Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands journey choices

Uber continued to increase its journey choices this week with the announcement of recent options that can enable customers to order a ship on the Greek island of Mykonos or concierge service at companion lodges all over the world.

The information got here as a part of the ride-hailing firm’s third annual Go-GET product rollout. The occasion largely centered on family-oriented options, together with the introduction of adlescent accounts inside a household profile, plus an possibility to order rides with automotive seats.

“There’s nothing higher than connecting with household, no matter which will appear like to you,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated in a promotional video released by the company. “That’s why this yr we’re unveiling a collection of merchandise which can be rooted in connection.”

These connections additionally included group grocery orders on Uber Eats and ride-sharing choices that enable customers to ask others to plug of their addresses to share within the journey – and the associated fee, which will probably be calculated based mostly on every individual’s time on the journey.

However the connections aren’t restricted to close-to-home journeys. The launch of Uber Boat permits customers to order a ship for as much as eight individuals on the island of Mykonos.

“As simple as reserving a journey, you may reserve a ship direct within the Uber app,” Sarita Varouch, Uber normal supervisor for Greece, stated within the video. “Uber Boat offers you the power to plan a day on the water. You’ll be able to even see reservation particulars proper within the app, making it a perfect solution to go to Mykonos and tour across the island.”

Solely Mykonos is included for now within the new program, which the corporate distinguishes from its present Uber Boat by Thames Clippers as a result of the boats on Mykonos are personal charters versus a ferry service.

For the opposite new function, Uber Central, the corporate has teamed up with choose Marriott properties all over the world in order that resort concierges can prepare rides for his or her friends, whether or not or not it’s to and from the airport or touring round city.

“Inform them the place and while you wish to go, they usually’ll maintain the remaining,” stated Li Qiao, Uber for Enterprise product supervisor. “As soon as your journey is booked, you’ll be capable to comply with it alongside in your app on the way in which to your vacation spot.”

Uber’s expansion into more travel options follows a first quarter earnings report through which the corporate introduced $8.8 billion in income, up 29% from the identical quarter final yr, and $31.4 billion in gross bookings, a 19% enhance yr over yr.

Earlier this month, Uber introduced the addition of flight booking functionality to its app in the UK powered by Hopper.