Checking in/out via mobile devices tops the list of desired services for smartphone-owning US business travellers

Mobile devices, with their flexibility and convenience, have the potential to streamline a number of facets of business travel, such as bookings, itineraries and expenses. But smartphone-owning US business travellers are also interested in a number of post-check-in hotel services provided via mobile, according to a June 2012 survey of smartphone-owning US business travellers by software provider Smith Micro.

Fully 79% of business travellers said they would avail themselves of check-in and checkout services offered on mobile.

Hotel services that US business travellers would use if made available via mobile devices, June 2012 (% of respondents):
- Checking in & out: 79%
- Special offers and discounts: 75%
- Guest services: 68%
- Business services: 54%
- None: 5%

The research also found sizeable majorities of business travellers who would take advantage of discounts or other deals received via mobile, as well as guest and business services offered on mobile. When it came to services currently used by business travellers, almost all (95%) were using high-speed internet. And half said they were using a hotel's business services. (eMarketer, July 2012)