mobile travel, what works and why?
DESCRIPTION
Arnaud Bertrand, CEO HouseTrip is discussed the mobile version of their short-term rental services which exceeds 7000 apartments in Paris, Berlin and London. The web version was launched this year and is quickly becoming Europe’s market leader. On the mobile he sees challenges being roaming costs and search/pictures limitation. Money speaks and we were delighted to hear he completed a VC financing round.TRANSCRIPT
1
Arnaud Bertrand, Founder & CEOTel: (+41) (0) 78 615 52 86Email: [email protected]
Holiday apartments in top cities
2
• Started the project with my wife after graduating from EHL
• Launch of the website in January 2010• Already 7’000 apartments, leader in
Europe• Concentration on holiday apartments in
cities will extend (ex. « lits froids »)• Elected « Best Travel Startup » at World
Travel Market• Backed by a top tier VC
HouseTrip.com
Arnaud & Junjun
3
• Travel is among the best suited industries for mobile– People want info when travelling…– People want to share when travelling…– People want to translate when travelling…– … and they only have their mobile
Mobile travel
4
The most popular travel apps are useful apps
Google Earth
Urbanspoon
Free Translator
Yelp
MapQuest 4 Mobile
KAYAK Flight,
Hotel Search
Free Wi-Fi Finder
OpenTable
MotionX GPS Drive
foursquare
4 “local picks” apps
3 maps/GPS apps
1 hotel apps
1 flight app
1 translation app
1 “find wifi” app
It’s not about hype, it’s about value
5
• Biggest issue is still roaming costs– When pan-European or worldwide mobile schemes will
appear, travel apps that use internet will explode– Same consequence if free Wifi can be found easily
anywhere
• A mobile isn't a smaller version of a website– Good to buy commodities (rent cars, airplanes, book
famous hotel brands, etc.), to buy when you’ve made a decision & get quick info but less good :
• to research travel products• for people early in their decision making process
Issues with using mobile when travelling
6
• We are not on mobile yet.. Boo Boo • Our thought process on mobile:
– First step will be mobile.housetrip.com– Second step: app for owners
• Accept bookings• Update calendar
– Third step: app for guests• Find & locate great apartments
HouseTrip Mobile
7
Thanks for your attention!Questions?
Arnaud BertrandTel: (+41) (0) 78 615 52 86Email: [email protected]