On December 24, 2023, Japan Airport Building Co. announced the integration of WOVN.app, a multilingual solution, within the official Haneda Airport app, "HANEDA Navigator." This initiative aims to build environments where users can access information in their native languages, enhancing the overall airport experience for international travelers.
The app will initially support several languages, including English, Korean, and both simplified and traditional Chinese. Designed to consolidate various airport services and information centrally, this digital platform is intended to strengthen marketing efforts as Haneda Airport prepares for increased international use.
According to Wovn Technologies, the organization behind the app, "WOVN.app currently supports 45 languages (79 regional languages) and aims to support ten languages, facilitating future expansions of language availability for Japan Airport Building." This wide-ranging language support is particularly beneficial to meet the needs of diverse travelers visiting the airport—from business professionals to tourists.
One of the standout features of WOVN.app is its ability to automatically detect untranslated content and rapidly provide multilingual versions of dynamic content. "This solution’s automatic detection and translation of untranslated content allows for rapid multilingual deployment of dynamic content, effectively reducing operational burdens," stated Wovn Technologies. Such capabilities promise to streamline communication, making it easier for passengers to access timely and relevant information.
Wovn Technologies has also successfully implemented its multilingual web solution, WOVN.io, across Haneda Airport's official website and duty-free booking site. These solutions are currently utilized on over 18,000 sites targeting inbound travelers. With the growth of foreign travelers expected, the demand for personalized marketing strategies has become increasingly apparent. The shift from generic advertising approaches to more refined one-to-one marketing strategies is seen as urgent and necessary to cater to the personalized needs of international travelers.
The update follows recent trends indicating substantial recovery in inbound travel, which had declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports show foreign travelers accounted for over 57% of all departures from Haneda Airport between April and September 2024. This surge demonstrates the growing impact of international consumers on airport spending, highlighting the need for extensive support systems and services to cater to their preferences.
To maximize the potential of this new wave of inbound consumer spending, Japan Airport Building recognizes the importance of deepening its marketing strategies to resonate with both Japanese and international visitors. This includes not just translating existing content but creating marketing experiences and information delivery systems based on users' individual needs and preferences.
With such significant enhancements being made, Haneda Airport is positioning itself not just as a transportation hub but as a welcoming and accessible gateway for travelers from around the globe. The technology provided by Wovn Technologies is helping to lay the groundwork for smoother and more informative travel experiences, which is expected to lead to greater satisfaction among passengers.
Looking forward, these technological advancements embody the spirit of modernization inherent to Haneda Airport's mission. By prioritizing accessibility and communication, the airport aims to maximize its global appeal as international travel continues to rebound.
Overall, these developments signify Haneda's commitment to enhancing the traveler experience through innovative technology. By adapting and catering to the varied linguistic and informational needs of its users, Haneda Airport sets itself apart as a leader among international airports, reflecting both ambition and adaptability in the face of changing travel dynamics.