How Much Would It Cost to Develop a Travel App?

The world of travel apps is reshaping the global hospitality market. Big players like Airbnb and Expedia are putting their efforts into creating powerful, flexible, and feature-rich travel applications.

If you’re a business leader looking to develop a travel app, you probably dream of achieving the same level of success as these giants. But how do you actually go about building such game-changing solutions?

Well, it starts with brainstorming, careful planning, and a well-planned product development strategy. And of course, you’ll need a budget to turn your app idea into a reality.

However, figuring out the cost is often the first question in every aspiring business leader’s mind.

This guide will give you an in-depth understanding of your travel app development cost based on features, types, and the various stages of development. So, let’s get started on your journey to travel app success!

Statistics About The Travel App Industry

The travel app industry has been on a remarkable growth trajectory in recent years. This surge can be primarily attributed to the widespread use of smartphones and the influence of social media. Nowadays, travelers are increasingly inclined to use mobile apps for booking flights, tours, and hotels. As the industry continues to expand, it’s also becoming more competitive.

Approximately 61% of travelers in the United States prefer booking their trips and travel arrangements through smartphones.
In the coming years, 84% of global airlines are planning to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into their services.
Around 26% of travel app development companies are planning to incorporate chatbots into their applications.
Surprisingly, nearly 21% of global travelers have already embraced travel agent mobile apps, particularly when making payments.

These statistics clearly underline the significance of developing travel applications in the current landscape.

Different Types of Travel Apps

There are plenty of travel apps out there, each serving a unique purpose to help people plan and enjoy their trips. Let’s explore the various types of travel applications available:

Travel Planning App

Travel planning apps are your go-to when you want to organize a trip efficiently. Users can discover travel packages that match their budget, make reservations for flights and accommodations, and ensure a smooth and safe journey. They can also check reviews from other travelers to make informed choices.

Flight Booking App

Flight booking apps are in fierce competition, offering budget-friendly flight tickets. These apps enable users to compare multiple airline booking choices for a cost comparison. The users can also utilize the promo codes and discounts to get more affordable flight tickets.

Accommodation Booking App

These types of applications connect users with property and hotel owners in specific locations. Users can easily compare prices and amenities among different types of accommodations, making it convenient to find the perfect place to stay during their travels.

Navigation App

Navigation apps are essential for travelers trying to navigate unfamiliar cities. They provide the best routes from airports or stations to desired destinations, optimizing for the shortest travel time and avoiding congestion.

Travel Guide App

Travel guide apps are your virtual companions for discovering events, entertainment, cities, and restaurants in your chosen destination. Whether you’re looking for local attractions, dining recommendations, or entertainment options, these apps provide tailored results based on your preferences, ensuring you make the most of your journey.

Essential Features Every Travel App Must Have

To stand out from the wave of travel applications, you have to include essential features in your app.

Secure registration & login: The first step for users to access your app is registering securely. Prioritize user data protection and privacy during the registration process.
Advance search filter: Implement advanced search filters that empower users to find perfect hotels, flights, or other travel-related options with ease.
Booking system: A booking system is the cornerstone of any travel app. It’s not only convenient for users but also serves as a primary revenue source, especially for flight booking and hotel booking apps.
Travel alerts and notifications: Send push notifications for flight delays, gate changes, coupons & discounts, and other important travel updates.
Payment gateway integration: Push notifications are now a standard feature for mobile applications, including travel apps. Use them to keep users informed about booking updates, flight alerts, offers & discounts, and personalized recommendations.
Social sharing: Allow users to share their travel plans, photos, and experiences on social media directly from the app.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop A Travel App?

As the demand for travel-related apps continues to soar, many travel and tourism businesses are eager to jump on board and create their own travel booking applications.

And, the first question that often arises is, “How much does it going to cost me to build a travel app?”

Well, on average, the cost of developing a travel app typically falls within the range of $10,000 to $50,000 or more. However, this estimate can vary widely depending on several factors including the type of app you’re planning to develop, its level of complexity, and the location of the company you choose.

For a more precise estimate tailored to your specific project, it’s highly advisable to consult with a travel app development company. They have the expertise to provide you with a closer insight into the development costs based on your project’s requirements.

Factors That Affecting Travel App Development Cost

The cost of building an app can vary significantly, and it depends on several factors.

What features do you want to include in the app
Do you want to build a native or cross-platform app
The app development model you choose
App platforms (Android, iOS, or both)
Technology stack (Kotlin for Android & Swift for iOS)
The location of an app development company

How to Make Money From Travel Booking App?

Wondering how to turn your travel booking app into a profitable venture? There are 3 main monetization models often employed by top mobile app development companies in the industry. Let’s delve into the details of how travel applications generate revenue:

Merchant Model

This model, exemplified by Expedia, operates by purchasing hotel rooms in bulk at discounted rates and then selling them to customers at competitive prices. This approach can also extend to car rentals, airfares, etc.

Commission Fees

Under the commission fees model, you can charge a commission from hotels or travel planners for listing their services on your app. With this model, you earn a portion of each booking made through your platform.

Advertisement Model

Another effective way to monetize your travel app is through advertisements. This model is particularly beneficial for smaller online travel agencies (OTAs). You can charge airlines and hotels for advertising within your app, typically using a cost-per-click payment structure.

To sum up

In summary, the travel industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and building a mobile app it’s a smart move for any travel business. To make a sound investment, you should have a clear vision of your objectives and the desired functionalities of your future app. If you’re in the travel business, developing your own application can boost your business’s conversion rates and provide opportunities.