Teletext Holidays focuses on video content after TV app launch

Teletext Holidays is looking to expand its video content having launched an app for Samsung Smart TVs last month.

Teletext Holidays is looking to expand its video content after launching an app for Samsung Smart TVs last month – and is even considering 3D.

The company introduced an app for Samsung Smart TVs on July 18, becoming the first travel brand to do so. The app allows viewers to search for holidays, browse destination videos and view holiday recommendations.

Head of TV and mobile product Michael Pollitt said: “We are now looking at an acquisition strategy to add more destinations and replenish the ones we have that might be out of date, or we may do it ourselves.”

The app currently uses Teletext Holidays’ own 200-strong video library.

Future developments could include 3D video and personalised recommendations based on user preferences, Pollitt said.

Pollitt linked the app to wider trends in broadcast media, saying: “We are piggy-backing on big brands such as Love Film and BBC iPlayer that are already doing this.

“We wanted to make it fun and easy to use, so families can relax on the sofa and browse holidays. Essentially, we are bringing holidays back to the TV.”

Customers are not currently able to book through the service, but each offer includes the supplier’s contact details. Teletext Holidays’ sales team is now talking to partners to introduce the service.

The app is also accessible through Samsung Smart Blu-ray players. Last year, half a million Samsung Smart TVs or other devices were purchased and the company expects sales to reach one million this year.