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TOWARD to host UK meeting on distribution technology
A meeting is taking place to allow tour operators and technology providers to discuss the problems encountered in electronic distribution.
A US association called Tour Operators and Wholesalers Achieving Real-Time Distribution (TOWARD), which promotes electronic distribution in the travel industry, is hosting the meeting. TOWARD is advocating the creation of a world-wide travel technology body, working alongside organisations such as the Travel Technology Initiative (TTI).
TOWARD European director, Andy Cook (pictured) said: “Travel is a global industry, it needs a global approach to distribution. By expanding into Europe we will be better placed to engineer change in the European travel industry and to influence its move towards fully automated supply chains.”
It claims to have the support of technology companies such as Pegasus Solutions, Anite and Atinera. It has invited operators, agents, hotels, car rental companies, airlines and technology providers to the meeting, and hopes they will be able to discuss problems with achieving improved technology. Mr Cook told TravelMole that the aim is to make the supply chain less labour-intensive.
TOWARD is already established in the US. If the London meeting is deemed a success, a European body will be formed in the New Year. The primary role of the body would be to hold European conferences to address technology issues, with the intention of developing worldwide standards.
The meeting is being held during WTM on 14 November at the London offices of the technology and business consultants, Sapient.
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