The new product – which has its own website at crisiscomms.co.uk  – allows travel companies to reach customers with essential advice, information and warnings via their mobile devices.

The system is based on the technology behind the company’s TravelComms communications platform, and brings together new modules, services and a simple user interface.

"A business that fails to install confidence and convince customers that it has a plan in place to keep them safe and informed risks brand damage, anxious customers and stressed-out staff who have to deal with the calls for information"

The travel company can quickly define the target audience for any messages by pulling data directly from the booking system and applying appropriate filters, for instance creating a list of those about to travel to or already in destination. Communication channels include email, SMS, social media platforms and in-app messaging.

For instance, a company can send out an initial holding statement by SMS, then update social channels and broadcast further SMS throughout the crisis period on how it is managing and handling the emergency. In addition, the company can send out a branded email to those scheduled to travel to the destination, providing advice and updates on their anticipated travel plans.

D-Flo’s customers include Great Rail Journeys and Riviera Travel.

Colin Brimson, chief executive and co-founder of d-flo, said: “The world is a turbulent place with travellers swept up into geopolitical upheavals, natural disasters and medical emergencies, from this year’s political upheaval in Gambia to avalanches in Austria and France and Mount Etna’s volcanic eruption.

"Above all, the spread of acts of terrorism across continents and countries now tops the list of travellers’ anxieties. People still want to travel but safety and security is increasingly top of mind and impacting on their choice of travel company and destination.

"A business that fails to install confidence and convince customers that it has a plan in place to keep them safe and informed risks brand damage, anxious customers and stressed-out staff who have to deal with the calls for information.

"CrisisComms will fill a gaping hole for crisis communications management. It allows travel companies to take control of the situation and remove potential anxiety, frustration and damage caused by lack of communication. It’s been packaged to be a low-cost and scalable solution that travel companies can adopt and switch on when an unforeseen,
disruptive event occurs.”