United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
TMCs must become “as indispensable as Facebook”
Friday, 10 May, 2010
0
Travel management companies risk losing travellers to the internet unless they become as indispensable as Facebook in researching travel.
Just 14% of UK-based business travellers use their TMC as an information source prior to booking compared to 54% who use the internet, according to research by global distribution system company Travelport.
However, most business travellers are still using a TMC or a third party to book their travel, the Guild of Travel Management Companies annual overseas conference in Hong Kong heard.
Olaf Gueldner (pictured), Travelport president and managing director Europe & Brazil, said: “Are you in danger of losing your traveller to Facebook? There is a risk of losing the traveller in the process of booking the trip.
“They are using other sources of information before they go to the TMC [and] you are executing something that somebody else has found.”
However, Gueldner said the web should not be viewed by TMCs as a threat, but as an opportunity.
“The internet might come across as a threat but the key is to combine all that information.
“If you let others do it then it will become a threat. But if you incorporate it then I think it will be an opportunity.
“When you have more information than the traveller himself then you become indispensable.”
He added: “The TMCs need to step up their game.”
Gueldner also revealed that half of all travel bookings will be made online by 2012 – compared to where they are now which is “in the teens”.
His words were echoed by Martin Cowley, senior vice president EMEA of GDS rival Sabre, who said: “This is not so much an opportunity as a pre-requisite for TMCs to embrace this.
“It is now time to step up the pace and adapt this new technology as a real competitive advantage.
“You need to step it up a bit more and move beyond the situation where it is optional.”
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel