diversifying its offerings to appeal to a wide audience, particularly targeting those new to cruising. The collaboration aims to expand beyond just the UK market, seeking to attract a global clientele.
Market Impact and Growth Potential
Hays Travel’s recent performance further validates its strategic decisions, as evidenced by its dedicated cruise team, Vista, achieving and surpassing booking targets by nearly 50%.
The partnership emboldens My Kind of Cruise to scale up its operations efficiently, using Hays Travel’s expansive experience and industry insights. By joining forces, they aim to revolutionise the cruise industry, making it more accessible to broader demographics.
The combination of strong financial backing and industry knowledge provides My Kind of Cruise with a platform to extend its influence and enhance its technological offerings. This move underpins a concerted effort to innovate within the travel industry.
Expansion and Future Endeavours
My Kind of Cruise is not just looking at financial backing; it’s also aiming for strategic partnerships. CEO Monk intends to leverage Hays Travel’s network to expand the app’s reach.
The integration of traditional travel knowledge and cutting-edge technology is set to redefine how consumers book cruises. The app’s future developments will focus on personalisation and enhanced customer experiences, catering to a diverse clientele.
Strategic Synergies and Board Involvement
The involvement of Hays Travel executives in My Kind of Cruise’s board ensures a strategic alignment of goals and shared visions. This collaboration will drive the app’s evolution, combining technological innovation with travel industry expertise.
Jonathon Woodall-Johnston and Ken Campling are tasked with guiding the app through its scaling phases, ensuring it meets market demands efficiently.
Their presence on the board facilitates direct influence over the app’s strategic plans, aligning them closely with Hays Travel’s broader objectives, further enriching the company’s growth trajectory.
User Experience and Market Strategy
The app’s market strategy relies heavily on social media and word-of-mouth marketing to attract new users. By tapping into these modern marketing strategies, it reaches a tech-savvy audience eager for streamlined travel solutions.
This partnership between Hays Travel and My Kind of Cruise signifies a transformative phase in cruise booking technology. With the union of travel expertise and technological innovation, the future for cruise enthusiasts looks promising and exciting.
As Hays Travel continues to support My Kind of Cruise, the app is poised to redefine how travellers engage with booking experiences, setting a new standard for the industry.
