Viajala launched a new tool to facilitate Travel planning with the help of artificial intelligence, allowing travelers to recognize a good offer, said REPORTUR.coJosian Chevallier, VP of Sales. He explained the behavior of fares to San Andrés, revealed the best time to buy at low prices, and indicated that although Avianca and Latam are leaders in the Colombian market, there must be greater competition with low-cost airlines that reduce ticket fares, among other issues.
REPORTUR.co: What is the objective of the new tool for end customers and airlines?
JOSIAN CHEVALLIER: The aim of the new tool is to help users recognise a good deal. If travellers are more knowledgeable and know the average price of a route, it will be easier for them to recognise when they find a really cheap Flight.
A.: Do you think that what San Andrés lacks is demand and not connectivity?
JC: San Andrés was a destination that frequently saw price increases, which also became more expensive due to the tourist card fee. In 2024, compared to the previous year, 2023, San Andrés had 22% fewer searches for Flights in Colombia, according to our data at Viajala. During holiday periods, the difference is even more significant: San Andrés used to be one of the most popular destinations for parties and holidays, but it had 47% fewer searches for Easter dates in 2024 than in 2023.
The average price has actually finally gone down again. The average price for round-trip Flights is 3.5% lower in 2024 ($574,903) than in 2023 ($596,000). The Colombian cities where Flights to San Andrés became cheaper in 2024 are Ibagué (round-trip Flight to San Andrés is 54% cheaper this year and searches are up 194%) and Santa Marta (round-trip Flight to San Andrés is 52% cheaper this year and searches are up 18%). Which shows that price decreases are often directly related to the increase in popularity of a destination. (San Andrés: Avianca and Latam will operate in a renovated terminal.)
A.: How will the new tool help you find Flights with the lowest fares at the last minute?
J. C: Last-minute tickets will not be cheaper in almost any context. Very big promotions can happen in case a new airline is launched or with the opening of new routes. But it is very difficult. The tool helps to find the cheapest tickets available in any context, whether in advance or not, but the more in advance the options will be much better.
A.: Compared to your competitors offering the best ticket prices, what sets you apart?
JC: Viajala is a Latin American company with more connections to local suppliers than any other search engine. We have the best inventory in Latin America in each of the markets where we are present. There are 82 Travel sites that are shown in Viajala’s search results. We work with regional airlines such as Clic and Satena in Colombia, and we were the first to work with regional agencies such as Aviatur. Viajala’s product is made by Latin Americans, offering a local experience. The sum of all these connections is what allows us to offer the best experience to the user, and now we do it in a more visual way with this new tool to help in decision making.
A.: How much does the Flight offer from Avianca and Latam lower prices because they are the most in demand? Are good prices achieved?
JC: Avianca and Latam have a very important share in the Colombian market, they are the leaders, but the most important thing to lower prices is to have more competition. When there is more competition, there are more offers and prices tend to go down. The entry of low-cost airlines in Latin markets has favored the reduction of prices and has offered more possibilities for traveling, with more schedules and frequencies. It is part of the game.
A.: When is the best time to get the best prices on tickets?
JC: According to our data, which travelers can consult in the new barometer on Viajala’s website, international tickets are usually cheaper 2 to 3 months before the Travel date and domestic tickets are usually cheaper 1 to 2 months before. But with the new tool, travelers can perform the analysis based on a specific route or a specific destination.
A.: What are the most popular Flights at international and national level?
JC: At the national level, so far in 2024, Bogotá, Santa Marta, Medellín, Cartagena and Cali. At the international level, Madrid, Panama City, Cancún, Barcelona and Punta Cana.
