The RCS: A Boon for Tourism
Alexia Moustier
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Introduction
In the tourism industry, travel agencies need to capture their customers’ attention, and there’s no better way to do that than through RCS. With traditional channels becoming saturated, RCS stands out as an essential tool.
Definition of RCS
Known as the successor to SMS, RCS stands out for its advanced features: call-to-action buttons, images, videos, carousels, geolocation, real-time messaging, and the display of the brand’s logo and name—all of which reassure customers of the message’s authenticity.
Why should you incorporate RCS into your travel marketing strategy?
The RCS for Business offers an enhanced customer experience thanks to its features. It allows you to communicate with your customers more easily, engage them through CTAs, and inspire them to travel with the photos and carousels you can integrate.
A channel tailored to every stage of the customer journey
The RCS does more than just prospect for new business. It supports the client every step of the way:
Before the trip: inspiration, quotes, follow-ups
Before booking, an RCS message uses immersive visuals to inspire a desire to travel—a much more effective approach than plain text.
An agency can showcase multiple destinations via an interactive carousel, complete with images, short descriptions, and CTAs. The message becomes a mini-brochure that’s directly accessible within the messaging app, allowing users to explore, learn more, and book easily with just one click.
During the booking process: trip confirmation
Once the reservation is made, the confirmation message is a key point of contact. The customer receives a message containing all the essential information: trip details, dates, participants, and accommodations, as well as action buttons such as “View Summary.” This allows the traveler to easily find their information without having to search through their emails, and it’s a way for the agency to secure the booking and reinforce a professional image.
Before departure: reminders and practical tips
Before they leave, travelers are excited but also have a lot of questions. An RCS message allows you to consolidate all the essential information into a clear, visual format. The result: customers feel at ease, and the agency reduces last-minute inquiries while reinforcing its reputation for efficient service.
During your stay: local recommendations, assistance
During their stay, a travel agency can provide real-time support to its customers by suggesting activities and places to explore, directly through their messaging app. An RCS message can display, in a carousel format, a selection of experiences tailored to the destination and the traveler’s profile: an excursion, a local restaurant, a guided tour, or a must-see landmark. Each suggestion can include an action button such as “Book Now.” The customer discovers new activities and can book with just a few clicks. For the agency, this is a way to promote its offerings, enhance the on-site experience, and stay engaged throughout the trip.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the format to registering the RCS agent.
After the trip: requesting feedback, building customer loyalty, future offers
Customer relationships doesn’t end after the guest returns; in fact, it’s a key moment for building loyalty. The RCS allows you to restart the conversation in a personalized way a few days after the stay.
A message thanking the customer for their trust in our agency will be well received. It can include a simple, visual satisfaction survey that can be accessed in just a few clicks. The customer enjoys a seamless, personalized experience, while the agency builds loyalty, gathers valuable feedback, and lays the groundwork for a future booking.
Create effective RCS campaigns:
Set your goals
Identify your goals. For example:
- Generate more quotes
- Increase sales
- Promote offers
- Build customer loyalty
Target your customer base
To reach as many potential customers as possible, it is important to segment your customer base in order to meet their expectations. For example:
- What kind of trip is the customer looking for: exploration, relaxation, or leisure?
- Duration of the trip: a weekend, a few days, a week, or longer
- Type of destination: mountains, seaside, or other
- Travel History
How to Write an Effective Message
To be effective, an RCS message must be:
- Clair: The customer needs to immediately understand your offer or the information you're providing
- Keep it short: if the message is too long, the customer may not read it
- Customized: images and carousels showcasing various travel offers, with “Book” and “View Offer” call-to-action buttons to make it easy to get in touch or make a reservation
- With special offers: entice your customers with unmissable low-cost trips
Analyze your performance
Test and analyze the performance of your campaigns to see which ones work best. Key performance indicators (KPIs) worth analyzing:
- Open rate
- Click-through rate
- Conversion rates
- KING
Example of a Business Registration Certificate for the Tourism Industry
Follow-up on quote:
My trip
Hey,
Your quote for Brazil is ready. Check it out and finalize your booking now!
👉 View the quote: [link to the quote]
Immersive campaign:
My trip
Hello,
Need a vacation in the sun?
We've got just what you need. Affordable vacations in the sun!☀️
The choice is yours: [links to offers]
Special offer:
My trip
Hello,
Need a vacation?
Check out our special offer: 20% off your trip to Bali 🌴
Don't wait any longer!
Customer Reminder:
My trip
Hey,
Two days until your departure—is your luggage packed?⏳
Be sure to check your documents before you leave.
Have a nice stay!
See trip summary:
Trip tracking:
My trip
Hello,
Did you make it to Singapore okay?🌴
Discover our services and activities near you!
Things to watch out for
Despite its advantages and ease of use, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Comply with GDPR regulations
- Obtain the customer's consent to receive RCS messages
Conclusion
The RCS is a powerful tool for standing out from the competition and boosting results. Thanks to its interactive features, travel agencies can offer a more seamless, personalized, and engaging experience at every stage of the customer journey, from discovery to post-trip follow-up. It helps capture the attention of prospective travelers more effectively and strengthen relationships with them.
Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.