Our members are at the forefront of this revolution is Global Travel Tech. Here is how we want to keep contributing to a prosperous and competitive travel and tourism industry, aligning it with the evolving needs and expectations of travelers.
The rise of travel tech: a game changer in consumer choice
The traditional landscape of travel intermediaries has undergone a paradigm shift, giving rise to a new breed of indirect distribution channels – travel tech players. These include metasearch platforms, online travel agencies (OTAs), and travel tech systems, traditionally known as global distribution systems (GDSs).
Online bookings now outweigh offline counterparts. Indirect distribution through technology forms the backbone of the online travel experience, redefining how consumers navigate and access a myriad of travel services.
Travel tech’s innovative efforts: boosting transparency and lowering prices
Travel technology has significantly transformed the travel industry by:
- Providing transparency: Travel tech platforms simplify the search and booking process, delivering comprehensive one-stop shops where consumers can explore and compare diverse offers.
- Increasing trust in online environments: Travel tech plays a crucial role in increasing trust in online bookings, especially vital when planning travel to unfamiliar destinations.
- Driving down prices: By enhancing choices and competition, travel tech systems, OTAs, and metas play a crucial role in driving down prices within the travel industry.
- Helping travelers expand their horizons: Indirect booking channels showcase alternative destinations beyond traditional hotspots, allowing more cost-conscious travelers to experience places that had previously seemed inaccessible.
- Innovating every step of the way: Through substantial investments in R&D, we develop AI-driven tools, and data analytics solutions that facilitate seamless connectivity between travel providers and consumers.
Leveling the playing field: spotlight on rural destinations and small businesses
Travel technology connects suppliers and destinations to a vast international audience, expanding business opportunities for small and independent players as well as less well-known destinations.
Global Travel Tech members support the growth of the tourism industry by enabling smaller players to compete on par with their larger competitors. This inclusivity ensures businesses have an equal footing, empowering them to promote and expand their operations within the industry.
An innovative and data-driven approach to improving the travel ecosystem
Data-sharing initiatives between travel intermediaries and suppliers have ushered in a new era of insights. These shared analytics offer valuable information on the evolution of demand and market trends, empowering suppliers to make informed decisions about their tourism strategies.
Our members are at the forefront of extensive research and development efforts that have reverberated through the entire travel and tourism industry. What’s more, we actively take part in public initiatives focused on SME digital transformation or startup promotion in the travel industry, promoting and rewarding travel startups embracing sustainable solutions.
Maximizing the benefits of indirect distribution channels
For travel tech to fully reach its potential impact and provide even greater benefits to travelers and partners, certain regulatory and business practices need to evolve alongside the evolution of the travel and tourism ecosystem.
Global Travel Tech stands ready to cooperate with all stakeholders in creating regulatory solutions that fit the needs of the modern travel industry. We believe in transparency, competition, sustainability, cooperation, resilience, SME inclusivity, and competitiveness as guiding principles in shaping the future of travel.