Sygic, the global leader in GPS navigation apps used by 130 million people across the globe, today launched its travel companion platform, Sygic Travel. The new enterprise aims to transform the entire travel experience by offering customers help at every stage of their trip; inspiring, planning, booking and tailoring the entire vacation through just one app.
Described by the BBC as “one of the world’s most successful apps,” the company is now applying its innovative thinking to help travelers at every stage in their journey. Sygic Travel provides the most relevant information and services, to help its customers from the initial holiday inspiration, through take-off, to the final sharing of their holiday memories. Users can research, plan and books their trips, and even process payments directly through the app.
What’s more, Sygic is currently developing a virtual reality tool that lets its customers walk around their chosen holiday destination, familiarizing themselves with the area so they can make better decisions when it comes to booking. Users will soon be able to explore the secluded shores of the Maldives Islands, and dodge motos as they weave their way through the busy streets of Hanoi — all from the comfort of their home.
A 2014 report from Webtrends analytics revealed that travelers typically use 6.5 devices and websites in the initial researching stage alone — with some consumers using up to 38 different websites in total. The proliferation of tools designed to enhance this experience has in fact made it more complex. Sygic is the first to create a one stop shop that caters to every stage in the journey.
Integrations with services such as Parkopedia, Booking.com and Yelp help users find parking spots, book hotels and much more. Sygic will also connect with Facebook to provide explorers with upcoming events so they can get the most out of their vacation. The social feed will let people share and discover new experiences from across the globe, with personal stories, itineraries, pictures and videos.
Existing fans of the app can rest assured — the company’s industry leading voice guided ‘turn-by-turn’ navigation tools, offline maps, online services and even more will still be available. However the company pivot means they will be complemented by more new tools to be added throughout the year, helping travelers to better explore new lands.
“Sygic is enhancing the whole journey, by being there for our customers every step of the way” says Sygic’s founder and CEO Michal Štencl. “Before our GPS apps kept us connected with travelers on the road, now we are extending this to help our customers from the very inception to the last moment of their vacations.”
Sygic Travel is now available for free to download on iOS and Android. Sygic will be adding new features to the travel package throughout the year.